Chapter 180
180 The Real Scarlett
The room Aurora stayed in had a view of the front courtyard for a reason–it was meant for guests, positioned close to the gate for convenience. The real family quarters were further inside; quiet, private. and elegant. Sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ ƒind ηøᴠel.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access s of novels early and in the highest quality.
After today’s competition, the Lane family would probably start preparing a private villa just for her.
Aurora was in an excellent mood. Even the garden seemed more beautiful than usual.
In the front courtyard, Scarlett had completely run out of patience.
“I’ll give you one more minute. If you have something to say, say it. If not, keep kneeling.”
It finally dawned on Connor that she wasn’t playing around.
Scarlett was angry.
He’d have to humble himself further.
“Scarlett, I know I hurt you when I didn’t believe you during the plagiarism scandal. That must’ve been devastating. I’ve thought a lot about it, and I admit I was impulsive. But that’s only because I had high hopes for you. I always believed you would stand out. When I heard about the plagiarism, I lost control–not because I hated you, but because I was disappointed. I should’ve trusted you. I should’ve stood by you to find the truth. From now on, no matter what happens, I’ll be by your side. I swear it.”
He held up three fingers, as if pledging an oath.
Scarlett rubbed her temple. “That’s your explanation?”
Why wasn’t she crying, rushing into his arms?
Why was she still so cold?
Scarlett stood and checked the time. “Right on schedule.”
She turned to the butler. “Samson, did you record all of that?”
Samson nodded. “Every word.”
Scarlett smiled faintly. “Good. Send it out, along with the footage from last nit. I want the narrative in our hands from the beginning.”
The Lane family had a full PR team. This would be no problem. Her return wasn’t a secret. If someone wanted to dig up the past, they’d be better off getting ahead of it and cleaning house now.
Samson’s eyes brightened. Scarlett’s way of handling problems reminded him of Owen.
A true daughter of the Lane family.
Then Scarlett waved at the bodyguards nearby. “Remember–no face shots. No visible injuries.”
The guards, clearly experienced, instantly understood what she meant and rolled up their sleeves.
180 The Real Scarlett
Connor’s smug fantasy collapsed into panic.
“ Scarlett, what are you doing?”
Scarlett walked toward him with a smile. “Obviously, I’m having you beaten. Go ahead, Samson , don’t forget to call the police. Report an intruder. Make sure it’s logged as self–defense.”
For a second, Connor thought she was joking–like back in their club days, when he’d force her into humiliating roles. He’d made her act as a doorman, let people call her a hostess, and only stepped in at the lást second when she was almost dragged away.
This felt uncomfortable.
But compared to what he’d done to her in the past? He didn’t think it was a big deal.
He assumed she was playing along.
Samson carried out orders without a word, though a small frown formed on his brow.
. Scarlett had an important event today.
Why hadn’t anyone arranged a ride for her?
When Ms. Aurora went out, the driver waited thirty minutes in advance. There were servants to pack snacks and fruit boxes.
But Scarlett’s side was quiet. Too quiet.
Had no one arranged anything?
Is it possible the family’s warmth toward Scarlett was only surface – level ?
Samson’s heart sank.
Could it be … they didn’t truly care ?
After all , Mr. Denton and Mr. Eugene already held driginal shares in the Lane Group . Mr. Denton , especially , was a tech genius whose profits were practically immeasurable . He was also the family’s most likely bridge into politics .
Eugene wasn’t as prolific as Denton but still stood out among his peers.
Compared to them, Scarlett was… lacking,
There were rumors she had a competition today.
So what?
Even if she won , what did it amount to ?
The Lane family didn’t care for such trivialities.
And Scarlett–already in her twenties–was too old to mold. No matter how hard she worked, it was probably too late to catch up.
Denton’s stance was probably just don’t cause trouble . Nothing more
From Ashes to Queen Now I Call the Shots