Scarlet’s POVI fought him.I kicked, shoved, tried to wrench myself free, but Alex was relentless.His grip on my wrist was a steel vice as he dragged me inside his apartment. The door slammed shut behind us, sealing me inside with the man who was no longer the Alex I once knew.Or maybe I had never known him at all.“Let me go!” I screamed, yanking at his hold. “You have no right to do this!”He spun around so fast I barely saw it coming. One second, I was trying to break free—the next, I was pinned against the wall, his towering frame pressing into me, caging me in.His scent surrounded me, intoxicatingly familiar.But I wasn’t weak.Not anymore.I lifted my chin, meeting his stormy gaze. “Who I date is none of your business, Alex. You rejected me. You threw me away, so stop acting like you care.”His jaw clenched, his nostrils flaring.He didn’t like that.Good.I wasn’t finished.“Since you don’t care,” I continued, my voice laced with venom, “let’s make it official. Break the bo
I stood frozen in the middle of the restaurant, my nails digging into my palms as I watched Alex drag Scarlet away like she belonged to him.Like she was his.A frustrated scream bubbled up in my throat, but I swallowed it down, storming toward the exit instead. I needed to get out of here before I lost my mind.That bitch.Scarlet had everything—our parents' love, people's attention, and now Alex’s obsession.I clenched my fists as I pushed past the tables, my heart pounding with pure, unfiltered rage.“Watch where you’re going,” a deep, raspy voice growled.I barely registered the impact until I stumbled back, colliding with someone solid.Then I saw them.Three men.Tall, broad, and wrong.There was something off about them. The way their eyes glowed, the sharp scent of unwashed bodies and blood that clung to their skin.Rogues.My stomach twisted, and I took a step back. “Excuse me,” I muttered, trying to move past them.A hand shot out, gripping my wrist.I gasped. “Let go of me.
RYAN’S POVI sat in the dimly lit lounge, checking my watch for the third time in five minutes. The investors were supposed to be here by now. My fingers tapped restlessly against the table as I scanned the entrance.Where the hell are they?The deal was supposed to be finalized today. The funds would secure the company’s future. If this didn’t go through… No. It had to.I pulled out my phone and checked my messages. Nothing.The silence stretched. The weight of it made my gut twist.Something felt off.I signaled the waiter and ordered another coffee, trying to stay patient. I had already wired the startup funds they requested—a necessary step to secure the deal. Standard business practice, they had said.But now, they were late.Too late.I exhaled sharply and leaned back in my seat. My fingers drummed against my knee. I refused to panic. This was a legitimate deal. They wouldn’t just—My phone buzzed.I snatched it up, heart pounding. A notification flashed across the screen.Trans
ALEX'S POVEverything was falling into place. The plan I had spent years crafting was finally coming to life, and the Reed family was on the verge of destruction. Ryan had fallen for the trap, and soon, their company would crumble at their feet. They wouldn’t even see it coming.I leaned back in my chair, a slow smirk spreading across my lips as I scrolled through the latest update on my phone.Ryan was falling apart.The funds were gone.And he had no idea who did it.I tapped my fingers against my desk, watching through the tinted glass as Ryan paced the office floor below, his face twisted in frustration.Restless. Panicked.The great Ryan, the proud heir, was crumbling.And it was glorious.This was just the beginning. The company was bleeding, and soon, it would be on its knees.Just the way I planned.I chuckled under my breath. Poetic, really.They trusted me. They never saw it coming.The same way my mother never saw it coming when their greed destroyed her life.And now?Now,
My chest tightened, and a wave of dizziness washed over me. I gripped the back of a chair to steady myself. “I just—wanted to—”He looked at me, impatience clear on his face. “Scarlet, I’m busy. If this isn’t work-related, get out.”My throat closed up. The words I might be pregnant trembled on my lips, but I couldn’t say them.Instead, I nodded, turning around and nearly stumbling as I headed for the door.Once I was out in the hallway, I took a shaky breath and pressed a hand to my forehead. The room spun slightly, and I had to lean against the wall to keep from falling.This can’t be happening. Please, don’t let it be real.I forced myself to stand upright. I had to be sure.—By lunchtime, I couldn’t focus on work. My head was pounding, and my stomach felt like it was doing flips. Enough is enough.I grabbed my bag and headed to the small staff hospital located near our building. It wasn’t fancy, but it was convenient for quick check-ups.The nurse at the front desk gave me a warm
Scarlet’s POVI arrived at the office with my heart still pounding from the news I’d received at the hospital. Pregnant. The word kept echoing in my mind, filling me with equal parts terror and disbelief. But I couldn’t dwell on it now.Not when I saw my parents standing in the lobby, looking tense and out of place. They rarely visited the company in person; usually, they handled affairs from home, content to let Ryan and me manage the daily grind.What’s going on?My mother’s gaze darted around the room, her expression grim, while my father stood rigidly, arms folded, staring at the elevator doors like they might bite him.I hurried over, trying to keep my voice steady. “Mom? Dad? Why are you here?”My mother turned, and her face lit up with relief when she saw me. “Scarlet.” She grabbed my arm. “We need to talk.”My pulse kicked up a notch. Talk? About what?My father cleared his throat, his eyes never leaving the floor. “We should go somewhere private.”I nodded, glancing around. E
