You All Gonna Pay For My Mother's Death

"Scarlet Young!"

The shout hit me square in the ears the moment I stepped into my father's office, even before I could fully close the door. My father, David Young, was already glaring at me from behind his mahogany desk. His hands were gripping a stack of documents that seemed far more interesting than I was.

"What do you want, coming here again? What pressing business do you have that you'd dare interrupt my work?!"

No smile, no warm welcome from the person who was supposed to be my parent. I stopped right in the middle of the room. My eyes scanned the lavish office. "Relax, Dad," I said, walking closer, stopping a few feet from his desk. My gaze was steady, piercing his dominant expression. "I won't be long. Just want a little chat with you."

Dad snorted, like an agitated bull. "I don't have time for your pointless chatter. What's your problem? Spit it out, I've got work to do!"

I knew his game. He always belittled me, as if I were just a whining child. I let a small smirk play on my lips. Then, without being asked, I pulled up a chair in front of him and casually dropped into it. I crossed my legs. My elbow rested on the chair's back, and my other hand deliberately held my phone. Dad stared at my legs, then back at my eyes, his disgusted expression not hidden in the least.

"Since when have we ever had a decent conversation? Don't make me laugh, Scarlet."

"Maybe never. But today will be different." I gave a thin smile. "Because this time, our conversation is very important."

He set his pen down. "Say it quickly, don't waste my time."

I let out a sigh, feigning boredom. "Alright, if you want to speed things up." I swiped the phone screen, opening a video file. "Dad likes looking at the past, right? I have something you might enjoy."

I turned my phone so the screen faced him. The video began to play. Dad furrowed his brows, trying to understand what was happening.

The video was a recording taken 15 years ago, with my phone. I was hiding behind a pillar, as my father fought with my mother, defending his mistress. My father slapped and choked my mother by the staircase. In a fit of rage, he punched her, causing her to faint and fall from the third floor of the house. My father is an influential man. His wealth brought him close to several important institutions. My mother's death was considered an ordinary accident. But I was a witness to that event. My mother once told me not to interfere in their arguments. I just needed to hide and record everything secretly.

Dad froze. His hands, which had been resting on the documents, slowly clenched. His eyes were glued to the screen, his face drained of all color. Dad's hand slammed down on the desk.

"What is this?!" His voice thundered.

I pulled my phone back. "Why? Surprised?" I could see the veins bulging in his neck.

"Where did you get this?!" Dad stood up, his body tense.

"That's not the important question. The important question is, why do I have this video now."

Instantly, Dad reached out. His hand was rough, veins prominent. He shot forward, grabbed my wrist, and ripped the phone from my grasp. With a brutal jerk, he slammed my phone onto his desk. My phone screen spiderwebbed into a thousand cracks, shattering to pieces.

"Don't you dare play games with me, Scarlet!" He stared at me, his eyes burning red. "Are you tired of being alive?"

"Then try it," I retorted coldly. I met his gaze, unblinking. "Just kill me."

His face hardened, momentarily startled by my blatant challenge. Then, a cruel smirk twisted his lips. "Don't underestimate me, Ice. You know I can do it. And no one would ever know."

"Oh, they'd know alright." I leaned back in the chair, my gaze still calm. This was the moment I'd been waiting for. I reached into my blazer pocket, pulling out a small recording device that had been capturing our entire conversation. I placed it on the desk, right next to my demolished phone. "I didn't come here unprepared. Did you think I was that stupid?"

He stared at the recorder, then back at me.

"Before I came in, I'd already coordinated with my colleague." I explained. "She has a copy of the video you just destroyed. And she has clear instructions."

Dad swallowed hard. His face shifted from rage to alarm.

"If I don't walk out of this office alive and well within the hour, all that evidence will be spread far and wide. Including the video of Mom's murder." I added, my tone cutting. "Everyone will know who killed Mom. And who's going to end up in prison for life."

Dad's eyes widened. His face was ghostly pale. Fear emerged in his eyes, replacing his surging anger. His hands trembled subtly.

"What do you want, Scarlet?" he asked.

I smiled in satisfaction. "It's simple. I want my inheritance. Mom's company shares. All the parts that rightfully belonged to her. I want Mom's name listed as a co-founder, and I, as her sole heir, will take over all her rights and responsibilities."

Dad glared again. "No way!" He pointed at me, his rage spiking once more. "That's part of the company's assets! That's part of my empire!"

