Married to the Cold CEO

Chapter Seventeen

Scarlett spoke bluntly, “I’m moving out!”

Her father, William Brooks, replied in a cold tone, “Isn’t this house mistreating you? Don’t they even give you your own room?”

Before Scarlett could respond, Tiffany Brooks interrupted sharply, “Scarlett, you little tramp—don’t act all innocent while taking advantage. You’re about to join Sterling Jewels, and now you’re suing me? You’re so smug, parading around in front of Dad pretending to be pitiful!”

Tiffany’s glare was so fierce it seemed as if she might pounce if Father weren’t there.

William’s voice turned icy, “Tiffany, that’s enough!”

Tiffany fixed her venomous gaze on Scarlett in silence.

William then turned to Scarlett and asked, “Are you really leaving?”

Recalling Maxwell’s words, Scarlett replied firmly, “I have to go!”

William’s eyes flashed as he inquired, “When did you meet Mr. Stone?”

Scarlett answered honestly, “A couple of days ago.”

“And what is your relationship like?” William asked, his tone unnervingly calm.

“Fine,” Scarlett replied, a hint of uncertainty in her voice.

William suddenly laughed, “That figures. If it weren’t fine, why would he let you join Sterling Jewels and even help you sue Tiffany?”

Scarlett looked at her father’s smile warily, feeling a chill down her spine, and quickly asked, “Dad, do you have anything else to say?”

William’s expression softened slightly as he said, “Yes. You can drop the lawsuit—don’t sue Tiffany, can’t you?”

Scarlett was taken aback. She knew well that her father always favored Tiffany, but she hadn’t expected him to be so blunt. Feeling a surge of indignation, she responded, “Tiffany plagiarized my designs and then had the nerve to sue me. Besides, I’ve already joined Sterling Jewels—Sterling will clear my name. They wouldn’t let a tainted designer into their department, and I have no say in that!”

A flash of cold disdain crossed William’s eyes. “Is that so? Then why don’t you help Tiffany out—go plead with Mr. Stone so he doesn’t completely crush her? After all, Tiffany is your own sister! And you’ve presented so much evidence; look at the barrage of angry comments online—Tiffany can’t even leave the house. Isn’t that enough satisfaction?”

Listening to her father’s coercive tone, Scarlett frowned. “I’ll talk to Mr. Stone, but I’m leaving,” she said resolutely.

As she reached for her suitcase, William snatched it from her grasp and glared at her for several long seconds. “Fine, if you must leave, stay for dinner first. Travis Carter will be arriving shortly. After dinner, tell me where you want to live, and I’ll have the driver take you home.”

Scarlett’s face fell as she realized the implication—her father expected her to meet and marry that playboy, Travis Carter.

“No, I don’t want to eat tonight—” she began, but her words were cut off by her father’s interjection.

William’s tone turned stern and cold, “What? You can’t even give me the courtesy of dinner? Even if Tiffany plagiarized your work, is that somehow my doing?”

Scarlett looked up at him, “So if I eat dinner, then you’ll let me go?”

William replied, “Otherwise, what? I could keep you here forever!”

Resentment burned in Scarlett as she set her suitcase down. Meanwhile, Tiffany’s eyes followed Scarlett like a venomous snake, though she didn’t dare confront her directly.

Not long after, Travis Carter arrived. As soon as he saw Scarlett, a satisfied smile spread across his face. “Miss Scarlett, allow me to introduce myself—I’m Travis Carter!” His overly slick gaze fixed on her made Scarlett feel nauseated. With a cold tone, she replied, “Scarlett Brooks.”

Travis clung to her, sitting close. “Miss Scarlett, don’t be so cold—let’s talk, get to know each other!”

Scarlett shot him a disdainful look and promptly excused herself to the restroom. Fortunately, dinner passed quickly, and Travis didn’t have another chance to pester her.

Seated at the dining table, Scarlett only wanted to finish her meal and leave the Brooks residence as soon as possible. However, as she ate, she began to feel increasingly drowsy. Sensing something was wrong, she struggled to stand up, “Dad, I’m not feeling well…”

Before she could finish, she collapsed onto the table.

No one at the table even appeared surprised by her collapse.

William, expressionless as if he’d anticipated it all along, said coldly, “Travis , take her to her room.”