Chapter 8.~. Confronting the truth.

Scarlet’s POV

The air was thick with tension as Ethan's burning gaze lingered on me. My jaw clenched as his grip tightened on my wrist, leaving a throbbing ache that radiates up my arm.

He couldn't even be gentle. How dare he touch me like that, his fingers wrapping around my wrist like a shackle, as if he had every right to claim ownership?

Yanking my hand off his grip, I yelled at his face, my voice dripping with warning. “Don’t you dare touch me!”

He smirked as he adjusted his suit, his presence like an irritation to me. Not wanting to exchange words with him, I rolled my eyes and spun around to leave but the next thing he did prompted a gasp from me.

He placed his hand on the wall, trapping me to a spot.

His eyes shone under the dim light, like stars in a midnight sky.

He hadn't changed at all. He's still breathtaking in that cruel effortless way. That chiseled jawline, storm-gray eyes, and lips that once whispered promises he never kept.

My hands balled into a fist as I recalled the rollercoasters and the past tension between us.

Gritting my teeth, I took a step closer, my voice steady despite the storm raging inside of me. “Stop being such an asshole, Ethan. You have no power to control me and don't think you're worthy of my attention.”

His face twisted, his jaw clenched as my words sank in.

There's no anger, no bitterness – only an aching finality that makes him falter.

And then, I saw it. The smirk on his face, as if my words were meaningless to him.

“What makes you think you're special, Scarlett?” He asked in a mocking tone, a challenge to my pride.

Shaking my head, I replied, “I'm not surprised you haven't changed at all, Ethan.”

His lips curled into a sneer as he shoved his fingers into his thick brown hair.

“Oh, cut the act, Scarlett. Do you think I don't know?” He questioned, his eyes boring into mine.

“Know what exactly?!” I spat, shooting him a glare.

“What's the point of putting on a facade? You're just pretending to be someone you're not. What do you hope to get out of it?”

“Oh, you think I'm putting on a facade. Oh, wow.” I mumbled, darting my eyes around in amusement.

He watched my display, his cold eyes etched with boredom and curiosity.

“Scarlet –” He called, but I cut in. “You know, I'm not surprised you would say this. After all, you're not the only one who thinks I'm pretending. I guess I'm just a showoff, isn't it?”

I threw my head backwards as I chuckled.

I love it. I love the anger in his eyes and how my words were starting to annoy him.

The silence stretches between us, sharp and suffocating.

I swallowed hard, my chest tightening as I watched his face..

Oh, how prepared I am to give him a piece of my mind.

He nodded, taking a deep breath. “Where have you been all this while?”

“Why do you care?” I snapped, crossing my arm.

“You know what, you're not just only being pretentious, but you seem to have gotten your ego from your talent of stepping on toes and sleeping your way to the top.”

Ethan spoke, the accusations driving a stave to my heart.

I bristled at his words even while I tried to remain calm. “What on earth are you saying, Ethan? What are you insinuating?”

He scoffed, an impudent smile sitting on his lips. “Stop acting like you don't know what I mean, Scarlett. You haven't changed at all. Seeing this new persona, I'm certain—-”

He paused, assessing me from head to toe.

Those accusatory words of his and demeaning stares set off various grenades in my head, my blood boiling with my hands balled into fist.

“-- I'm certain you built your career on charm and favors from noble people. No talent required, just a pretty face and a willingness to do whatever it takes.”

The venom in his words sparked the fury in me. My hand shot out, the palm connecting with his cheeks, twisting his neck to the side.

The pain was instantaneous, a sharp heat spreading across his face.

My cheeks burned hotter with my eyes flashing with disgust as I stared at him.

“Don't you dare speak to me in such a manner? You choose to believe the lies that were fed to you, so I'm not surprised to see you. That's why you're so quick to judge me. I know one day, you'll definitely find out the truth, but it will be too late for you.”

I said, my voice steady despite the cracks threatening to break it.

Ethan's Adam's apple bobbled, his jaw working, but not a single word came out of his mouth.

Whether he chooses to believe me or not, it's up to him.

I'm back not just to take my son but also to prove my innocence to them..

And those monsters who were behind It all, thinking they could destroy me, will soon see their own downfall

They'll face the truth no matter how long it takes and they'll be held accountable, even if it takes time.

I spun around to leave, but my steps faltered when my gaze settled on Jasmine.

Turns out she'd been watching for God-knows- when.

I scoffed and was about to leave when she grabbed my arm.

“Stay away from Ethan, you whore!” She blurted at my face, her voice dripping with malice.

A smirk appeared on my face as I yanked my hand off her.

“Tell him to stay in his lane. He's the one you should give those lectures to, and not me.”

She scoffed, crossing her arms. “What has gotten into you? I guess you're still so full of yourself after the fake announcement they made about you being the Scottish granddaughter. You look nothing like McKenzie, so I'm certain you're using this for attention, trying to ride the coattails of fame.”

“I care less about what you think, jasmine. I have nothing to be worried about because it's just the truth.”

As I skirted past her, I mumbled, “Some people should worry about their own skeletons.”

Her brows snapped as she turned to me, her face etched with rage and confusion. “What the fuck do you mean?”

Sliding a strand of my hair behind my ears, I met her gaze and smiled briefly. “You should focus on your own past before trying to ruin mine. If I were you, I'd be more worried about my secrets coming to light!”

My words seemed to have stirred up memories..

Her eyes went wide in shock

I had no clue if she was behind framing me in the past but my conscience is screaming that she's capable of it

With her reaction, I'm certain she's guilty.

“You bitch!” She blurted as she raised her hand, wanting

to slap me.

But a sudden yell froze her in place.

“STOP!!!”

I turned around and my eyes went wide at the person approaching.