Chapter 3
Those words made Scarlett’s nose sting with unexpected emotion.
In the past, whenever she’d fight with her father and run away, Jackson would drive around the entire Boston looking for her, then carry her back home on his back.
“What drama are you causing now?” He would always ask in that same tone.
She would cling to his back, breathing in the crisp scent of cedar that always surrounded him, naively believing that
perhaps he cared for her, even a little.
But now she realized no one was more manipulative than him!
.
He clearly didn’t have feelings for her, yet he slept with her anyway.
Then he’d return to his study to moon over Lily’s photographs.
She couldn’t understand why she wasn’t enough compared to Lily.
In terms of family background, beauty, figure–how was she inferior?
Why, of all people, did he have to fall for Lily? Specifically Lily?
“Let GO!” Scarlett’s eyes welled up as she bit Jackson’s hand hard.
He frowned slightly but said nothing, simply starting the car.
Jackson drove back to his estate, carrying her luggage inside without hesitation.
“Same as before,” he said, unbuttoning his cuffs, his tone leaving no room for argument. “Stay until you’re ready to
go home.”
Scarlett stood in the entryway, her fingernails digging into her palms. “I’ll only stay for two weeks. After that, I’m leaving this place forever. I’ll pay you rent, and I won’t bother you anymore.”
“Won’t bother me anymore?” Jackson slowly raised his eyes to look at her, his gaze unfathomable behind those gold–rimmed glasses. “Are you sure you can manage that?”
Those words cut into her heart like a knife. Scarlett’s chest constricted painfully.
So he had known all along.
He’d seen how she’d transformed from initial hostility to complete devotion.
She was hopelessly in love with him.
20:56
Dumbed the Ice Cold Cro for the
Chapter 3
But what about him? He kept his heart fixated on Lily while coldly watching Scarlett fall deeper and deeper?
“Lily…” Scarlett suddenly spoke up, “is my stepmother’s daughter. Did you know that?”
Jackson paused in the middle of removing his tie. “I found out today.”
After a moment of silence, Scarlett couldn’t help asking: “What exactly is your relationship with her?”
“We were at school together,” Jackson poured himself a glass of water and took a deliberate sip. “Same university. We worked on the student council together. She saved me during a car accident once, then her health deteriorated and she’s been recovering abroad ever since.”
With that, he looked directly at Scarlett, his eyes containing a warning. “I know you have issues with your stepmother, but this has nothing to do with Lily. Don’t target her.”
All the words Scarlett wanted to say became stuck in her throat.
She had planned to ask “Do you love her?” but now it seemed laughable.
Seeing how protective he was, what was left to ask?
She turned and retreated to the guest room, slamming the door behind her.
That night, for the first time ever, Jackson didn’t come to her.
Scarlett lay in bed, staring at the ceiling blankly.
Of course. His precious Lily was back now. Why would he still bother with her?
The next day, Scarlett deliberately slept until noon, hoping to avoid Jackson.
But when she opened the door, she discovered he was still home.
He sat on the couch, gold–rimmed glasses perched on his straight nose, flipping through a financial magazine.
“Awake?” he asked without looking up.
“You’re not at the office?”
“It’s the weekend.”
Scarlett made a noncommittal sound, taking a few pastries from the refrigerator, intending to retreat to her room.
But Jackson suddenly spoke up: “Change your clothes. We’re attending an event together later.”
Scarlett wanted to refuse, but realized she’d rather be out in public than alone with Jackson in the house,
So she changed and went with him.
20.56
Dumped the Ice Cold CEO for the Fake Dving Billionaire. Revenge is Sweet!
Chapter 3
Only upon arrival did Scarlett discover this was Lily’s welcome–home party.
She turned to leave, but Lily enthusiastically caught her arm: “Sis, I’m so glad you came! Don’t fight with Uncle Richard anymore. He was so worried after you left home that he didn’t eat for a whole day.”
Scarlett laughed coldly: “So you know he’s just your ‘uncle‘? Then whether I fight with him or leave home, what business is it of yours? Are you the goddamn neighborhood watch? Mind your own business.“.
She yanked her arm away and walked into the private room, catching a glimpse of Lily tearing up and looking pleadingly at Jackson.
Jackson gave Scarlett a dark, warning glance before gently stroking Lily’s hair and saying something that made her smile through her tears.
Scarlett’s heart stabbed with pain as she tipped back a flute of champagne in one gulp.
