The Billionaire's Twisted Crown

Scarlett lay fast asleep when her phone buzzed again. For the third time.

She groaned and snatched it up without checking the caller ID.

"Hello? Who is this? Speak up...I can barely hear you!"

A sharp voice pierced through the speaker, jolting her fully awake.

"What the hell, Scarlett! Why can't you fucking pick up your damn phone? I've called you like...what? A million times already!"

Scarlett rolled her eyes, her voice thick with annoyance.

"What do you want this time, it's almost midnight, can't I get some sleep?"

The voice snapped back, furious.

"Bitch, you don't talk to me like that. I've sent you an address. Fucking wake up and get the hell out of the shit you're sleeping on and bring my necklace to me now!. It's at the top of my dresser!"

Of course. Isabella.

Her cousin. The queen of entitlement and...

Scarlett blinked, finally registering the demand.

"Wait, what? Now? You can't be serious...it's 10:58 p.m."

But the line had already gone dead.

She sighed, what was she expecting, dragging herself out of bed. She knew better than to defy Isabella. The consequences were never worth it. So she got dressed and stepped into the cold night. By the time she found a taxi, it was already 11:10. Exhausted, she kept dozing off in the back seat, her body begging for sleep. She wanted to turn back. To crawl under her blanket and forget the world.

But they never let her be.

She didn't know why Isabella needed the necklace so urgently, especially at this hour. Isabella was wicked and manipulative, and always two steps ahead for this reason Scarlett had long learned to stay quiet.

Her cousin had always acted like the world owed her everything. And Scarlett? She was just the unfortunate one who had to serve her. It had been that way ever since her parents died in a car accident 10 years ago and her aunt had to move in with her perfect...daughter.

Reluctantly, Scarlett arrived at the address Isabella had sent.

Stepping out of the cab, she gasped.

The mansion was breathtaking. Towering columns, glittering chandeliers visible through tall windows, and a fleet of luxury cars parked like trophies. She wondered how Isabella got to be invited to such a luxurious place. She barely had time to take it in before a maid appeared.

"Are you Scarlett Brooks?"

Scarlett turned. "Yes... I am. How can I help you?"

"Miss Isabella Martin asked that I bring you in," the maid replied.

She followed her through a back entrance and into a lavish room. There sat Isabella, draped in a silk evening gown, sipping champagne like she'd invented it.

"Hello, cousin..." Scarlett began.

"Did you bring the necklace?" Isabella snapped.

Scarlett nodded, reaching into her bag. "Yes, I-"

"Then why are you standing there like a fish? Hand it over before you ruin it."

Yeah, that's if fish could stand. Scarlett thought but said nothing.

She walked into the room, towards Isabella but before she could walk further Isabella snatched the necklace from her hand without a glance.

No thank you. No apology. Just pure entitlement.

Scarlett watched her cousin admire herself in the mirror after putting it on, adjusting the necklace like it was a crown.

"How do I look?" Isabella asked.

Scarlett opened her mouth, but Isabella waved her off.

"Never mind. You wouldn't know fashion even if it slapped you in the face."

Scarlett's jaw tightened. Her voice was low. "I'm done here. Can I go now?"

"No. Stay. I might need something else later."

Isabella turned to leave, then paused at the door.

"Aren't you coming out? Or do you plan to steal something?"

Scarlett's heart thudded. That was low...even more so, for Isabella.

"You know what?" she said, her voice trembling. "I'm done with you. I'm leaving."

She turned to go.

"Did I say you could leave?" Isabella shrieked. "Go to the party. Wait for me there. And don't show yourself until I tell you to. Just find a corner and hide your pathetic self."

Scarlett muttered under her breath. "do you always have to insult me in every given opportunity."

"Did you say something ?" Isabella asked.

Scarlett startled, replied. "No...Nothing...I didn't say anything".

"Good, now get lost!

Scarlett left anyway, she would rather be anywhere, but close to Isabella. She was too tired to argue...too drained to fight.

Checking the time with her phone it was already midnight, and the mansion was far from home. It would take almost an hour to get back home, that's if it's possible to get a taxi at this hour.

She stepped into the party...and her stomach dropped.

Harry Kosh.

Her boyfriend.

The man she'd loved for two years.

He was laughing, surrounded by guests. And then she saw the banner:

Happy Birthday, Harry.

Her heart skipped. His birthday? He told her it was next month...

