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Sky walked into the office building, her usual bright mood nowhere in sight. She was feeling so low after the hospital visit and even though they were not telling her everything. She knew something wasn’t right. She wanted to call in sick but she had already been away for seven days. Knowing her newly found bestie would be there, she looked forward to seeing her designs. Being with Scarlet always put her in a good mood because watching her design felt like she was closer to her mother who was the best fashion designer in Haybern and beyond. When she reached the office seat Scarlet always occupied, her frown deepened. The desk was empty.Sky looked around hoping she was just grabbing a coffee mug she loved or something so she sat and ten minutes later, there was still nothing!“Where is she?” Sky muttered under her breath. Scarlet was always early, always the first to arrive. The absence gnawed at her. Pulling out her phone, Sky dialed Scarlet’s number. It went straight to voicemail.
Easton’s jaw clenched as unease gripped his chest. He straightened, motioning for Kai to stay as he pressed the phone closer to his ear. “Who do you have?” he demanded, his voice cold but low...A low chuckle echoed through the receiver. “Smart man. Saves us both time. Let’s say... someone you wouldn’t want to lose.”Easton’s grip on the phone tightened. His mind raced. Sky? It couldn’t be Sky—she had just stormed out. “What do you want?” he asked, forcing himself to remain calm.“Ah, you catch on quick. I need a favor from you, Mr. Black. It’s a small one, really. A little trade.”Kai’s brows furrowed as he watched Easton, concern evident in his eyes. Easton held up a hand to silence him.“I don’t deal with cowards who hide behind threats. Be clear, or I hang up,” Easton said, his tone venomous.“Oh, you’ll want to hear me out,” the voice purred. “I have your precious Scarlet Frost, and she doesn’t look so... good right now. Loss of blood can be a terrible thing you know." Easto
“Give me Scarlet,” Easton responded without thought and Dante burst into laughter.“She has you whipped, eh? I thought my eyes were deceiving me at the club that night,” Dante taunted, stepping closer. “But are you sure about this? What will you tell your brother, Easton? That you sacrificed the woman he loves? That you chose your obsession over loyalty? That’s cold, even for you. Especially that she’s the reason he’s in a comma!” He laughed again, his tone filled with mockery...Before the words could fully settle, Easton moved at the speed of light and Dante didn’t see it coming. His fist brutally connected with Dante’s jaw, sending the man staggering back. The sound of the impact bounced against the warehouse walls, silencing even the guards for a moment.Dante groaned, touching his jaw as blood trickled from the corner of his mouth. Despite the pain, his smirk didn’t drop. “Well, well. There’s the Black family temper.”Dante’s men immediately raised their weapons, aiming at Easton
Scarlet jolted awake, her breath caught in her throat as her body surged upright. Her heart thundered in her chest, her hands gripping the soft sheets beneath her as she scanned the dimly lit room. The air smelled faintly of cedarwood and something unmistakably masculine. She swallowed hard, trying to make sense of her surroundings.Her heart slowed as she noticed the plush bedding and the soft light filtering through thick curtains. For a fleeting moment, she thought it had all been a nightmare.The kidnapping.Jade, the ropes, the blood, the desperate escape. She inhaled deeply, trying to convince herself it was just a bad dream until it all came crashing back down. This wasn’t her room!In fear, she lifted the bedsheets to check herself and noticed that she was wearing men’s clothes.Fear gripped her as she imagined the worst. Was she taken and sold?The Memory from earlier came flashing back like a wave: Easton, her unreadable expression, and the pounding in her chest.Did he ta
Scarlet's eyes widened in disbelief, her throat still burning from the water she'd just choked on. She coughed, turning her head slightly to avoid his penetrating gaze. "What?" she croaked, staring at the fork of pasta he held so casually as if this were the most normal thing in the world.Easton's expression was unreadable, "I said, open up, do you have a hearing problem?" he taunted.Scarlet leaned back against the couch, shaking her head. "I can feed myself," she said, her voice steadier now, though her hands were trembling. She felt cornered—not just by his looming presence but by the strange mix of tenderness and malice he carried.It was like he was hot and cold which was driving her insane and was finding it a little too hard to keep up with his constant switches. Easton leaned forward, closing the gap again, his broad frame making her feel even smaller. "I didn't ask if you could," he said, his tone dropping to a dangerous deep low. "Let me remind you—you're in my home, we