ALEX’S POVI watched Scarlet slip away from her desk, her eyes darting around like she was afraid of being caught. Something about the way she moved sent a prickle of suspicion up my spine.I waited until she disappeared around the corner before standing up, straightening my jacket. I couldn’t explain why I felt the need to follow her. Maybe it was the old habit of knowing where she went. Or maybe it was because she’d been acting so strange lately, and I hated being out of the loop.I made my way through the hallway, keeping my distance so she wouldn’t spot me trailing behind. As soon as she stepped outside, I quickened my pace, slipping out of the building just in time to see her hail a cab.Where the hell is she going?I didn’t have time to follow; a meeting with a board member was in ten minutes. Still, curiosity gnawed at me. Why is she sneaking out like that?When I returned to my office, I couldn’t focus. My mind kept drifting to Scarlet. Is she seeing that human again? The one
SCARLET’S POV“I still can’t believe I’m living in his house,” I whispered to myself, hugging my arms around my waist. “But what choice do I have? My parents insisted, and my home is… gone.”The parking area felt colder than usual. I peeked from behind a pillar, watching Alex stride to his car. My heart pounded with a mix of dread and relief. At least he’s leaving before I do.I closed my eyes for a moment, trying to steady my breath. Just keep it together, Scarlet. I pressed a hand to my stomach, trying to calm the panic swirling inside me. “What am I going to do?” I murmured under my breath. “I’m pregnant with a man’s child who can’t stand the sight of me.”I glanced at my phone, checking the time for what felt like the hundredth time. The screen was blurry, my hand trembling. I can’t tell if it’s the fear or the pregnancy making me shake.I took a shaky breath, pressing a hand to my stomach. “Why did everything have to get so complicated?” I whispered.A security guard passed by,
Scarlet’s POVOne second, I was talking to my co-worker, and the next, Alex had him on the ground, blood dripping from his nose.I froze, shocked, watching as Alex’s fist slammed into his jaw again."What the hell?!" I gasped, my heartbeat thundering in my ears.My co-worker—Ethan—groaned, wincing in pain, while Alex stood over him, shoulders tense, breathing like an animal ready to kill."Alex, stop!" I rushed forward, trying to grab his arm, but he barely acknowledged me.I felt anger bubbling in my chest. This was insane!Ethan wasn’t flirting with me—he wasn’t even touching me inappropriately.He was just helping.It had been an accident.I had been rushing down the hallway, completely distracted, and bumped into him.The cup of hot coffee in his hand had spilled all over both of us, and as I hissed in pain, he had grabbed my wrist gently, blowing on the burned skin to soothe it.That’s all it was.But Alex?He had walked in at the worst possible moment.And, as usual, jumped to t
SCARLET'S POVI walked into the company building, my usual calm mask in place, even as satisfaction burned inside me. Everything was falling into place exactly as I planned.And Ryan?He had no clue.I found him in his office, grinning like a fool, probably thinking he had saved his family.The blind trust in his eyes almost made me laugh.“Alex,” Ryan said the moment he saw me, his voice full of relief. “It worked. Laurent agreed to the deal. We finally have a way to save the company.”I kept my expression neutral, nodding. “That’s great news.”Ryan sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I was terrified, man. I thought we were done for.”You are. You just don’t know it yet.“I told you I wouldn’t let you go down,” I lied smoothly, placing a hand on his shoulder. “You can trust me.”Ryan let out a nervous chuckle, shaking his head. “I don’t know what I’d do without you, brother.”I forced a smile. “Neither do I.”—An hour later, I sat in my office, my phone pressed against my ear
Alex’s POVI wasn’t expecting to see her.But the moment Scarlet stepped out of the restroom, my eyes locked onto her, and something in my chest tightened.She looked pale.Too pale.Her usual fire, the spark in her eyes that always challenged me, was gone.I hated it.I stepped in front of her, blocking her path before she could disappear down the hall.“What’s wrong with you?” I demanded, my eyes searching her face, looking for any sign of weakness.She barely looked at me. “Nothing,” she muttered, trying to step around me.I didn’t let her.I moved in sync with her, cutting off every escape route. My body was too close, my presence too overpowering, but she refused to acknowledge it."Scarlet," I said, my voice low, almost dangerous. "You look like you're about to pass out."She exhaled sharply, her jaw clenching. “Move, Alex.”“No.”She stiffened, but I didn’t miss the way her fingers trembled slightly as she gripped her bag.I narrowed my eyes. “Are you sick?”She hesitated.For jus