"Empire?" I let out a small, mocking laugh. "Without Mom, you're nothing, Dad. Everyone knows that. Mom built this company with you. She was the brains. She owned most of the initial shares. So, my inheritance isn't just an asset. It's my right. And now, I want it back."

"I'll never give it to you!" he yelled, his eyes filled with pure hatred. "I'll kill you!"

I sighed, once again as if he were a petulant child. "I just told you. If I die, everything comes out. The video of Mom's murder. Everything will become public consumption. And I'm sure the board members, the investors, won't like that news. The company will be ruined. Your name will be dragged through the mud for generations. Even your other kids will bear the shame."

I pulled out my second phone, which I'd kept hidden. Its screen lit up. I pretended to dial a number. "Should I call my colleague now? Tell her I'm not coming home and she can release everything she has?" I looked at the clock on the wall. "Looks like we don't have much time, Dad."

Dad stared at the phone in my hand, then shifted his gaze to my eyes. His breathing was heavy. He understood. He knew I wasn't playing around.

"Fine," he choked out the word through gritted teeth, his voice hoarse and barely audible. "You win, Scarlet. I'll give you the shares. But don't expect me to let you breathe easy after this."

I grinned with satisfaction. "That's a good promise, Dad. I'll be waiting." I stood up from the chair, turning my body. There was no more conversation to be had.

"Then," I said, walking towards the door, "handle all the paperwork. I'll send my lawyer to make sure everything is in order." I reached the threshold, opening the door.

Before stepping out, I proudly flicked my long, dark hair, throwing one last glance at Dad, who was still sitting stiffly behind his desk, his eyes filled with venom.

First mission, accomplished. Now, the real revenge begins.

I was in my car when a message popped up on my other phone.

[Mia]: Miss, Vivian's hosting dinner tonight. They've invited Mr. Lucas Becker. Seven o'clock.

My eyebrow shot up. Lucas Becker. That name immediately snagged my attention.

I let out a cynical laugh. A family dinner, huh? I jerked the steering wheel hard, changing the car's direction. My plan to just go home to my own mansion vanished in an instant. Tonight, I was heading back to that lion's den. Not as a captive, but as the most lethal uninvited guest.

I floored it to my usual salon, an exclusive spot downtown that operates 24/7. Whenever I show up, they're ready. The moment I walked in, the staff were already greeting me, sharp as ever.

"Evening, Miss Young," one of my top stylists said, instantly understanding from my look that this was an urgent mission.

"I need something fresh," I said simply. "And do my hair too."

They didn't ask a lot of questions. They were well-trained. Two people immediately swarmed around me. One started on my face, the other's hands were already busy working on my long hair.

I looked at myself in the mirror. Those eyes, their gaze hadn't faded. If anything, it was sharper now. The smile forming on my lips was a predator's sneer.

Fifteen years ago, I was a scared little girl. Now, I'm a woman ready to devour. In less than an hour, my transformation was complete.

At my mansion, I headed straight to the dressing room, pulling out a black evening gown, heavily adorned with crystals.

Once everything was ready, I left my mansion. Driving my car toward my father's house.

I arrived at six PM, an hour before Lucas Becker was expected. On purpose. I wanted to give them plenty of time to panic because of my arrival.

The gate opened automatically as soon as the sensors detected my car. I parked in the guest area, not the family garage.

I walked inside and was immediately greeted by Mia.

"Welcome, Miss," Mia said.

Before I could even reply, a shrill voice shrieked from the living room. "Scarlet?! What are you doing here?!"

That was Sarah, my stepmother, with the same old expression: angry and displeased. She was already dressed up, wearing a bright red cocktail dress.

But her shock wasn't just about my arrival. There was something else. Sarah's eyes swept over my appearance from head to toe. She definitely saw how much I'd changed.

I offered a slight smile. "Hello, Stepmother." My voice was calm, commanding the entire room. "Don't tell me you're not happy I came?"

Sarah stepped forward, her hands clenched into fists. "Get out of here right now, Scarlet! You're not invited! Your father doesn't even know you're coming! This is a family event!"

I just breezed past Sarah, sauntered over to the plush cream sofa, and casually dropped onto it, crossing my long legs. "Mia," I called out, my voice loud enough for everyone to hear. "Please get me a drink. Fresh orange juice, not too sweet."

Sarah absolutely shrieked. "Mia, don't! Don't serve her! Scarlet, I told you to get out of here!" Her face was bright red, barely containing her explosive rage.

