Tous les chapitres de : Chapitre 11 - Chapitre 20

Scarlett pulled her hand free and stood up, her expression cool and unreadable."Whether you're joking or not has nothing to do with me," she said evenly. "And I don't care either way."What exactly was this man trying to do?Was he starting to suspect her identity?She thought it through carefully.Unlikely.She had always kept a low profile. There was no way she'd slipped up.At that moment, her phone rang.She answered immediately."Hello?""Boss, the Hayes family is here," Howard reported. "They brought backup."Scarlett's eyes darkened."Protect my family. I'm on my way back."She hung up and turned to Theron."When Theo wakes up, tell him I'll come see him tomorrow.""Alright."Theron nodded, his gaze following her as she walked away-watching until the elevator doors closed and she disappeared from sight.Only then did he slowly look away.Rhys couldn't hold it in anymore."Boss... do you have some kind of ulterior motive toward Miss Hayes?""Ulterior motive?" Theron repeated, r

The next day, Scarlett stopped by the hospital with a bag of fresh fruit for Theo. The moment he saw her, his entire face lit up. He beamed, unable to hide his excitement. Scarlett sat beside him, peeling grapes one by one and placing them in a small bowl as she told him a story. Her voice was soft, steady-easy to listen to. Halfway through, the door opened. Howard stepped inside, checking his watch. "Ma'am, the SH Entertainment executive meeting starts in less than an hour. It's at least a thirty-minute drive. We should leave now." Scarlett rose to her feet with a small nod. "Right." She turned back to Theo. He was staring at her, his bright eyes filled with reluctance. He didn't say anything, but it was obvious-he didn't want her to go. Her expression softened. "I'll come back tomorrow." Theo nodded obediently. "Okay. I'll wait for you, Mommy." He puffed out his cheeks slightly, trying to look brave, trying not to seem clingy. It didn't fool her for a second. Scarlett

The director's gaze darkened as it dropped to her hand gripping his arm.A slow, greasy smile spread across his face."Sadie... you know I've always had a soft spot for you." His voice lowered. "If you're willing to... cooperate... I can make this happen."As he spoke, his fingers slid over hers.Revulsion hit her instantly.The feel of his clammy touch made her stomach twist.But then-She thought of the bet.There was no way she was going to kneel outside and slap herself a hundred times.So she swallowed it."Director... I do like you, but... I'm getting married tomorrow. I can't be your girlfriend...""I don't need that," he cut in, eyes glinting. "Just once. Say yes, and I'll take care of everything. That role is yours."Sadie hesitated, her thoughts spiraling."I..."Before she could finish, his expression turned colder."And just so you're clear... this isn't only about the lead role. You're not approved for anything. Not second lead, not supporting-nothing. They don't want you

Sadie had read the original script.The second female lead was manipulative, vicious-a scheming antagonist who framed the heroine multiple times and even caused her family's deaths.A deeply hated character."Sadie, think about it," the director urged. "This is based on a bestselling novel-big budget, major production. Based on my experience, it's going to be a massive hit. If you miss out, you'll regret it."He leaned closer."And honestly, the second lead has more depth than the main character. If you play it right, you could become an overnight sensation."Sadie hesitated.She was tempted."...Fine. I'll take the second lead.""Great. Then sign this."The director handed her the contract.The moment she signed her name, a smug smile spread across his face.One million... just like that.After handing the contract back, Sadie asked,"Who got the female lead?"She couldn't help it.She needed to know who she'd be acting opposite.The director cleared his throat."Angela Gomez.""...W

"Thanks." Scarlett lowered her gaze slightly as she peeled the roasted sweet potato."You don't have to thank me," a deep, smooth voice sounded above her.Her hands paused for just a second. A faint tremor flickered in her eyes-but it was gone almost instantly. She continued peeling as if nothing had happened.The next day.The Whitmore family had booked out an entire five-star hotel. The venue was packed, buzzing with celebration.Dressed in a pristine white wedding gown, Sadie stepped into the spotlight. With Ronnie escorting her, she walked slowly down the aisle toward James.As she walked, her eyes discreetly scanned the crowd.No sign of Scarlett."She's not here?" Ronnie frowned, irritation flashing across his face.He had been sure Scarlett would show up today. He had even arranged for someone to grab her the moment she appeared.Just yesterday, the Drake family had called again-threatening trouble if Scarlett wasn't handed over soon."Maybe give it a little more time," Sadie s