Extra's Descent

Before he could overthink it, he found himself nodding.

"Alright…. why not?"n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Lianna's smile widened as she subtly motioned for them to step away from the crowd.

She guided him through the room, her arms linked with his as they navigated through the guests.

No one paid them much notice as they slipped out into the quiet night.

Once they reached her car, a sleek black sedan waiting discreetly at the curb, she opened the door, motioning for him to get in.

The drive was quiet as they sped through the streets.

Brandon leaned back in his seat. He knew what was about to happen, but he kept his heart from racing.

When they arrived at her condominium, Lianna led him through the lobby.

They reached her unit, an elegant, minimalist space with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city below.

She guided him inside, as she flipped the switch, turning the lights on.

Leading him to the living–room, she allowed Brandon to make himself at home as she entered her own room to change.

Shortly after, she emerged from her room, adorning a black string top that hugged her voluptuous figure, paired with shorts that barely reached mid-thigh, leaving her long, sleek legs on full display.

The soft lighting of the room highlighted her features, adding an understated allure to her casual attire.

Not long after, she placed two goblets and a bottle of champagne on the glass table, filling each glass before raising hers in a quiet toast.

"To you," she toasted, offering him a glass. "For a well-deserved night of celebration."

Brandon clinked his glass against hers and smiled.

"To partnerships."

Clink.

They drank in comfortable silence, enjoying each other's company.

Brandon looked out the windows, a slight smile forming on his lips as he calmed his racing mind.

"You know, you've accomplished quite a bit in these past few months. It's not every day you meet someone who rises as quickly as you have."

He chuckled softly, swirling the wine in his glass.

"I couldn't have done it alone. Good company makes all the difference."

"Hehe~"

Lianna chuckled. She was leaning far too close to him, and Brandon could see two soft points poking out of her straptop.

'Ah.'

She wasn't wearing a bra.

A moment later, Lianna's phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen, and her brows furrowed in annoyance.

"Ah…."

Brandon raised an eyebrow

"Everything alright?"

She sighed, rubbing her temple.

"Rose Oriana. She's one of my actresses at VN Entertainment. Apparently, there's an issue with a script change she's refusing to accept, and it's turning into a larger problem with the production."

"Is that so? I've heard of her. An actress who grabbed attention after an incident a while back."

"Yes, that's her."

Lianna replied.

"The entire murder trial with Rian Velante cast a huge spotlight on her. Being a witness in such a high-profile case turned her from a virtually unknown actress into a household name overnight."

Lianna couldn't help but sigh.

"She was all over the news, her face was everywhere, and it made her career take off in ways we hadn't anticipated."

"And that sudden fame…. How's that affecting her now?"

"Initially, it worked to VN Entertainment's advantage. The press coverage was immense, and she had this air of mystery that made the public even more drawn to her. But with all the fame came a bit of…. entitlement."

Brandon raised an eyebrow. He knew exactly as to why it happened. But he didn't need to tell Lianna that.

Why would he?

Rose Oriana was none other than the woman he had saved from Rian Velante's clutches, after all.

"She knows the agency invested heavily in her image and is capitalizing on it. Dismissing her isn't a straightforward option without a huge penalty fee. And her reputation has only solidified her position further."

Brandon leaned back, mulling it over.

"So she's using the fame to leverage control over her roles?"

"Exactly. She's difficult because she knows we're somewhat bound to her now. And that's why I need to handle this in person. She's become unpredictable, and we can't afford delays on this film."

Lianna exhaled.

"I'll be gone for a few minutes. Make yourself comfortable. I'll be back as soon as I can."

Lianna quickly changed into a work–suited outfit and left the apartment suite shortly after.

As she left, Brandon watched the door close and narrowed his eyes.

This brief window was exactly what he needed.

He stared at his phone.

[Rose]

[Do it now.]

He was the one who had pulled Rose's strings behind the scenes.

All for this moment.

He had keenly looked around the room, and there were no signs of cameras anywhere.

He swiftly moved through the room, noting anything of interest.

"Nothing."

There was nothing.

No documents that would trace Lianna as the Archbishop of Lust.

What he needed to find was something that, perhaps, would even trace Lianna's sources all the way to Milis.

However, there was nothing at all.

He slipped into her private room and moved directly to her desktop.

The screen lit up, asking for a password. Without hesitation, he plugged in the flash drive. Almost instantly, a green light flickered on his phone.

[Matthew: Got it. Working on it with Nathan.]

Brandon kept his gaze fixed on the door as he waited.

Tick. Tock— Tick. Tock—

Minutes ticked by, as if it took an eternity as Matthew and Nathan cracked into the system, unlocking the files buried deep within her drive.

Slowly, files began transferring into the flash drive.

He couldn't relax, though. His pulse quickened with each second.

It was then.

Tak. Tak—!

Footsteps.

Brandon's heart stopped.

He could hear the faint sound of heels clicking closer, just outside the door.

He clenched his fist as if it could force the transfer to go faster.

It was painfully slow, each file ticking by like a countdown.

Tak. Tak—!

The footsteps grew louder, each click resonating in his ears.

She was right outside, and if she entered—

[Transfer complete.]

He snatched the flash drive and disconnected it, slipping it back into his pocket as he shut down the monitor.

He moved swiftly, stepping away from the desk and back into the main room just as he heard the key turn in the lock.

Clink—!

Brandon slipped into his original seat just as Lianna entered, a faint look of annoyance on her face.

"Sorry, it's all settled now. When I arrived at the place, the situation seemed to have calmed down."

Brandon managed a casual smile, though his heart was still racing with adrenaline.

"No problem. I was just enjoying the view."

"The mood must've soured. Do you still want a drink?"

Brandon kept his tone light.

"Actually, it's getting really late. I should probably head back."

Lianna's eyes narrowed slightly, a playful smile curving at the corners of her lips.

She stepped a bit closer, her voice dropping to a soft, persuasive tone, as her bosom pressed against his arm.

"Are you sure? It's a long trip back, and I have a guest room that's quite comfortable~ I wouldn't mind the company~"

He chuckled, feigning hesitation as he took a small step back.

"I'd love to accompany you, Miss Lianna. I really do."

He stared directly into her cleavage, and Lianna caught his line of sight, her cheeks flushing red.

"But I just remembered I need to submit a thesis tomorrow."

"Oh…. What a naughty student~"

Lianna clearly emphasized 'naughty,' to try and rile Brandon's excitement. While he could admit he actually was feeling excited, evident by the tightening on his pants, he knew he shouldn't be tempted.

"Apologies, Miss Lianna. Maybe another time?"

Lianna's smile remained, though there was a slight edge of disappointment in her gaze.

"Of course," she said smoothly, giving a small nod. "I'll hold you to that, Brandon."

Brandon gave her a polite smile, adjusting his coat.

"I'll be looking forward to it."

He opened the door, glancing back briefly. Lianna leaned against the doorframe, watching him with a disappointed look on her face.

"Goodnight, Miss Lianna."

"Goodnight, Brandon."

As the door clicked shut behind him, Brandon released a quiet breath as he left the building.

"Haaa…."

His gaze remained forward.

This was it.

The moment that would confirm all of his conjectures.