Cousin's Ex

That phrase pierced straight into Scarlett's heart.A sharp pain rose in her chest as she looked at the child who resembled her so much. Her emotions surged uncontrollably, and she pulled him into her arms.Her eyes turned red.Slowly, tears welled up.Theo felt her distress and tried to look up at her."Let me hold you a little longer," Scarlett said softly, forcing her emotions down.Her child... the one she had lost at birth. She hadn't even had the chance to see his face before he was taken away.James...Just wait.She would make him pay back a thousand times over.Theo obediently stayed still, sensing her sadness. He gently patted her back with his small hand.Scarlett looked at him from the side, deeply moved.At that moment-A deep, magnetic voice sounded behind them."Theo, what are you doing here?"Theron.Scarlett's pupils contracted instantly.Without hesitation, she quickly put her mask

Fate

Inside Hilary's bedroom, she excitedly threw open the doors to her massive walk-in closet."Master, pick anything you like!"Scarlett casually reached for a pink strapless gown layered with tulle, then immediately put it back.Too girly.Hilary caught on instantly and pulled out another dress-a pale blue evening gown with a sleek, elegant silhouette."This one's prettier," she said quickly. "My grandmother gave it to me for my birthday. I haven't even worn it yet. It's a limited edition-there are only three in the world."Scarlett gave it a brief glance before nodding."This works."Hilary brightened immediately."Master, let me help you change-""No need." Scarlett took the dress from her calmly. "I can handle it myself."Hilary reluctantly left the room, clearly disappointed she couldn't help.After showering, Scarlett changed into the gown and dried her hair.She had just picked up a ribbon to tie it back when movem

Instant Karma

Meanwhile, after stepping away from Theron, Scarlett quietly scanned the ballroom.The palace attendant who had caused the earlier chaos was already gone."How did you even get in here?" Theron asked softly.But that wasn't the real question on his mind.What he really wanted to know was-How had she entered the palace?Did she come with the Commander of Obsidian?For some reason, that thought left a bitter feeling in his chest.Did that title matter more to her than he did?"I..." Scarlett hesitated.She hadn't even thought of an excuse yet.At that moment, Hilary hurried into the ballroom carrying a black mask.The instant she spotted Scarlett, she froze.That dress-It was the exact pale blue gown she had given her master earlier.A limited edition piece with only three in existence.What were the chances?Wait.If her master walked in wearing the same dress...Wouldn't everything be ex

Punishment

The moment His Excellency spoke, both Mr. Houston and Mr. Lincoln nearly buckled at the knees.The color drained from their faces.Meanwhile, Cara and Elisa stood frozen in place like terrified statues, not daring to move a muscle.After all, this entire disaster had started because of them.Originally, they had only wanted to publicly humiliate Scarlett by ripping her dress apart.Who could have imagined things would spiral this badly?In the eyes of the two family heads, His Excellency's anger was most likely because tonight was Hilary's coming-of-age banquet, yet Cara and Elisa had chosen this exact moment to cause a scene.And at the center of it all... was Scarlett.If they wanted to salvage the situation, they could only start with her.The two patriarchs exchanged a glance. One look was enough."Miss Scarlett," Mr. Houston said first, lowering his pride without hesitation, "we sincerely apologize. We failed to discipline our d

Drowning

The moment she hit the water, her body sank almost immediately.She didn't even struggle.The freezing water swallowed her whole.Cold.Heavy.Suffocating.The feeling was horrifyingly familiar.Fragments of memories surfaced uncontrollably in Scarlett's mind.Back when she was little, she had lived alone with her father.One day, after a violent storm, the river near their home had flooded.She had gone looking for her father--and accidentally fallen into the river.Just like now.Darkness.Silence.The crushing feeling of water stealing away her breath.She vaguely remembered someone jumping in to save her back then.Splash-Another body dove into the pool.Just as Scarlett's consciousness was beginning to fade completely, she felt someone pulling her into a powerful embrace.Closer.Closer.Then warm lips pressed against hers.Even in her haze, she knew who it was.

K Country Attack

When Scarlett woke up again, she found herself back at the Cross family villa.She was lying in Theron's bed."You're awake."Hearing the man's low voice, Scarlett turned her head slightly.Theron was sitting beside the bed.He was still wearing yesterday's clothes.His usually immaculate hair had become slightly messy, a few loose strands falling over his forehead.Rather than ruining his appearance, the disheveled look only made him even more dangerously attractive."You stayed here all night?" Scarlett asked as she slowly pushed herself upright."You had a high fever last night," Theron replied calmly. "The doctor said it might spike again during the night, so I stayed to take care of you."As he spoke, he reached over and touched her forehead gently."The fever's gone now."The moment his hand touched her skin, Scarlett suddenly felt her heartbeat quicken slightly.Even her forehead felt strangely hot."I need