Chapter 6
1436 Words
Scarlet's Point of View
I walked out of the loan office with a new sense of power radiating through me. My heels clicked confidently against the pavement, each step fueled by the knowledge that I now had Five hundred thousand dollars sitting on my card.
The first place I headed to was downtown—straight to the rows of elite boutiques that lined the glassy sidewalks like jewels waiting to be picked. Their mannequins wore dresses that whispered elegance and power.
I walked into one of the most luxurious boutiques, the kind that smelled of fresh roses and subtle wealth. A well-dressed woman behind the counter immediately straightened, her eyes widening slightly as she saw me.
"Good day, ma’am," she greeted politely, trying to read me. "Shopping for something in particular today?"
I glanced around at the racks of pristine designer clothing, every piece radiating quiet dominance.
"Yes," I said calmly. "I need a full wardrobe makeover. I’m starting a new job and I want to look the part. Think powerful, expensive, bold—yet tasteful."
Her eyes lit up. "We have just the thing. Come with me."
She led me into the heart of the store, pulling out pieces like a magician unveiling secrets. I tried on white tailored blazers that hugged my frame like they were sewn just for me, pencil skirts that screamed executive, wine-red bodycon dresses that demanded attention, and silk blouses that whispered confidence. I picked up three pairs of stilettos—black, nude, and a statement red. Just for balance, I also grabbed two flats. I had to be strategic.
We added accessories—gold earrings, pearl studs, structured handbags, sunglasses that looked like they could judge you silently, and designer perfumes that trailed luxury in their scent.
At the checkout, the woman smiled brightly as I handed her my card.
"You look incredible in every single thing," she gushed. "Honestly, you walked in like a storm and you’re walking out like the calm after it. Powerful."
I gave her a confident smile as I gathered my bags. "That’s exactly what I was going for."
With the first mission accomplished, I left the boutique and headed toward my next goal: transportation.
A struggling assistant might arrive in worn-out heels on public transport. I wasn’t going to be that assistant. Not when my target was Lysander. He needed to see that I wasn’t going to be living off the crumbs he’d throw my way.
The car dealership glistened under the sun, rows of powerful machines waiting to be claimed. I walked in and didn't bother with the entry-level options. My eyes landed on it almost immediately—a sleek, midnight black SUV with chrome trimming and tinted windows. The kind of car that made people pause.
A salesman noticed me admiring it and approached quickly. "You have an eye for quality. Would you like to see inside?"
I opened the driver’s side door, sliding into the leather seats. The smell of newness, of untouched elegance, filled my lungs. The steering wheel felt solid beneath my hands. It was exactly what I needed.
"I’ll take it," I said without hesitation.
He blinked in surprise, then quickly recovered. "Excellent choice. Would you like to discuss financing options?"
"No need." I handed over my card.
While the payment processed, I noticed one of the other customers watching me. His eyes had been fixed on me since I walked in. Tall, well-dressed, and clearly curious.
He approached with a smile that was both charming and bold.
"Excuse me," he said, extending his hand. "I don’t mean to be forward, but you’re… striking."
I raised an eyebrow slightly but took his hand. "Thank you."
"Have dinner with me? Just once. No pressure. Just good food and a better view of you."
I smiled politely, amused. "Maybe another time."
He stepped back with a smirk as I slid into the SUV. "Sure, Miss Mystery. I’ll get you!"
I rolled down the window just enough to reply, "Good luck."
With that, I drove off. I had no time for distractions.
Later that afternoon, I met with the real estate agent I’d contacted. She was standing outside a beautiful gated duplex on the quieter side of the city. The moment I saw it, I knew.
It was white with stone accents, tall glass windows, a wide balcony, and a peaceful driveway framed by green hedges. Everything about it said I belonged here.
"This one," I said, almost breathless.
She nodded with a knowing smile. "Let’s go inside."
We moved from room to room—the polished hardwood floors creaked softly beneath our steps, marble countertops gleamed under the sunlight, and the walk-in closet made my heart swell.
We signed the documents. The keys were mine.
Back inside, I slipped off my shoes, opened a bottle of sparkling wine, and poured myself a glass. I sat on the velvet couch, took a sip, and let the silence wash over me.
"I missed this life," I whispered.
Then, sleep took me.
The next time I opened my eyes, I jolted upright. My phone screen glowed: 8:37 AM.
Panic rose like a tide. My first day at work.
I almost yelled. But I caught myself. No. I couldn’t afford to look frantic. Not today.
I jumped up, showered in record time, and slipped into one of my new outfits—a navy blue pencil skirt with a crisp white silk blouse. I added gold earrings, light makeup, red lipstick. I brushed my hair into soft waves and gave myself one final look in the mirror.
Flawless.
I grabbed my bag, keys, and headed out. My car greeted me like a faithful knight. I slid in and started the engine.
As I pulled into ThornTech’s parking lot, my phone buzzed.
Ryan.
I answered immediately. "Hey."
"Are you sure about this?" he asked, concern in every word. "Being around them again—Seraphina? Lysander? Those two practically broke you."
I smiled as I stepped out of the car. The heels felt right under me.
"Ryan," I said, "I’m not Katherine anymore. I’m Scarlet Wilde. Have you forgotten?"
He chuckled, a warm, familiar sound. "You sound dangerous."
"I am."
"Alright then. Just be careful. I’ll swing by tonight to see how your first day went."
"Bring snacks."
"Will do. And hey—congrats. On the house. And that beast of a car. Where’d the money come from?"
I laughed softly. "Ryan, you ask too many questions."
"And you avoid too many answers. Later, boss lady."
We ended the call, and I made my way inside.
The moment I stepped into the building, the air changed. My heels echoed off the marble, heads turned, voices dropped to whispers.
"Who does she think she is?"
"She thinks she’s pretty."
"Is that the new PA?"
"Watch, she’ll try seducing the boss. Seraphina will deal with her."
The moment I heard that name, something in me shifted. I didn’t let it show. I straightened my back, lifted my chin, and headed straight to the reception desk.
The receptionist looked up from her screen. Recognition sparked in her eyes and a wide grin spread across her face.
"Miss Wilde! You again! You were already glowing during your interview, but today? You’re on fire."
I leaned slightly against the desk. "Flattery this early in the morning? I might start liking it here."
She chuckled and handed me my tag. "Welcome to ThornTech. Just keep your heels sharp and your smile sharper."
"Duly noted."
I turned toward the elevator. Time to meet the devil himself.
I reached the top floor, walked down the long hallway to Lysander’s office.
As I raised my hand to knock, the door opened.
Seraphina.
Time slowed.
Her hair was longer, straighter. She wore a deep wine-colored dress that clung to her like a second skin. Her makeup was perfect. But her eyes… those traitorous eyes. I remembered them vividly. That same coldness, that flash of hatred the day she betrayed me.
She stepped out, then paused when she saw me. Her eyes scanned my face, confused.
I stepped aside, about to walk past.
"Excuse me," she called, her voice tight. "Who are you? I haven’t seen you around before. Do you have an appointment with Mr. Thorne?"
I stopped. For a moment, I didn’t turn around. I wanted her to feel the suspense.
Then slowly, I faced her, a confident smile spreading across my lips.
"I’m Scarlet Wilde," I said evenly. "Mr. Thorne’s new PA."
Her expression faltered.
I didn’t wait for a reply. I turned and walked into the office, the door clicking softly behind me.
- Writer
