Chapter 33
Scarlett’s POV
I am in the sitting room, lounging on the couch with my feet propped up on the table as I take a sip of my drink, a smile curving out my lips while I wait for the news I knew William had orchestrated to surface. The news about Julia.
Julia had no idea what was coming.
I looked down at my phone, tapping the screen impatiently to see if William had replied yet. But there was nothing. Not a single word from him. I frowned and scrolled through my messages, seeing the last one I had sent to William, asking for an update, but he hadn’t responded.
Perhaps he was busy drafting the news release, making sure it looked real enough for everyone to believe. I couldn’t help but smirk at the thought.
I leaned back on the couch, staring at the television, the news will be up soon.
Suddenly, the sound of footsteps pulled me from my thoughts. The door creaked open, and I saw Julia. She stepped in, dressed casually, her hair tied up messily, looking a bit messy but still put together. It wasn’t quite like her usual look; she wasn’t wearing anything that screamed ‘ corporate,‘ her working out fit. I raised an eyebrow as she approached.
“You’re not going to work today?” I asked. “You seem to be devoted these days.” I added. The sarcasm that was always in my tone couldn’t be helped.
Julia hesitated for a moment before answering, glancing at me. “I’m going to take a break today. I’ve worked hard these last few days, and I think I deserve a bit of rest.”
I couldn’t help but chuckle. “Resting?” A mocking smile playing on my lips. “I thought you were too busy saving the company to stop and smell the roses.”
She glanced blankly at me before responding. “I’m just taking a break, everyone needs one.”
Her response made me feel intimidated. Here she is, acting so proud. I can’t wait to see the look on her face when she sees her name tied to a scandal like that, especially something so humiliating and exploitative. It would probably shatter any pride she had especially when the public is against her.
I leaned back into the couch, giving her a pointed look.
“Oh, I see.” I responded.
Julia didn’t say anything as if my words didn’t bother her.
I sat up a little straighter, my eyes narrowing as I studied her. “You know, I think Lynwood’s a good man. He’s put a lot of trust in this company, and in you.” I paused. “He likes you. That’s why he’s been so generous with investing so much into Julison. He’s got a soft spot for you, I can see it.”
Julia didn’t respond right away. She just stood there, staring at me with that same unreadable expression.
I leaned forward, my voice turning a little manipulative. “And that’s why he’s been so nice. And I think you should give him a chance.” “Mother?” a voice cut in sharply.
I turned, only to find Jake standing there, arins crossed, eyes burning in rage.
“Jake…”
“Are you not ashamed?” He didn’t wait for an answer. “A few days ago, you wanted Alex by all means as your son in law because of money… And now, Lynwood?”
I swallowed. “Sweetheart.” I called out and approached him.
“I think you have heard wrong?” I said as I tried to pull him forward but he avoided my touch.
“Don’t touch me.” He snapped. “You disgust me!” His voice carne louder this time.
“Jake! Learn not to be rude.” I yelled.
Julia stayed silent, looking at me for a long moment before turning towards the bar. She grabbed a bottle of whiskey and a glass and began heading back.
Just as she got to the stairs, the sound of the news on the television made her turn.
Chapter 33
+25 Bonus
Breaking News: Scandal Unfolds at Executive Level
The headline was exactly what I’d been waiting for. I clicked on the article. I sat comfortably as the newscaster began.
“Company’s bully Scarlett Wilson exposed in shocking new reports. Whispers from within the company are said that she’s a bully, where employees fear retribution for speaking out. In a detailed exposé, insiders reveal how Scarlett Wilson has never truly contributed to the company.
Sources claim that every decision Scarlett had made so far was designed to bring the company to its knees.”
I couldn’t breath. What was happening. My gaze landed on Julia who was now approaching closer, her focus on the television.
“Shocking footage has surfaced, exposing Scarlet Wilson’s true nature.” Said the newscaster as my eyes landed on the scene displaying on the television. It’s a CCTV recording showing me brutally assaulting an individual and had it recorded by one of my staffs. And I also was shocked/ to hear leaked audio captures of distressed staff members recounting their experiences, describing my cruelty in harrowing detail. One voice trembles as they recall the fear of working under me, while another breaks down, calling me ‘heartless, and ‘inhumane.‘ The damn evidence painting me as evil only made my heart boil in rage and shame. I didn’t even know how to react to this in front of Jake and Julia.
“Good!” Jake said out loud as his eyes were focused on the TV.
My eyes moved to Julia and to Jake and to the television. I was only covered in shame.
“The evil that men do, will always come hunting them.” Those were Jake’s words as he walked away without even sparing me a glance. Julia on the other hand said no words as she left.
I could hear the sound of my heartbeat, beating so fast in rage as I grabbed my phone again. The moment I opened William’s message, I typed. “You fool, how dare you?” I clicked the send button and it went through but didn’t deliver. That was when I realized his profile picture was no longer there. William Pratt had blocked me.
