My Beloved Has Risen from Death's Embrace novel Chapter 257

The sun was scorching, its relentless rays shining directly onto the unprotected faces of the female celebrities, grilling them like a summer barbecue. It was unbearable.

Xanthea squinted painfully against the glare and was about to shield her eyes with her hand, when a sudden bellow from Jonathan, scolding Olivia and Rachel for fidgeting, froze her in place.

As the camera crew moved away, the director, with a sycophantic smile, hurried over to Orion. "Mr. Lockwood, it's blistering hot today, and the sun is brutal. Perhaps Ms. Nightshade could take a break, maybe have some iced watermelon..."

"No need."

Orion's gaze lingered on the visibly uncomfortable girl, his brows furrowing slightly.

She was always so delicate, and yet she had agreed to take part in Adventure Blitz: Two Days, One Night, ready to follow all directions...

"Xanthea."

A deep voice suddenly came from behind her, which startled her. She had just sneaked a small movement, thinking she might get a scolding, but it turned out to be Orion.

"Stand at attention properly, chin up..."

He paused mid-sentence and leaned closer, his voice soft and velvety, audible only to her, "… chest out."

"I am."

"Push it out a bit more. I know you can do better."

Her face turned crimson at his words.

Rascal!

He wasn't here to reprimand her; he was flirting!

And how did he know she wasn't giving her all? They hadn't... well, even a hug from him was telling, obviously!

Embarrassed and lips bitten, her eyes sparkled with fury, yet she couldn’t make a scene in front of the cameras, only hoping he would leave soon.

Instead, he didn't move away but paused beside her.

Xanthea raised an eyebrow, "?"

"Mr. Lockwood, my posture is fine now. Can you leave?"

"No."

Suddenly, he loosened his tie and reached out his hand. Under his intense gaze, Xanthea almost felt like he was about to embrace her, and she instinctively stepped back.

But instead, he gently gathered her long hair.

Under the harsh sun and rolling heat, even without direct sunlight, fine sweat beaded on her face, more so beneath the thick curls.

"Mr. Lockwood, what are you doing?"

"Tying your hair."

"Why? Can't I just stand at attention with my hair down?"

"You can," Orion chuckled, his voice barely audible, "but loose hair might tempt the instructor."

"You..."

Xanthea glared at him. Just when she was about to whisper a threat, she found herself lost in his strikingly handsome features.

He stood before her, his hands weaving through her thick, long curls, clumsily but earnestly tying it back.