She was about to confront him when Isabella walked up to him...and he kissed her.

On the lips.

Wait! He kissed her.

ON THE LIPS.

Scarlett froze. Her world tilted, and her vision blurred.

No. No. No, this isn't happening...

Then Harry dropped to one knee.

"Isabella Martin," he said, his voice trembling with rehearsed emotion, "From the first day I saw you two years ago, I knew you were the one. Will you marry me and make me the happiest man alive?"

Scarlett's breath caught. Her chest burned.

Two years? That's how long they'd been together. How could he?

How could they?

How did this happen?

A lot of questions were running through Scarlett's head at the moment, questions she didn't have answers to.

But then Isabella glanced at her with a smug flicker of victory, showing it was deliberate and clearly a setup.

Then turned back to Harry with fake tears and a practiced smile.

"Yes," she whispered.

The crowd erupted in applause.

Scarlett's world shattered.

She wanted to scream. To run. To disappear.

But her body betrayed her. She marched forward, her eyes locked on them. They were kissing...passionately. Like Scarlett wasn't even there.

This was Isabella's plans, she wanted to humiliate Scarlett and watch her break, to relish in Scarlett's pain, she had intentionally left the necklace at home knowing Scarlett couldn't say no to her errands of bringing the necklace over to the party,

And ohh! Isabella was such a witch as Scarlett now finally understands why Isabella had called her here with the stupid excuse of some damn necklace.

With the anger and range boiling through Scarlett, she furiously yanked them apart.

She was very sure they had felt her presence but just choose to ignore her and intensifying their kiss

What the fuck bitch, Isabella snapped.

Scarlett ignored her. Her eyes burned into Harry's.

"How dare you," she hissed. "How dare you cheat on me with her? What the hell is this?"

Harry looked embarrassed about Scarlett's intruding behavior in front of his guests.

He glanced at the stunned crowd.

Before he could speak, Scarlett slapped him. Hard. His face snapped to the side.

"You lied to me!" she screamed. "You used me!..."

Before she could finish, cold liquid splashed over her head. Champagne. Her white shirt clung to her skin, nearly transparent.

She gasped.

Then...

SLAP.

Her ears rang. She turned just in time to see Isabella dropping her hand, her eyes blazing as she spat. "You bitch! How dare you humiliate my fiancé on his birthday...in his house...and in front of me!, did you forget your place?"

The crowd was silent. A pin drop would've echoed.

Scarlett held her cheek, trembling. Her eyes darted between them. She was beyond hurt. Her breath hitched furiously like she was about to explode.

Scarlett and Isabella had not always been best of cousins. But she remembered two years ago when she had first introduced Harry to her family Isabella had suddenly become warm and friendly for weeks, and later Harry had become unavailable for reasons he didn't bother to explain she had always been patient, God! She had been so patient thinking he was having a hard time.

Later Isabella started coming home late, something she wouldn't come back for days and when she did Mrs Martin, Isabella's mother who happens to be my aunt would be so pleased that she would even scoff at me.

Now Scarlett could understand how it came to this unfortunate heartbreak.

Scarlett tried reassuring herself that Harry wasn't doing this on his own free will, he had always been the one person she'd cry to anytime Isabella or her aunt hurts her.

Maybe Harry is being manipulated by Isabella.

But when he looked at her...his eyes were cold and cruel.

"Bitch," he said. "Do I fucking know you...are you crazy! What the hell is wrong with you?"

Scarlett's heart shattered.

She couldn't believe what she was hearing.

Harry, her boyfriend...no her now ex boyfriend was asking if he knew her. As if they hadn't dated for two years back in college. As if he hadn't once called her his dream girl. He had been Prince Charming, the man every girl wanted. And she felt lucky.

Now, it felt like a nightmare.

Her jaw dropped, her heart pounding in disbelief.

Then Isabella launched into her performance.

"I'm your cousin," she said, her voice dripping with mockery. "You should be happy for me, not ruin my engagement and embarrass yourself. Don't go giving Harry a name that's not his. I mean, where would you find a man like him with your poor-ass life, bitch? Like he said...he doesn't know you. And I don't think I've ever introduced you to him. So what are you saying? Don't tell me you've gone crazy."

Scarlett stared at them, stunned. Their lies were so smooth, and rehearsed, painting themselves as innocent and her as some jealous lunatic.

