Chapter 54
Scarlett stood in silence, her thoughts trailing back to the promise she’d made Cedric the night before. Could he have said something to spark this chaos?
“I don’t know,” she murmured, trying to sound dismissive. “Maybe his mom still isn’t satisfied.”
Grace, however, wasn’t letting this slide so easily. “Lettie, I’ll do my best to keep the board in check, but you really need to think this through. Cedric being around isn’t helping you or the company.”
Scarlett’s expression hardened. “Grace, I know you’ve always had feelings for Lorey, but that doesn’t mean you should use that as an excuse to discredit Cedric.”
Grace’s jaw dropped slightly, disbelief flashing across her face. Scarlett wasn’t just in denial–she was actively defending Cedric like he was still the perfect she’d once fallen for
“You don’t know him the way I do,” Scarlett continued, hertone defensive. “He’s changed. You just haven’t taken the time to see it.”
Grace let out a dry laugh, shaking her head. “If you’re that convinced, then I’ll stop trying. But don’t say I didn’t warn you. This mess isn’t going away quietly. You’d better wait for the board’s decision”
With that, Grace tumed and walked back into the building, leaving Scarlett standing alone. Scarlett felt a pang of isolation creeping in for the first time in a long while. She thought of Lorey’s face his calm, steady presence during those three years.
“If you were still here,” she muttered, “maybe things wouldn’t have come to this.”
Back at the hospital,
ital, Lorey sneezed abruptly, a chill running down his spine. He rubbed the back of his neck, puzzled by the sudden cold. “What’s up with you, Lorey?” asked Zoe as she rushed into his office, a look of excitement p
plastered across her face,
“You better not be slacking,” Lorry teased, though he was already curious about what had her so animated.
“You’ve
‘ve got to see this!” she said, thrusting her phone toward him. On the screen was a viral video of none other than Cedric and Valda, causing a scene outside Scarlett’s compan
“It’s all over the place today,” Zoe said, clearly enjoying the drama. “The caption? Something about corporate greed and harassment. But from the looks of It, that guy Cedric is the one stirring up trouble.”
Lorey frowned, his eyes narrowing as the video showed Scarlett’s polite yet firm demeanor toward Valda. His expression shifted, a complex mix of emotions crossing his face.
Zoe noticed his change in demeanor, “Lorey, what’s up? You’ve got that look again.”
He quickly closed the video. “It’s nothing. Let’s focus on the day. We’ve got a surgery this afternoon.
“Man, Scarlett’s PR team is fast,” Zoe muttered, glancing back at her phone. “That video’s already gone. Corporate damage control at its fin Meanwhile, Cedric and Valda were lounging in a high–end spa in Ashboume, basking in the perks of Scarlett’s generosity. “Cedric, you’d better keep a close eye on Ms. Payne,” Valda cooed as she reclined in a plush chair, cucumber slices over her eyes. “This girl’s our ticket t
finest.”
ticket to the good
life.”
“Don’t worry, Mom,” Cedric replied confidently. “Scarlett’s completely under my thumb. She listens to everything I say.”
Valda let out a satisfied sigh, but Cedric couldn’t help but feel annoyed. “But you guys pushed too hard today. Scarlett hasn’t even had time to deal with the board
yel
“Oh, please,” his mother scoffed, waving her hand dismissively. “Do you think she’d prioritize you without a little pressure? Today’s stunt made sure you’re front and center in her mind.”
She grinned slyly. “Once you’ve locked her down, we’ll be set for life. Just keep playing the perfect partner.” Cedric smirked at Valda’s words, affirming his strategy. The two spent the rest of their day plotting their next
move, envisioning a life of luxury.
Later that night, Scarlett sat alone in her office, her eyes glued to her phone as she waited for updates.
