Chapter 9 offer

Scarlet’s POV

My heart stalled in my chest at the sight of Dylan.

He was a few feet away from us, watching the scene with a look of concern etched on his face.

As he approached us, he shot Jasmine a glare, his eyes pinning her to a spot.

Jasmine's lips quivered as she opened her mouth to speak and defend herself but couldn't find words.

“She insulted me! This bitch. She - she's acting all calm after–”

“--- After what?” I cut in as I turned to face her, crossing my arm.

I could see her eyelids twitch, her jaw clenched with her hands balled into a fist

We both knew better that she was lying. I never insulted her; I only gave her warning, more like a reminder that her secrets wouldn't stay hidden for long.

If she wasn't guilty or hiding any secrets, I don't see why she should get so enraged and make a fuss out of it.

“Do you want to pretend that you didn't just insult me to my face?” Jasmine blurted at my face, her voice going an octave higher.

I smirked, my lips curled into a lopsided smile.

“Facts aren't insults, Jasmine. Maybe you should focus on changing the facts instead of getting defensive.”

She gulped hard as my words hung heavily in the air.

“Apparently, you're so sensitive that you can't handle a straightforward fact without taking it personally. Why is that so? Do you perhaps think you're guilty or—-”

“How dare you!” Jasmine cut me off mid-sentence, her face twisted in anger, eyes flashing with venom.

She shot her hand out in a threatening slap but before she could make contact, Dylan stepped in, his firm grip on her wrist, halting her momentum.

“Don’t even think of it!” He warned in a low tone, his words laced with authority.

Ethan stepped forward, grabbing jasmine wrist while she took a step back, her eyes never leaving mine.

“I told you not to make a scene, Jasmine.” He mumbled in frustration.

“No. I'm not making a scene. She's accusing me of something I didn't do!” Jasmine yelled, anger flaring in her voice.

Shaking my head, I rolled my eyes and asked, “Something like what.. What did I accuse you of doing?”

My question seems to have frozen the rest of her words in her throat.

Her lips parted but she was unable to respond.

“See. She claims that I'm accusing her, yet, she couldn't mention what I was accusing her of doing. Isn't that typical of someone trying to shift the narrative?” I asked, my voice low and steady.

Ethan's gaze lingered on me, probably wondering what games I was up to .

The sky rumbled and the cold air hit, sending shivers down my spine. The wind picked up, carrying the scent of the rain.

Dylan and I glanced towards the dark, watching the storms gather with darkness looming around..

“It's gonna rain anytime soon..” He whispered before taking his gaze back to me.

Taking his suit off, he wrapped it around my shoulders when he realised I was shivering.

“Let's get out of here…” He spoke in a low and firm voice as he wrapped a protective arm around my shoulders.

Nodding, I followed him back into the hall, the music swelling with a thumping beat enveloping us.

I cast a glance around my shoulder to see Ethan's piercing gaze which sparkles with jealousy.

Smiling, I drifted my gaze towards Dylan and whispered, “Thanks for what you did back there, Dylan.”

“It's nothing…” He spoke in a calm voice.

And then, he paused as he turned to face me fully.

“You shouldn't let them get under your skin, Scarlett. You're better than that..” He mumbled, a slight tease in his voice.

“I'm fine, Dylan. Don't worry about it…” I assured him, my voice resolute.

My grip on my champagne flute tightened as my smile deepened.

A satisfactory feeling washed over me.

I wouldn't deny that I felt a little better giving jasmine a piece of my mind. I can tell she is starting to panic and her carefully crafted mask of calm is gradually slipping.

Dylan cleared his throat, snatching me out of my thoughts.

He leaned closer, eyes sparkling with intrigue.

“Urm. Scarlet.” He called, his voice low and steady.

“Yes?” I replied, curious to hear what he had to say.

“I'm working on a high profile project and I need someone with your unique look and talent. I'm talking Oscar buzz, red-carpet events, the works..”

“Oh..” I mumbled, my lips in the shape of an oval.

My curiosity piqued as I asked. “What kind of projects?”

“A film,” He replied, his voice smooth.

“I need a model who can pull a specific role. And I think you'd be perfect.”

He offered, eyes lingering on my features.

A smirk appeared on my face as I considered the opportunity.

Jasmine had always struggled to break into the elite modeling circles with Dylan's agency and this could be my chance to shine.

“I know you might be wondering what's in for you. Your face on billboards, your name in lights. You'll be rubbing shoulders with A-listers. And, of course, the compensation will be... substantial.”

“I'm in.” I replied, my voice resolute.