Isabella hadn't expected Scarlett to cause a scene at her engagement party. Thankfully, Harry had thought fast. Good, Isabella mused. When I get home, I'm going to put this girl in her place. Teach her a lesson she won't forget.

Scarlett opened her mouth to defend herself, but Harry cut in.

"Apologize to my fiancee and me now!," he said coldly, "or I'll have you kicked out."

He hadn't expected Scarlett to show up tonight. But now that she had, he wasn't going to explain anything. He didn't love her. He just didn't want his image ruined in front of the crowd.

Scarlett's eyes widened. Apologize? To them? After everything?

She clenched her fists, her voice trembling with fury. "You should be apologizing to me."

Scarlett, not wanting to be around them, turned and stormed out.

Isabella made a move to follow her, but Harry grabbed her wrist. "Not now, let's act generous. People are watching. You can deal with her as you please later."

They both composed themselves, turning their attention back to the crowd.

Isabella smiled sweetly. "Sorry about that," she said with a light laugh. "She's not really... okay. If you get what I mean."

The crowd chuckled awkwardly, murmuring in agreement, eager to stay in Harry's good graces. No one wanted to be on the wrong side of the man with connections.

Scarlett, meanwhile, grabbed two drinks from a passing waiter and downed them in quick, angry gulps. Then took a third drink. The alcohol burned her throat, but she didn't care. She was completely drunk now as her eyes locked onto Isabella and Harry with pure venom.

Isabella caught her gaze and smirked, lips curling in a way that screamed loser.

Scarlett couldn't take it anymore.

She snatched her bag, ready to leave...even if it was midnight, even if she had no ride home.

But just as she reached the door

It burst open.

***

Earlier at the gate of the estate.The tires of Alejandro Moritz's Maybach moved against the gravel as it pulled into the driveway. He hadn't planned to return tonight, his penthouse would've sufficed If not for his supposed fiancee, invading his privacy and insisted on moving in, so he made an excuse and left, he couldn't be under the same roof with her, he needed a quiet place away from...everything and everyone.

Instead, he got...a loud noise coming from his mansion.

Alejandro turned to his assistant David. And asked "what's going on?"

But David was just as shocked.

Music pulsed from inside the house, vibrating through the marble walls. Cars lined the driveway like a showroom. The scent of smoke and alcohol hung in the air like a fog. Alejandro's jaw clenched as it clicked immediately in his head.

A party in his own house. His property. He immediately stepped out of the car without waiting for David to open the car door, who could have the guts to throw a party In his property and how did they pass through his securities. Alejandro was so furious as he emmited a murderous aura.

David, his assistant couldn't help but shiver, as he trailed behind Alejandro, he was pale and silent. He knew the storm brewing beneath that tailored suit.

Alejandro Moritz was not a man to be crossed. He was power incarnate intimidating, magnetic, and merciless when provoked.

When they stepped into the mansion.

The grand foyer had been transformed into a club. Strobe lights danced. Strangers laughed and drank on his Persian rugs. And there, in the center of "HIS FUCKING LIVING ROOM" was Harry Kosh, Beatrice Simpson cousin, laughing and drinking, with his arms wrapped around a woman, Alejandro didn't care to know about and at the top of his wall was a decorative banner and written on it was "Happy birthday Harry".

The music didn't stop as everyone's attention was so drawn to the newly engaged couples who were now kissing.

In the next second Alejandro's voice thundered through the room, silencing their laughter and freezing their movement.

"What the hell is going on here?"

***

When the door slammed open, Scarlett was the first to see him.

Alejandro Moritz.

The man Harry had always idolized. The man she had only seen in magazines and headlines. The billionaire enigma with cold eyes and colder reputation.

She blinked, too stunned. Alejandro was beautiful at the same time handsome, he was easily the most handsome man she had seen. With an aura that screamed danger.

She remembered how Harry used to brag about being "connected" to the Moritz family. How he'd drop Alejandro's name like a badge of honor, hoping to impress anyone who'd listen. He'd always wanted to be seen as someone important. Someone powerful.

But this...this was the first time Scarlett was seeing Alejandro in person.

And something reckless bloomed inside her.

She was tired. Tired of being invisible. Tired of betrayal. Tired of being used and discarded like trash.

Before logic could intervene and her fear could stop her, Scarlett walked straight toward Alejandro.

Standing on her tiptoe and trying her best to keep her balance.