“Oh no! Are you okay?” Aria’s voice came in shock as Scarlet told her what happened.“Yeah, I guess so. I'm a little shaken, but I’m okay.” Scarlet sighed as she whispered into the phone.She was back to work on her own accord even though Easton told her to take some time off. She didn’t trust his softness and assumed he’d just call her back again, and it would annoy her, so if she was going to come anyway, it was better that she reported on time.“I’m so sorry. Damn, should I come over today? I have some free days since I made some great sales “ Aria offered with a sigh.Hearing how her best friend almost died and she had no idea made her heart clench painfully and tears filled her eyes. “Yes please. I don’t want to be alone. Should we work overnight to get the stress away?” She asked.“Overnight work session? Do you really think that’ll help?” Aria asked worriedly. “You went through hell, babe. Maybe we can do something else that doesn't involve working.”“Like what?” “I don't kno
"The family didn’t even know what happened at first," she started, her voice dropping to a near whisper, as if sharing a well-guarded secret. "All they got was a call saying Alex—uh, Michael—was in a terrible accident. It was chaos. He was not only Easton’s older brother, you know, he was a warm CEO and a great son, although rumor has it that Easton is the father’s favorite. Story for another day." She waved it off before she continued, “So, the news broke hearts. It was all over the news. Stocks dropped, you know the drill.”"That's how Easton became CEO?" Scarlet asked.Sky nodded, "Yes. He was pressured to. He didn't accept at first, but the shareholders threatened to pull out if they employed someone other than him. Which is crazy because he told them he'd cut the company into pieces and sell it off. But that went down the drain because he was announced as CEO the next day. No one knows how he changed his mind so quickly. "Scarlet nodded slowly, trying to mask her unease. How
“What are you talking about?” A confused Scarlet frowned. Victoria scoffed and stepped into her space, fighting the urge to smack her but she knew it was against the work ethic and would get her fired.“Viky, what have you worked up?” Her colleague asked.“I went to collect the design theme from Amanda but guess what, I’m not the lead designer in this project. Scarlet is! How is that possible?” Victoria fumed. “Technically, she’s more talented than you so that shouldn’t be a shocker,” Sky commented.“Scarlet, is this true?” Grace stepped in, the room which was empty suddenly became full and all eyes were on her. Scarlet had no idea what they were talking about because unlike them who had a pretty good night's sleep, she was kidnapped and fighting for her life. “What project are you talking about?” she asked, her voice laced with confusion and exhaustion.Victoria scoffed, stepping into Scarlet’s space, her frustration barely contained. “You know exactly what I’m talking about,” she
“Jasmine! This is not your father!” Scarlet.was horrified as she peeled her off Easton. “But I heard you that night when you were talking with Aunt Aria-” “Woah! Okay, big girl. We gotta Go!” Aria pulled her softly When they were out of earshot, Easton turned to Scarlet, “Who is the father?”Scarlet met his eyes, her expression blank but her tone colder than ice. “It’s none of your business.”Easton’s jaw clenched, his hands curling into fists at his sides. He stared at her for a long, suffocating moment, the muscles in his jaw twitching. Without another word, he turned on his heel and walked away, his footsteps echoing like thunder in the heavy silence.Scarlet watched him go, her chest tight as she exhaled a shaky breath. “What a mess,” she whispered to herself before forcing her feet to move toward the car.“Shoot me now!” Scarlet leaned her head against the headrest.“Mama?” Jasmine’s soft voice pulled her back, making her turn to face her.“Yes, baby?”“Are you mad at me?”
“Jasmine! This is not your father!” Scarlet.was horrified as she peeled her off Easton. “But I heard you that night when you were talking with Aunt Aria-” “Woah! Okay, big girl. We gotta Go!” Aria pulled her softly When they were out of earshot, Easton turned to Scarlet, “Who is the father?”Scarlet met his eyes, her expression blank but her tone colder than ice. “It’s none of your business.”Easton’s jaw clenched, his hands curling into fists at his sides. He stared at her for a long, suffocating moment, the muscles in his jaw twitching. Without another word, he turned on his heel and walked away, his footsteps echoing like thunder in the heavy silence.Scarlet watched him go, her chest tight as she exhaled a shaky breath. “What a mess,” she whispered to herself before forcing her feet to move toward the car.“Shoot me now!” Scarlet leaned her head against the headrest.“Mama?” Jasmine’s soft voice pulled her back, making her turn to face her.“Yes, baby?”“Are you mad at me?”
