-Headlines and Heat

Lex barely had time to take two bites of the toast Rose left on the counter before his phone buzzed—Jason Wilde.

He smirked, wiping his hand with a napkin as he answered.

"It's early, Jason."

Jason's laugh crackled through the speaker. "Not for the tabloids. You might wanna check your notifications, Lex."

Lex's brows knitted faintly. He grabbed his phone, flipping through the news feed.

ROSE RUSSO – The Voice Behind the Charts Caught Entering Latham Brownstone Late at Night.

New It-Girl or New Romance?

The photos were grainy but clear enough. Rose—casual, no makeup, oversized hoodie—walking into the brownstone. The timestamp screamed 1:47 AM.

Lex exhaled through his nose, shaking his head. "They're really reaching for headlines now."

Jason snorted. "Come on. A rising star and Manhattan's most mysterious young power player? It's gossip gold."

Lex leaned against the counter, phone to his ear, gaze flicking toward the hallway. Rose was still in the kitchen.

"She's gonna love this," Lex muttered sarcastically.

Jason laughed harder. "Oh, she'll roll with it. But here's the kicker—did you catch last night's episode of her reality show? Just aired. Now she's in the tabloids today. Talk about timing."

Lex's smirk deepened. "Leaving my house really did it, huh?"

Jason's voice turned more serious, though still amused. "Well, that, and the timing of it all. And now, Benny's seen the article. He's hellbent on greenlighting Elle Rose. Thinks the buzz will carry the whole movie."

Lex's smirk faded slightly, fingers tightening around the phone.

"He's pushing it?"

Jason's tone softened just enough to be serious. "Yeah. And he's not wrong, Lex. This story writes itself."

Lex was quiet for a second, eyes trailing over the photo. Rose wasn't ready for this level of attention. Not yet.

But part of him knew this was inevitable.

"I'll handle Benny," Lex said flatly.

Jason hummed. "Good luck with that. He's already calling directors."

Before Lex could reply, his phone vibrated with another incoming call.

Mom.

Lex groaned softly, rubbing the back of his neck. "Jason, I'll call you back. My mother's on the other line."

Jason snorted. "Tell her I said hi. And congrats on the love scandal."

Lex hung up with a flick of his thumb, switching to the new call.

"Morning, Mom."

Lian Mei's voice was warm, but there was a teasing edge he immediately recognized. "It was about time you made a move, Lexington."

Lex sighed, leaning his head back against the wall. "Don't start."

"I'm just saying, the brownstone isn't as private as you think it is. You had to know someone would catch on eventually."

Lex glanced toward the kitchen. Rose was humming softly to herself, completely unaware of the headlines.

"There's nothing to catch. Rose and I—"

His mother cut him off, laughing lightly. "Lex, I know you better than that."

Lex didn't respond right away, swirling the half-empty glass of orange juice in his hand.

Finally, he exhaled. "It's not what you think."

Lian Mei's tone softened. "Maybe not. But you care about her, don't you?"

Lex glanced toward the doorway, watching as Rose moved effortlessly around the kitchen, frying eggs like she'd done it a thousand times.

"Yeah. I do."

His mother's voice lingered gently. "Good. She's a strong one. Just be careful, Lex. Fame doesn't always come softly."

Lex smiled faintly. "I know."

"Alright. I'll stop meddling. For now."

Lex laughed softly. "Thanks, Mom."

"And tell Rose I expect her to come to dinner next time I'm home."

Lex smirked. "I'll pass it along."

As he hung up, Rose stepped into the doorway, holding a plate of eggs and toast.

"You look like you just had a fun conversation."

Lex chuckled. "Depends on your definition of fun."

Rose arched a brow. "Jason or Benny?"

Lex sat down at the kitchen table, accepting the plate. "Jason and my mom."

Rose blinked. "Your mom? What does she have to do with this?"

Lex smirked, tapping his phone screen and sliding it across the table.

Rose's eyes widened as she scanned the tabloid article.

"Oh, for—" She set the plate down, groaning. "I was wearing a hoodie. This is hardly scandalous."

Lex chuckled, cutting into the eggs. "Apparently, that's all it takes these days."

Rose sighed, shaking her head. "So, what's the plan?"

Lex met her gaze calmly.

"We make the movie."