I turned to her. "Why? Is there a problem?" I asked with feigned innocence. "Or do you just not want a scene when your special guest arrives?"

Sarah's expression hardened. She took a long, deep breath, trying to compose herself. "Vivian's boyfriend is coming over. He'll be having dinner with us tonight. I don't want any trouble. So, for Vivian's sake, just leave. You can come some other time."

"Oh, really?" I sneered. "I see. Well, in that case, I want to join this dinner too. I want to get to know Vivian's 'boyfriend.' Who knows, he might be interesting."

Vivian appeared. "You are not joining our dinner!"

"Oh, him? The same guy who used to chase me all the way to campus?" I saw Vivian hiss in anger. "Interesting. In that case, I absolutely have to be here."

Sarah ran out of patience. She stomped over to me. "Scarlet, stop messing around! I said, leave!" Her hand reached out, trying to grab my arm. I anticipated her move. Quick as a flash, I caught her hand, twisting it behind her back.

"Aaah!" Sarah shrieked in pain, her arm contorted behind her back. Her eyes were wide with shock and agony.

Vivian lunged forward. "Mom! Scarlet, what are you doing?!" Her hand flew up, aiming to slap me. I saw it coming. Quickly, I shoved Sarah, making her stumble sideways, then with one easy motion, I parried Vivian's hand. She lost her balance.

Just then, Mia arrived with the orange juice. I grabbed it and splashed the contents right into Vivian's face.

"You bitch!" Vivian screamed hysterically. Her face was soaked, her makeup running. "Dad! Dad! Look what she did!"

Moments later, heavy footsteps echoed from the staircase. Dad appeared. His eyes swept over the scene in the living room. I sat calmly on the sofa, arms crossed over my chest with a satisfied smirk.

"What is going on?!" Dad thundered.

Vivian immediately pointed at me. "Dad! Look at her! She threw a drink at me! She hurt Mom! She came uninvited!"

Dad stared at me, then shifted his gaze to Sarah and Vivian. He let out a long sigh. "Sarah, Vivian, shut up!" They were stunned. He was telling them to shut up. "Go fix yourselves up! The guest will be here soon!"

Sarah stared at Dad in disbelief. "But, honey-"

"I said, shut up!" Dad cut her off. "Go change. Now!"

Sarah and Vivian exchanged venomous glares at me, but they didn't dare defy Dad. With annoyed grumbles and barely audible curses, they turned and hurried upstairs, leaving me alone with Dad.

Dad gave me a sharp look. "Scarlet," he said. "Don't make trouble. You know we have an important guest coming."

I scoffed, my expression flat. "I'm just welcoming them, Dad. What's wrong with that?"

Dad just shook his head, giving up. He turned, walking towards his study at the end of the corridor, perhaps to avoid further problems, or maybe because he himself didn't know what to do with me.

I straightened my legs again, enjoying the sudden silence that fell over the room. A soft chime sounded. It was the doorbell.

Mia rushed to open the front door. A man stood in the doorway, tall, in an expensive suit that fit him perfectly. His dark hair was neatly combed, and his eyes immediately locked onto mine, as if he already knew I'd be there.

I stared back at him. A subtle winning smile played on my lips. "Hello, Lucas," I thought to myself.

Lucas Becker.

He looked at me, his eyes betraying a hint of surprise, then his expression hardened. He shifted his gaze, as if I were something he didn't want to see.

My foot swung gracefully, carrying me closer to Lucas Becker, who was still standing stiffly in the doorway, his eyes darting away from me. There was a palpable disgust on his face, as if my very presence here was a stain ruining his evening.

"I can't believe you're here, Scarlet," Lucas hissed, seething with annoyance. "What are you doing? Stirring up trouble again?"

I stopped a few steps from him, close enough to make sure he couldn't ignore me. My smile was a thin mask.

"Why? Am I messing with your plans, Lucas?" My gaze cut right through him. "Have you forgotten this is my father's house? Sarah, that mistress, might be his wife. But I? I have rights here too. More than you could ever imagine."

Lucas clenched his jaw. His eyes now blazed into mine. "Stop hurting Vivian, Scarlet. She's innocent in all of this. You're cruel."

No sooner had those words left Lucas's mouth than Vivian's shriek echoed from the top of the stairs.