She kissed him...softly and deliberately.

And whispered against his lips,

"Will you marry me, Mr. Moritz?"

Scarlett's action brought the crowd undivided attention as heads turned and conversations died. Isabella gasped. Harry looked up, his face draining of color.

Scarlett didn't care. She was angry. Her heart was broken. And maybe...just maybe...she was done being the girl who got played and used.

The room was frozen in stunned silence,

Alejandro stood like a statue, unmoved and unreadable.

Scarlett's lips had barely left his when she whispered, "Will you marry me?"

His eyes locked onto hers. Cold. Calculating and Curious about who this lady might be and what her motive is.

Her heart pounded. The boldness she earlier portrayed was fading fast, replaced by adrenaline and a creeping sense of dread. What had she just done?

Alejandro tilted his head slightly, studying her like a puzzle.

"You're drunk," he said, voice low and sharp. "And reckless."

Scarlett swallowed. "Maybe" she said. But inside her head it was "I'm done for, how could I have...ohh God, Please! Please! Please! don't let him humiliate me in front of everyone."

Behind them, Harry's arm had slipped from Isabella's waist. Her smug smile faltered. The crowd murmured, shifting uncomfortably, unsure whether to stay or flee.

Alejandro turned to Harry, his voice slicing through the tension like a blade.

"You throw a party in my house. Propose to a woman. And you didn't think to ask for my permission?"

Harry scrambled to his feet, panic flashing in his eyes. "Bro, I... I didn't think you'd be back tonight."

Alejandro's brow arched. "You called me 'bro'? That's funny. I don't recall having a brother."

Harry's face turned ghostly pale. The crowd stared at him, stunned into silence.

Everyone had believed the Kosh family had a close relationship with the Moritz. But now... this? What were they hearing?

The truth was, Harry had only met Alejandro twice. Once at a corporate event where Alejandro had been the keynote speaker. And the second time, briefly, at Alejandro's mother's birthday party...where his cousin Beatrice had introduced Alejandro as her fiancé.

Alejandro's gaze swept across the room, cold and commanding. "Everyone out. Now."

No shouting. No threats. Just a simple, quiet command.

The guests scattered like leaves in a storm.

Isabella, however, wasn't done. She stepped forward, her voice sharp. "Excuse me, this is my fiancé's house."

Harry's eyes widened in horror. He reached out and pinched her arm, trying to stop her from saying more. "Don't," he hissed under his breath.

But Isabella, in her arrogance, ignored him. She thought Alejandro was overstepping. She hadn't fully seen his face yet...he was still standing in the shadows.

"This is my fiancé's house," she repeated, louder this time. "How dare you disrupt my engagement party!"

Harry wished he could disappear. He couldn't decide if Isabella was just prideful...or stupidly ignorant.

He snapped. "Stop it! It's his house!"

Isabella froze, stunned. Her mouth opened, then closed. She looked around, realizing the crowd was gone. Only a few staff remained, watching in horror.

Scarlett, meanwhile, stood to the side, arms crossed, watching the chaos unfold. For once, she wasn't the one being humiliated. And it felt...undeniably satisfying.

When Isabella heard this she turned and face Harry her voice rising as she shouted at him, Harry was shocked by her outburst but couldn't accept being humiliated by a woman so he shouted back at her, and they both turned on each other, their voices rising in a heated argument.

Alejandro had had enough.

"Get the fuck out of my house," he barked, stepping fully into the light.

Isabella turned...and her breath caught.

She hadn't seen his face before. But now, she was speechless. Alejandro Moritz was devastatingly handsome, his presence overwhelming. His tailored suit clung to his tall frame like armor. His eyes were sharp, his jaw set.

She gave him a shy smile, suddenly flustered. Her anger melted into something else entirely. She was ogling him.

Harry's jaw clenched. He hadn't expected Isabella to flirt with another man...especially not in front of him.

Alejandro's expression darkened. Her reaction only fueled his disgust.

He snapped his fingers, and two of his men stepped forward.

"Throw them out," he ordered.

Harry and Isabella were dragged toward the door, still bickering.

Scarlett took a step forward, intending to follow them out quietly.

But Alejandro raised a hand.

"You stay," he said, pointing directly at her.

Scarlett froze.

She had wanted to make a quiet escape. But now... It seemed impossible.

