The private room buzzed with conversation and the clinking of glasses.
Scarlett sat in the corner, watching as Jackson was surrounded by people at the center of the room, yet his attention remained fixed on Lily’s every move.
He would unscrew bottle caps for her before she even reached for a drink; immediately offer a handkerchief when a drop of wine stained her dress; and even discreetly adjust the air conditioning when she coughed lightly…
These tender gestures were ones Scarlett had never received.
She numbly downed another glass of wine, her heart feeling like it was being slowly carved apart by a dull knife, trembling with pain.
Throughout their year together, her relationship with Jackson had been nothing but sex. Even during their most
passionate encounters, she had never seen a hint of lost control on his face.
“The bottle landed on Mr. Blackwell!” someone suddenly called out. “Time for a penalty!”
People laughingly passed him a tablet. “Everyone knows you’re the most disciplined bachelor in Boston, so we’ll go easy on you. Just play a quick game of “This or That‘ and tell us who catches your eye the most.”
The first set of photos showed a famous actress next to Lily.
Jackson glanced at it and responded without hesitation: “Lily.”
The room erupted in teasing cheers while Lily blushed, lowering her head with a poorly concealed smile.
Scarlett’s fingernails dug deeper into her palm.
Set after set of photos flashed by, and each time Jackson unfailingly chose Lily.
Scarlett couldn’t take it anymore and stood up to walk toward the bathroom.
She had only taken a few steps when an even louder eruption of excitement made her turn back. The tablet displayed photos of her and Lily side by side.
“Whoa!” The crowd grew animated. “This just got interesting! Miss Devereaux is considered the most beautiful woman in our circle–those actresses don’t even compare! If Mr. Blackwell still chooses Miss Bennett over her, that would really say something…”
For a moment, all eyes focused on Jackson.
For the first time, Jackson hesitated.
20:56
Dumped the Ice Cold CEO for the Fake Dying Billionaire. Revenge is Sweet!
Chapter 4
Scarlett froze, her heart nearly leaping out of her chest.
Three seconds later, she heard Jackson’s deep voice: “Lily,”
Scarlett’s world collapsed in that instant.
Amid the thunderous cheers from the room, she stumbled into the bathroom, turning on the faucet and splashing ice–cold water on her face, but it couldn’t extinguish the burning pain in her chest.
After a long while, Scarlett looked up at her reflection. The girl in the mirror was breathtakingly beautiful, yet she had lost everything that mattered.
When Scarlett emerged from the bathroom, the corridor lights glowed dimly.
As she rounded the corner, three or four drunk men blocked her path.
‘Hey gorgeous, can I get your number?” The leader, reeking of alcohol, reached out to touch her face.
‘Back off!” Scarlett recoiled sharply, her back hitting the cold wall.
‘Playing hard to get?” Another man grabbed her wrist. “Dressed like that, you’re obviously looking for attention.”
As she struggled, Scarlett’s gaze cut through the crowd and locked with Jackson’s at the private room door.
She saw his brow furrow slightly, and he was about to step forward when a pained cry came from behind him: “Ah!”
‘What’s wrong?” Jackson immediately turned around.
‘I think I twisted my ankle…” Lily’s eyes welled with tears. “I’m fine, please go help Scarlett first.”
Jackson knelt to examine her ankle. “No need. She can handle herself.”
Those words stabbed through Scarlett’s heart like a knife.
The drunk man’s hands were now on her waist, his disgusting breath hot on her face. “Come party with us, baby…”
Scarlett grabbed a decorative wine bottle from the hallway table and smashed it against the wall with a resounding crash!
‘Get the FUCK away unless you want to die!” she snarled.
Glass shards sliced her hand, blood dripping from her fingertips.
Taking advantage of the men’s shock, she quickly walked away.
After the party ended, Scarlett refused to ride in Jackson’s car and stood alone at the curb waiting for a taxi.
Lily approached, holding an umbrella. “Sis, you don’t have a ride? Let me take you home.”
20:56
Dumbed the lee c
Chapter 4
Scarlett looked at the luxury sports car key in her hand and suddenly smiled.
Her father was certainly generous, buying such an expensive car for his stepdaughter.
“No thanks,” Scarlett curved her red lips into a dazzling smile. “I’d rather not ride in a homewrecker’s daughter’s car. It feels… contaminated.”
Lily’s face instantly darkened, finally dropping her mask as she grabbed Scarlett’s wrist. “Scarlett! What did you just say?”
“You heard me. Let go of my hand, you backstabbing little bitch!”
As they struggled, blinding headlights suddenly illuminated them!
Scarlett turned to see an out–of–control car speeding toward them..
In that split second, she saw Jackson rush forward, pulling Lily protectively into his arms.
And she was left to be struck with a sickening THUD!
20:56
