Chapter 278
The Call
:
“Such devotion… you don’t see men like this anymore.”
E
+8 Pearis
“I’m from Trenwyn, I know they were in love for years. They must have been inseparable.”
“Didn’t they break off the engagement?”
“That was because the Joyner family cut ties. The betrothal belonged to them, so naturally it ended.”
“But look–he doesn’t even acknowledge it. Even now, with his fiancée supposedly dead, he still wants to marry her.”
“So touching.”
The internet chatter only fanned the flames. Sympathy for Connor swelled, pushing the story to the very top of the hot search.
But as quickly as the tide had risen, it turned. His talk of a ghost marriage became a laughingstock. His teary kneeling was clipped into memes, mocking his performance.
“Scarlett, don’t you know my heart?” Connor’s voice cracked, trembling with sincerity as he prostrated himself. “Rebecca and I–how many times must I say it? We’re nothing more than siblings. Not what you think. You’re still jealous, aren’t you? You thought my explanations weren’t enough. I admit it, I failed you. I didn’t want Rebecca to be hurt–her health is fragile. But I overlooked your feelings. I’m sorry.”
He bowed low, forehead hitting the ground with a crack. When he raised his head, his skin was already bruised.
The pitiful sight earned him a new wave of sympathy.
“Maybe she should forgive him…”
“He does look genuinely remorseful.”
“Just a wavering heart, but in the end he chose Scarlett.”
“Not unforgivable.”
Scarlett’s laugh was sharp.
“You and I have nothing to do with each other anymore. Why are you apologizing to me? Our engagement was ended openly, agreed on by both families. Now you want to deny it–trying to play tricks?”
12:42 Fri, Sep 26
Chapter 278 The Call
Taylor’s voice was cold with disgust.
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“Of course. Now that she’s the Lane family’s daughter, he can’t bear to let go.”
Scarlett inclined her head.
“Tell me then–if a man truly realized his mistake, what would he do?”
Taylor considered, then answered seriously.
A
+ Pears
“Simple. If he really felt shame, he wouldn’t dare face you. He’d quietly work on himself. Even if he couldn’t win you back, he’d become stronger, so that someday he might help you. But someone who barges in here, still clinging when you’ve made it clear you don’t want him–that man is after something. Either your favor… or your use.”
Connor snapped, voice breaking, “You’re lying! Scarlett, don’t listen to him. I came to win you back because I truly love you. You’re everything to me! Without you, I’d die!”
“Die?”
The mocking chuckle that followed cut his words to shreds.
Then came the weight.
Jasper had arrived.
He didn’t need to move, didn’t need to speak. Just standing there pressed the air into silence, cold malice radiating from him like steel blades.
He stepped forward, into the light, and the space shifted.
He stopped at Scarlett’s side, a wall of unshakable presence. Nothing vile could touch her while he stood there.
“Then die first.”
The words weren’t loud, but the chill in them froze every soul to the bone.
Connor’s face drained of color.
Jasper–Jasper of all people–had taken a side. Publicly. During a livestream with millions watching.
He wasn’t afraid? Of backlash, of rivals tearing him apart, of the web turning its venom on him?
No. He stood there, carrying it without a flicker of hesitation.
12:42 Fri, Sep 26
Chapter 278 The Call
Connor’s mind reeled.
Scarlett’s hand moved, dialing a number.
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Before the call connected, her voice cut through.
A
$9
48 Pearls
“Connor, if you can straighten out your relationship with her right now, I’ll believe you.”
He froze.
Then a voice came through the speaker.
“Hello? Who is this?”
Rebecca.
Connor flinched visibly, his whole body jerking at the sound.
His eyes
darted
up to Scarlett.
She tilted her chin, gesturing for him to speak.
The crowd hushed.
Every gaze locked on him, waiting.
Connor stared at the phone. His throat worked, but no words came.
“Hello? Who’s there? If you don’t speak, I’m hanging up,” Rebecca’s voice pressed impatiently.
Scarlett’s lips curved in a cold smirk. She lowered her finger toward the screen, as if to end the call.
Panic jolted Connor upright. He rushed to speak.