"Lucas!" Vivian flew down the steps in a different dress, looking fresh and as if nothing had happened. She practically launched herself into Lucas's arms, hugging him tightly as if I weren't even there. Her lips immediately found his, a kiss that was too long, too performative, and right in front of me.

A wave of revulsion washed over me. My stomach churned watching that display. But more than that, there was another sting. Pain. A familiar ache, one I'd buried for so long.

Lucas was my first love. A love I thought was dead. But seeing this, my heart throbbed with agony. I still loved him. Dammit.

Vivian pulled away from Lucas, looking at me with a triumphant gleam she couldn't hide. "Ice, darling, come join us for dinner." Her voice was sickly sweet, sly as hell. This was clearly a trap. She wanted to humiliate me at the dinner table.

I didn't flinch. Only a faint smile was my reply. With effortless grace, I turned my back on them. "Of course. Why not?" I sauntered past them, heading toward the dining room as if I were the true mistress of this mansion. Not her, not her mother.

...

The dining room was already brightly lit. The long mahogany table was laden with lavish dishes. Sarah was already seated at the end of the table, her face still red with visible anger. She glared at me the moment I walked in.

"I'm watching you," Sarah hissed.

I ignored her, choosing the empty chair closest to the head of the table, where Dad would sit later.

Vivian and Lucas entered after me, Lucas's arm still wrapped around Vivian's waist. They sat across from me.

Dad finally arrived, his expression still annoyed. "Enough," he said, his voice heavy, "Let's eat. No more drama."

Everyone sat down. A short prayer was said, more like a dry formality. Then, we started eating. I reached for a plate. Deliberately, I piled on several dishes, then laughed at something obscure.

Sarah immediately snapped at me. "Scarlet, what in the world are you doing? Have you no manners?!"

I turned to her, the spoon in my hand still mid-air. "Oh, my apologies, Stepmother. I'm just so impressed. This food looks incredibly fancy. Did you order this from a five-star restaurant? To welcome a special guest? Wow, so the resident chef isn't quite up to snuff these days, huh?" My tone was dripping with sarcasm.

Vivian immediately shot back. "What are you talking about, Ice?! I cooked all of this myself! Every single dish!" Her face flushed, but her eyes held a defensive glint.

I shot her a sharp look. Liar. I knew she couldn't even fry an egg without burning it.

Lucas was quick to defend Vivian. "That's right, Scarlet. Vivian really is a great cook. Her cooking is one of the things that made me fall for her back in college." He glared at me, annoyed. "Maybe you're just jealous because you can't do the same."

Lucas's words hit me like a punch to the gut. I froze. Cooking? Back in college? The thing that made him fall for her?

My mind raced backward. That cooking... the packed lunches I often brought for Lucas when he was busy training. The lunches that always disappeared from his locker. Or the lunch I'd made with all my heart, the last time I gave it directly to him... and he threw it in the trash right in front of me, saying he didn't need my pity.

He said Vivian made all that food. I had forgotten. I didn't realize...

Dad cleared his throat loudly. He looked from me to Lucas, then back. "I want a peaceful dinner. No more arguments." His voice clearly ended the debate.

I lowered my gaze, pretending to focus on my food, but my mind and heart were still reeling. Could Vivian really have cooked for Lucas?

...

After dinner, I went to the second-floor toilet.

Once inside, I heard Vivian and Sarah's voices. They were talking, seemingly unaware that anyone else was nearby. I stood by the doorframe, my hand still on the doorknob.

"I hate her, Mom!" Vivian whined, her voice thick with anger. "I can't believe she showed up! I want her out of this house as soon as possible!"

"Calm down, sweetheart," Sarah replied, trying to soothe her. "Your father won't let her do anything."

Vivian complained again. "It's not that! I just don't want Lucas to find out..."

Sarah sounded like she sighed. "Find out what?"

"I'm scared old flames might reignite, Mom!"

"Ridiculous. Lucas never liked her. He only felt sorry for her."

"No, Mom! Lucas *did* like her back then!" Vivian raised her voice. "He often praised Scarlet. If I hadn't messed with their story, Lucas would definitely be with Scarlet. I wouldn't have let that happen!"

Vivian's confession pierced my heart. I froze on the spot. Completely shocked.

All this time, I was sure Lucas hated me. I wholeheartedly believed he'd gotten rid of me, just like he'd tossed my homemade lunch in the trash. I was convinced he was disgusted by me.

But what I just heard...

He liked me?

I walked out of the toilet; both of them went pale.