Chapter 9 Betrayal and Defiance

Scarlet POV

After I had left his office, his driver dropped me off at my house, claiming it was his boss's order. Weird, but alright.

I got out of the vehicle, my legs slowly approaching the door with a creak. I opened it slowly. My gaze caught sight of Mom, Dad, and Evelyn seated, just like they were expecting my arrival. I chose to ignore them, walking up to my room, only to be drawn back by his call.

"I have some announcements to make, Scarlet..." My Dad said.

What else does he want to say this time, and why wait for my arrival to do so? Curious, I approached him, my eyes fixed as I sat on the couch.

"I have come to a conclusion about who should attain ownership of the restaurant..." he said.

My Dad owned a popular restaurant. He and Mom had managed to take care of it. Back when I was young, Mom always told me I would be the next to take it to great heights. I guess the time was finally here.

Though I wanted to work at the Kensington Global Innovation as the Chief Technology Officer

But I was sure to spare some time for the restaurant. At least the last thing I would want was letting my parents' business drown.

Yeah, that wouldn't occur.

"I wouldn't want any outsiders handling my business... so I called up the lawyer and transferred my restaurant name to my daughter Evelyn..."

His words wiped the little smile off my face.

"What are you saying, Dad...?" I had asked, hoping maybe he had a slip of the tongue.

"Yes, Scarlet, I decided to change the restaurant ownership to your sister here, Evelyn."

"Stepsister..." I clarified, making sure my voice was clear enough.

I could see the gaze he let out, but I cared less. What was he saying? How could he even think about such a thing? Handing over the restaurant ownership to Evelyn, of all people?

I was there, his daughter. What happened to all the hopes of me taking over the business? I mean, I wanted a job at a tech company. Yeah, true. But I had all rights to the restaurant.

I was their first child; didn't they get that? How could he even come up with this decision without consulting me before making it final? My eyes caught a little spark of smile on Evelyn face; I hated it.

"Dad, how can you do this...?" I uttered.

"What do you mean, Scarlet? I wanted my business to be moved on within my family..."

"I meant, how could you transfer the restaurant ownership to Evelyn, Dad? How could you...?"

"How could I, what are you saying? Then, who do you suggest inherit my restaurant? You...?" he said sarcastically.

"I mean, yes... I am your daughter; I own all rights to the restaurant..."

"I needed someone expert who would handle my business properly, somebody I can trust with it, and that doesn't seem to be you..." he uttered.

"What do you mean, Dad? Don't you think I can handle the restaurant well and even take it to greater heights...?"

"Greater heights, yeah, and I can see that... And so I ask, what have you really achieved so far to guarantee me that you can...?" he retorted.

"I mean, all you do with your life is go out partying, doing all sorts, wasting my money... Useless, I would say."

Really? Partying? Going out? I only went out to help my friends during some events or their weddings.

I had tried to be the better daughter and tried so hard to make him proud, but eventually, all he saw were my mistakes, nothing more, nothing less.

Meanwhile, Mom just sat there, nodding in acceptance of all he said.

"You can't transfer the restaurant ownership to Evelyn, Dad."

"I can't... but I already have. Your sister Evelyn owns all rights to the restaurant, and I would also be having second thoughts about all my other properties..."

"Really? I just feel like a stranger in my own house..." I uttered.

"Your house, young lady? This is my house, and my rules..."

His rules, his house. I was tired of all this.

"Then why don't I just leave your house for you, Dad..." I uttered mistakenly, a slip of the tongue.

I had hoped to redraw my words.

"And how does that concern me...?" he said, leaving me stunned.

"I mean, you've grown up already, you travel out, come back late... So how would it bother me to know you plan on leaving? I guess you are good to stand alone..."

His words stung me, and angrily I left, storming to my room.

I could feel some tears begging to drop.

I had hoped to find a way in the week to tell them somehow of me and Sebastian Hawthorne, but I guess that would be of no use.

They never wanted me here anyway, so how would they even care if I am gone and out of their house?

I went through my cupboard, grabbing my clothes.

I had had enough of it all; they will just never see me.

All they saw was the so-called Evelyn.

I hated this.

I stocked my clothes in my luggage and hadn't reached for the door when I gave a quick glance to rethink my decision.

But what was there to think about?

I opened the door, my legs hesitated as I walked down.

"And where do you think you're going again, young lady?" my dad questioned, seated on the couch.

"Just let her be. She just wakes up, goes out, goes partying, then comes back to our house to eat and sleep... Just a waste," my mom interrupted.

I coughed, my heart in pain by her words. Is this a house? Well, what else should I have expected from them?

I came home sad the other night, but she never stood to care. All she could do all day was taunt me and show me how useless I was.

But I will prove them wrong.

I will make them see what I can accomplish, and then they will apologize for how they belittled me and treated me.

And then I shall teach that witch, Evelyn, a lesson for snatching everything from me. I will snatch everything she ever had, anything she would ever gain.

I will make her feel all that pain I had to go through, all the love I was denied. Every single bit of it.

My glance was evident as I left no reply to Mom and Dad, walking out.

By then, the sun had cast its warmth as the night fell.

I walked through the half-lit road.

If I were to go to his mansion, wouldn't he think I was just desperate?

But where else would I go?

I had no option as I went straight to his mansion.

With a knock, one of his maids opened the door.

"Who are you, Mrs...?" she asked.

What was I to say? But really, it wasn't truly official yet.

"I am here to see Sebastian Hawthorne..." I uttered.

"Oh, the boss isn't quite around..." she replied.

"Can I wait?"

"Hmm, alright then, please come in..." she said.

As I gently came in, I sat down on the couch as I gently waited for his arrival.

After some minutes had passed, I heard a car park as he stepped in. His eyes caught sight of mine; I could sense he was quite shocked to see me.

"You're earlier than expected. What made you change your mind?" he asked.

Ignoring his question wouldn't be easy, but I didn't want to reveal too much since I hardly trusted him yet. This was just going to be a business agreement between the two of us. "Just wanted to escape something from my mind," I said.

"I see," he replied finally. "Well, since you're here, we might as well begin our travels. It'll be a good opportunity for us to get to know each other and discuss our future plans."

The mention of travel made me uneasy. What did he mean by travel? What about my job and insurance? "I thought you said you would get me a job at Kensington Global Innovation as their Chief Technology Officer, " I asked.

"As I said, I shall fulfill my part of the contract. You can rest assured. But surely the world wouldn't just believe I slept overnight, got a bride the next day, and returned to work immediately... I would surely love to avoid the stress," he explained.

My mind went silent as his gaze locked on me, expecting a response. Maybe I also needed a break and some time to get back at Evelyn and Aiden. I nodded, and he gave me a pleased smile.

"Now, why don't you rest? I shall deal with the bookings and all," he said, gripping his phone as he left, climbing the stairs.

As he disappeared from view, a mixture of emotions filled me-relief that he hadn't pressed for more information but also uncertainty about what lay ahead. Traveling with him would be a challenge, especially since I still didn't fully trust him.

I entered the room he had indicated, my thoughts drifting to my dream job at Kensington Global Innovation, now seemingly on hold. But perhaps this break was what I needed-a chance to clear my head, focus on my goals, and return stronger than ever. And who knew what opportunities this journey might provide?

A sense of resignation washed over me. I would just have to wait and see how things played out.

As I lay on the luxurious bed, taking in the grandeur of the room and the stunning view, unease crept in, and I wondered what other surprises were in store for me. But for now, I needed to rest and regroup.

Closing my eyes, I attempted to calm my racing thoughts. But my mind kept wandering back to Sebastian and the enigmatic smile he had given me.

What had I gotten myself into?