Earlier she couldn't help but watch her ex and Isabella disgrace themselves.

Scarlett's knees nearly buckled. She hadn't expected this. She hadn't expected anything.

The room emptied and silence settled in.

Alejandro walked to the bar, poured himself a drink, then turned to face Scarlett.

"Now," he said, sipping slowly. "Let's talk about the...kiss."

Scarlett's breath caught.

Alejandro's eyes landed on Scarlett again. "You kissed me. Why?"

Scarlett hesitated. Then, with a shaky breath, she said, "Because I wanted to show him"..."no, I wanted to take revenge."

The silence in the mansion was almost suffocating. The only sound now was the faint ticking of the grandfather clock in the corner.

Scarlett stood near the fireplace, arms folded tightly, her breath shallow. Alejandro Moritz leaned against the bar, his tailored suit immaculate, his gaze sharp and unreadable.

He broke the silence first.

Alejandro coolly said "So that's your reason? To kiss me in front of strangers? Bold move. But a foolish decision."

Scarlett's lips parted, her voice dry.

"I wasn't thinking. I just..."

Alejandro snapped. "And that makes it worse. You weren't thinking. You acted. Did you really believe I'd choose you to be my bride? Or was that just your excuse to get my attention?"

Scarlett's jaw clenched. Her heart thudded. Anger flared in her chest, but words failed her.

Scarlett muttered. "I wasn't trying to get your attention."

Alejandro chuckled, low and sharp.

"You're a terrible liar. But bold. That's intriguing."

Scarlett stepped forward, her voice steadier now.

"I wasn't trying to impress you. I...I just wanted to get back at Harry for cheating on me with my cousin."

Alejandro circled around her slowly

"What does that have to do with me, Were you trying to humiliate your ex or me? Make a scene? Or did you really want to be my wife?"

Scarlett blinked, stunned by the question. She hadn't expected him to take her seriously. She hadn't expected anything beyond rejection or mockery. But now, standing in his living room, she felt the weight of her impulsive decision pressing down on her chest.

What was I thinking? He's powerful and dangerous. And I kissed him.

"Answer me."

His voice snapped her out of her thoughts. She swallowed hard.

"I just wanted to tell Harry that I could always find better. And what better way than to marry someone...better?"

Alejandro's gaze sharpened.

"So I was your choice of upgrade."

The air between them thickened. Alejandro studied her like a predator sizing up its prey...curious, calculating and dangerous.

He stepped closer, his voice low. "Then tell me, what's in it for me if I marry you?"

Scarlett's breath caught. She hadn't thought that far. She hadn't expected him to entertain the idea, let alone ask what he'd gain. Alejandro Moritz had everything. What could she possibly offer?

Her silence stretched.

Alejandro scoffed. "I guess you have nothing to offer."

His gaze didn't waver. It raked her slowly and deliberately, from her tousled hair to the blush blooming on her cheeks, down to the curve of her waist. He didn't hide his disappointment.

"Tsk. Tsk. Tsk. You're just below average. I'm sure you must be delusional to make such a request."

Scarlett dropped her gaze as Shame washed over her. Her stomach twisted and her chest burned. She was angry at Harry, and everyone else. But mostly at herself.

Alejandro's eyes remained pinned on her. Her kiss had startled him. She seemed drunk. And when she asked him to marry her, he knew something was wrong. But it was also... perfect. He needed a solution to his problem. And she might just be it. But he couldn't trust her.

He stepped even closer, his hands brushing her hair slightly, as he played with the strands .

"You see, I can't marry a...nobody. And definitely not for your sick revenge plan."

Scarlett's head snapped up. Her voice now sharp and laced with fury.

"I might be a nobody...but you don't need to insult me. My actions were impulsive, yes. But I don't want to marry a man like you either. You're not even to my taste. So let's just forget this ever happened."

Alejandro blinked. For the first time, he looked genuinely surprised.

He opened his mouth to reply, but she cut him off.

"Don't bother. I'll take my leave now."

But Alejandro stopped her. "It's 1 a.m. You can stay for the night. Leave in the morning."

Scarlett was about to refuse, pride flaring again, when he added, "If anything happens to you, I won't be responsible."

He called a maid to lead her to a guest room. This time, Scarlett didn't refuse. It would be foolish to leave at this ungodly hour without a personal car. She nodded silently and followed the maid.

Alejandro watched her go, his expression unreadable.