“Do you have a hearing problem, Chief?” Easton raised his brow in question.“Ah- Yes- No. No sir.” He chuckled in embarrassment. “It’s just that I didn’t know we had someone who is important to you in our custody. This employee must be extremely hardworking for you to come down here yourself.” The chief grinned but coughed to mask it when he saw that Easton’s face was as cold as ever.The chief gulped as he adjusted his collar, sweat forming on his forehead. “I… uh… I’ll just check the records, sir. What was the name again?”Easton’s eyes narrowed dangerously. His tone was sharp, like a blade slicing through the room. “Scarlet Frost.”The chief blinked, caught off guard. “Scarlet Frost?” he repeated, his voice rising slightly in confusion. “As in... a woman?”Easton’s jaw tightened, and his gaze darkened further. “Yes, Chief. A woman. Do you have a problem with that?”The chief swallowed hard, realizing he had stepped into a minefield. “No, sir. Absolutely not! I’ll have her released
“She's late!” Easton checked his watch for the fifth time, his jaw tightening with every passing second. Scarlet was never late. Although she was annoyingly punctual, she would complain and have a bad temper, but she was never late. Did she change her mind or did something go wrong? Easton couldn’t help but wonder. He pulled out his phone and redialed her number. It rang once, and twice, then went to voicemail. He paced back and forth. Frustration slowly started to build up.“Maybe she forgot,” Kai commented seeing his boss look like he was about to blow the room up.“She had better not.” He growled. He dialed her number again.Kai, pushed his glasses forward as he looked at the cameras. “Still no answer? Maybe the call she received was urgent.” Kai said, making Easton pause to look at him. “What call?” Kai hesitated.“Kai.”“I don't know. When I met her outside, we joked, then she received a call and rushed out.” “And you're only telling me this now because?”“I didn't thi
“Mummy!” Jasmine giggled as she rushed into Scarlet’s arms. Scarlet kneeled down with her arms open as she smiled at her little angel. “Baby, I missed you so much!” Scarlet held her tightly. The school had called her and she thought there was an issue. But all they wanted was for her to pick her daughter up like every parent because they had returned one day before the day they were scheduled to come back.“I missed you too!” Jasmine giggled as Scarlet lifted her off the ground. “Well, how about some shopping? Mummy got paid and would love to get her princess those pretty dresses she has always wanted.” Scarlet smiled with so much warmth in her heart.She was finally able to afford good things for her daughter after struggling all her life, surviving on one poorly prepared meal a day. It was a miracle that Scarlet wasn’t skinny.“Yay! I knew that competition would make our life better.!” Jasmine teased with a smug look as she jumped into the back seat.Scarlet laughed, remembering
Her gaze drifted back to the designs, each one more beautiful than the last. The room felt sacred, a tribute to a woman she didn’t know but suddenly felt deeply connected to. But as she stepped into the room further, she noticed a pattern she had seen before but couldn’t remember where. “Easton… I don’t know what to say. This… this is beyond words.”“You don’t have to say anything,” he said, his voice quieter now. “You’re the first person I’ve shown this to. I thought… maybe you’d get inspired. I know how much pressure I’ve put you through by throwing this show in your hands..”Her heart softened at his admission, melting the icy wall she’d built around herself after everything they had been through. For a moment, she forgot the tension between them, the arguments, and the pain of their past. She saw a side of him she hadn’t seen in years—one that reminded her of the man she once knew.The man she was hopelessly in love with.Scarlet shook her head, her voice full of emotion. “I don’
“I don’t think being here is a good thing after what just happened.” Scarlet pointed out as she stood in front of Easton.“After what happened?” He asked like he wasn’t present when the chaos was unfolding. Scarlet was about to respond when he cut her off. “Don’t tell me you were offended.” He smirked, “What we had wasn’t a relationship. So I wouldn’t exactly call you my ex.” “What?”“You seem to have a hearing problem lately. Remind Kai to connect you to our doctor. Now come, " he said as he began walking towards the door, but Scarlet remained glued to where she was standing.“Haha. Very funny. You should consider being a part-time comedian. Your jokes are getting better by the day.” Scarlet rolled her eyes.Easton paused. Turning to face her, “Let’s go. Or do you want me to take you on my shoulder?”“You wouldn’t fucking dare.” Scarlet stepped back.“What a foul mouth for a lady,” Easton said, his brows meeting.“What? You can curse and I can’t?” Scarlet raised an eyebrow, “I mean
“Miss Frost is not my ex. I have taste Sky, don't insult me.” Easton said in a cold voice making everyone choke.“Then how do you explain what Jade just said?” Sky fumed. Everyone was quiet and holding their breaths as they watched the scene unfold. Easton placed his hands in his pockets, looking as unbothered as ever, “Jade is delusional from the pain of seeing Micheal remain in that state for five years, so when she heard that I put Scarlet in charge, she assumed she was my ex. Which is ridiculous, not that it's any of your business. ” Easton explained coolly turning to face a pale Jade who knew she had fucked up. “He’s lying! She is the gold-digging slut from five years ago.” Jade fumed. “Kai, take care of this. Miss Frost proceed as earlier discussed,” Easton said and walked away. The security detail walked in to escort Jade out. Her face was red in anger as she walked out. “This isn't over!” she spat, walking away. Scarlet stood frozen on the spot. She should have felt r
Jade stormed into Easton’s office like a hurricane, her heels clicking sharply against the pristine floor. Her fury radiated off her in waves, and the tension in the room thickened as Easton glanced up from his desk, his face cold and impassive.He watched as she stomped in, without bothering to knock, and crossed her arms on her chest. “Easton, how could you?” Jade seethed, her breath laboring. She knew how much he loved his mother. If the show turned out to be successful, Scarlet would have the world on her side. “You gave her the lead? After everything that’s happened? After what she’s done?”Easton leaned back in his chair, exuding a calm that only seemed to infuriate her further. “It's funny how you delude yourself into thinking you have a say in this company or decisions I make,” he replied, his voice a cutting edge of ice. "It must be painful living in delusion all the time.”What?” Jade’s voice cracked as her anger boiled over. “This is about more than just business, Easto