Chapter 2: A Tempting offer

Scarlett’s pov

I barely felt my legs as I stumbled out of the boardroom, my chest felt awfully tight. The walls of Delacroix Enterprises, the very foundation of my life, now felt stuffy. My hands clenched at my sides as I fought back the the tears threatening to roll down from my eyes. I wouldn’t cry. Not here. Not now.

“Scarlett,” Victor called from behind me, his voice cold, distant. “Don’t make a scene.”

A bitter laugh bubbled in my throat. “A scene?” I turned slowly, my eyes locking with his. “You just handed my life’s work to Celeste and tossed me aside like I am some piece of garbage. And you’re worried about a scene?”

Damian stood beside him, arms crossed, his face unreadable. Celeste, of course, was smirking, enjoying every bit of my humiliation.

“You should be grateful,” Celeste purred, stepping forward. “You were only ever a placeholder, Scarlett. You kept my seat warm, but now the rightful heir is back.”

I felt a sharp pain in my chest, but I refused to let them see my weakness. “You abandoned this company, Celeste. You abandoned your own daughter. And now you waltz in here like none of it matters?”

She tilted her head. “Eloise was a mistake I’ve since corrected. As for the company, Father always intended it to be mine. You were just… temporary.”

I turned to Damian, searching his face for any hint of regret. “And you? Was I temporary to you too?”

His jaw tightened. “This is what’s best.”

I let out a waek breath. “For who?”

“Scarlett.” Victor’s voice carried that same infuriating tone of dismissal. “You need to leave with dignity. The Delacroix name no longer belongs to you.”

I shook my head still in shock. “You don’t get to decide that.” My voice trembled, but not with sadness. With rage. “You may have stolen my title, my company, and my marriage—but you will never see me shattered.”

Turning, I stormed out towards the hallway. I could hear my heart pounding in my ears. My world had just collapsed, and I had nothing left.

Or so I thought.

A shadow moved behind me, a presence silent yet unmistakable. I slowed my steps, gripping my purse tighter.

“Following me now?” I muttered without turning around.

“I wanted to see how long it would take you to compose yourself,” Adrian Voss replied, his voice smooth, measured. “Not bad. But you’re shaking.”

I stopped and turned, glaring up at him. His gray eyes studied me, calm and calculating. “Enjoying the show?” I snapped. “You walked in just in time for the grand finale.”

Adrian didn’t react. “I was there for business, not entertainment.”

I scoffed. “Then I guess you wasted your time.”

His lips twitched slightly, the closest thing to amusement I’d seen from him. “I disagree.” He took a slow step closer, his gaze never leaving me. “I saw an empire discard its most valuable asset today. And I saw that asset walk out with nothing—except a grudge.”

I folded my arms, trying hard to steady my breathing. “ And is that supposed to mean something to me?”

“It should.” He studied me for a moment, then added, “Because I don’t believe in waste, Scarlett. And I certainly don’t believe in losing.”

My stomach twisted at his words. “What do you want?”

Adrian tilted his head slightly, as if deciding what to say. “The same thing you want.”

I frowned. “And what is that?”

His voice dropped lower, carrying a weight that made my skin prickle. “Revenge.”

I inhaled sharply. Adrian Voss was known for many things— being ruthlessness, his power, and wealth beyond imagination. But what stood out the most was his ability to destroy those who crossed him. And now, he was standing in front of me, offering me something I hadn’t even considered yet.

A way to fight back.

I shook my head. “I don’t need your help.”

He smiled, slow and knowing. “Don’t you?”

I hated how easily he could read me. My father had dismissed me, my husband had betrayed me, and Celeste had stolen everything. What did I have left?

Nothing.

Adrian took another step closer, his voice smooth as silk. “You think this ends here? Victor won’t let you start over. Damian won’t let you walk away clean. Celeste will make sure your name is dragged through the mud. They will burn every bridge, ruin every opportunity.” He leaned in slightly. “And then what, Scarlett?”

I clenched my fists. He was right. They wouldn’t stop until I had nothing left—not just in business, but in life.

“What are you offering?” I asked quietly.

His expression didn’t change. “A partnership.”

I let out a short laugh, though there was no humor in it. “You don’t strike me as the kind of man who partners with the fallen.”

Adrian’s gaze darkened. “You’re not fallen, Scarlett. You’re unfinished.”

A strange silence lingered between us, added with something I couldn’t name.

“What do you want from me?” I whispered.

“A contract.”

I swallowed hard. “A business deal?”

“A marriage,” he corrected smoothly.

The word crashed over me like a wave. “What?”

“I need a wife,” Adrian said simply. “One with the Delacroix name. One who understands business, who knows how to handle power. And one who has a reason to bring that family to its knees.”

I could feel my heartbeat increase. “You’re insane.”

He shrugged slightly. “Maybe. But I don’t lose.”

I shook my head. “You want me to marry you just to spite them?”

“To destroy them,” Adrian corrected. “One after the other.”

I let out a shaky breath. This was madness. It was dangerous, reckless, and completely unpredictable. But it was also tempting.

Because as much as I hated to admit it, Adrian was right. My family wasn’t done with me. And if I walked away now, I’ll be letting them win.

He reached into his suit pocket and pulled out a cream colored envelope. “This is my offer. Think it over.”

I stared at the envelope but didn’t get it from him. “And if I say no?”

Adrian smirked. “You won’t.”

I narrowed my eyes. “You’re awfully confident.”

His expression didn’t waver. “I know a woman in need of help when I see one.”

I felt anger flare in my chest, but I struggled to hide it. He was pushing me, testing me, to see how far he could go before I finally snapped.

I reached out slowly and took the envelope. Everything felt so absurd to be real than it should have. It wasn’t just a contract—it was a choice. A path. A chance to strike back.

Adrian leaned in just enough that his breath ghosted over my ear. "Sign it, Scarlett. Let me make them beg."

I lifted my eyes to meet his gaze, my heart still beating faster.

And for the first time since after what had just happened, I felt something other than despair.

I felt powerful.