SCARLET'S POVI didn’t expect to see Ryan the moment I stepped into the building.Of all the people I wanted to avoid today, he was at the top of the list.I lowered my gaze and tried to walk past him, but his hand shot out, gripping my wrist tightly.“Not so fast,” he muttered.I yanked my arm, but his hold tightened.I glared up at him. “Let go, Ryan.”His eyes were sharp, filled with frustration and something else—something deeper. “You’re really just going to walk past me like I don’t exist?”I scoffed. “Why shouldn’t I? You’ve made it clear where we stand.”He exhaled heavily, his grip still firm as he dragged me down the hall and into an empty conference room.I stumbled as he shut the door behind us, his broad shoulders blocking the exit.“What the hell is your problem?” I snapped, crossing my arms.“My problem?” Ryan let out a bitter laugh, shaking his head. “You’ve been acting like a damn brat, Scarlet.”I stiffened, my temper flaring instantly. “Oh, I’m the brat?” I laughed
Ryan’s POVI adjusted my tie, inhaling sharply as I stepped into the lavish office. The place screamed wealth, with its dark mahogany furniture, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city, and a crystal whiskey decanter sitting on the desk.The man sitting across from me looked calm, collected—dangerous.He had the kind of presence that made you second-guess every word you spoke.I cleared my throat, trying to mask my nerves. “Mr. Laurent, thank you for taking the time to meet with me.”The man—Laurent—smiled, leaning back in his chair. “Of course. Alex spoke highly of you.”My stomach twisted slightly.Alex had set up this meeting, had assured me this guy was the right person to help us. But something about him felt… off.Still, I had no choice.I folded my hands together. “As I mentioned earlier, our company is looking for a temporary investment. We need liquidity to stabilize things before the next quarter.”Laurent hummed, nodding thoughtfully. “I see.”There was a long pause a
ALEX'S POVI stood frozen in the doorway, my gaze locked on the sight of Scarlet packing her bags.My chest tightened.She’s really leaving.My fingers curled into fists as I watched her shove her clothes into the suitcase without even folding them. She was rushing—desperate to get out.Something inside me snapped.“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” I demanded, stepping forward.Scarlet didn’t even look at me. “What does it look like, Alex?”Her voice was calm, but I could hear the rage simmering beneath it.I clenched my jaw, my hands twitching at my sides. “You don’t have anywhere else to go.”She froze for half a second, then zipped up the suitcase and yanked it off the bed. “That’s not your problem,” she muttered, pushing past me.But I grabbed her wrist, stopping her in place. “You’re not going anywhere,” I growled.She jerked her arm back, her eyes blazing with defiance. “Yes, I am.”I exhaled sharply, my patience running thin. “You’re acting like a damn child.”She let
Scarlet’s POVI saw it.The fakeness, the act, the carefully placed tremble in Sienna’s voice.She was playing the victim, like she always did.And Ryan, like the idiot he was, was falling for it.I clenched my fists, rage burning through me.I was done.I didn’t care who was watching.I didn’t care if this made things worse.All I knew was that I was sick of Sienna’s games.Before she could continue her performance, my hand flew out again, slapping her across the face.Hard.A sharp gasp rippled through the hallway.But I didn’t stop there.This time, my nails dug into her skin, scratching a deep line across her perfect, lying face.Sienna let out a shocked scream, her hands flying to her cheek.“You—” she choked out, her eyes widening in horror as she felt the scratch. “You scratched me?!”I let out a sharp, humorless laugh. “Oh, don’t act so surprised, Sienna,” I sneered. “You’ve been clawing at my life for years. Consider this payback.”Her nostrils flared, and for a split second,
SIENNA'S POVI watched Scarlet run out of the office, her shoulders shaking, her sobs barely contained.And I smiled.Everything was falling into place perfectly.Her reputation? Destroyed.Her place in the family? Gone.Her hope that Alex would stand by her? Shattered.I folded my arms, tilting my head as my parents sighed in frustration before turning to me.“I tried,” I said softly, my voice dripping with fake concern. “I really did. But Scarlet… she just wouldn’t listen.”My mother let out a heavy breath. “We should have known. She always had a rebellious streak.”My father nodded. “This is what happens when you let a child have too much freedom. Look at what she’s done.”I pressed my lips together, pretending to be heartbroken. “I’ll talk to her again,” I offered. “Maybe if I just reason with her—”“No,” my mother interrupted, shaking her head. “She needs to understand the consequences of her actions. She needs to fix this herself.”I nodded, biting back my smirk. That’s exactly
Scarlet's POVMy heart pounded, my breath uneven as I shoved Alex away. My body trembled—not from fear, but from the overwhelming emotions that burned through me.I needed to get away.I scrambled off the bed, fixing my wrinkled blouse with shaking hands, and rushed for the door.But I barely made it two steps before his hand wrapped around my wrist, yanking me back.“Let go,” I hissed, twisting against his grip.His jaw clenched, his eyes burning with pure possession. “You think you can just walk out after this?” His voice was low, dangerous.I struggled, refusing to meet his gaze. “This was a mistake,” I forced out. “Everything about this is wrong.”His fingers tightened around my wrist, and he yanked me back, making me collide with his hard chest. My breath hitched, his scent consuming me.“Look at me,” he ordered.I refused.He growled in frustration. “You still don’t get it, do you?” His voice was raw, filled with something darker, deeper. “You can try to leave, Scarlet. You can