Chapter Four
753 Words
Scarlett’s cheeks flushed instantly, and she replied in a low, husky voice, “Yeah, I know.”
She had prepared herself for this moment—marrying Maxwell meant accepting the sacrifices that came with his name. She wasn’t the type to be unfaithful, yet she wasn’t rigidly traditional either. Since she was now occupying the role of a high-profile wife to shield herself from disaster, some sacrifices were inevitable—even if she secretly wished the day would come later, given that until now they were practically strangers.
Throughout the meal, Maxwell said nothing. Even during dinner, his silence was almost oppressive. After they finished eating, Scarlett offered to leave on her own. After all, she had a critical battle to fight that afternoon.
Maxwell glanced at her and said flatly, “Whatever you plan to do, at 7 PM tonight my assistant will pick you up. Remember, tonight is our wedding night—don’t forget!”
Scarlett’s face went even redder as she replied, “I know!” and hurried off.
Watching her retreating figure, Maxwell’s assistant couldn’t help but murmur, “Miss Scarlett has such a distinctive look—she really stands out in our industry.”
Maxwell’s eyes narrowed as he snapped, “You’ve been with me long enough to know what should and shouldn’t be said. I expected better discretion from you!”
The assistant shrank back, chastened.
Maxwell continued, “Now, follow her. If anything happens, act immediately.”
The assistant nodded quickly.
“Remember—my people aren’t pushovers! Got it?” Maxwell added coldly, his tone as imperious as a decree from on high.
The assistant nodded repeatedly and scurried off.
Barely had his assistant left when Maxwell’s phone rang. He glanced at it, and his eyes narrowed noticeably.
“Hello?” Maxwell answered in a tone so cold it seemed to freeze the air.
“Stone, I heard you registered with someone else?” The voice on the line, belonging to Song, was tinged with tears.
Maxwell’s reply was icier still: “I’ve told you before—I won’t give anyone a fourth chance to stand me up!”
Song’s voice cracked, “I’ve had people explain for me. I still have matters to attend to in France. Why can’t you give me just a little time? Is our love always going to take a back seat to your pride?”
“Stone, are you really in love with me?” she pleaded further.
Without another word, Maxwell’s expression hardened and he abruptly ended the call.
Love? Of course he loved her—but if she ever dared to stand him up, he’d be quick to replace her and never let her return.
Back in the car, Scarlett opened her entertainment news app. Right away, the hottest headline caught her eye:
“OceanSky CEO Marries Mysterious New Wife at County Clerk’s Office!”
The article featured live photos of the event and a flurry of comments.
Some mocked that he’d paired up with OceanSky’s renowned designer Scarlett, speculating that perhaps she was the mysterious woman registering her marriage.
“It can’t be— I’ve seen Scarlett in person. Her height and style don’t match that rumor at all!” one comment read.
Others suggested it was yet another case of a serial playboy juggling multiple relationships.
“Maybe they already broke up in private—just more publicity stunts! Let’s all stay cool and watch the drama unfold,” another comment advised.
Yet some recalled how, just yesterday, they’d been seen sweetly attending Tiffany’s city-level jewelry contest celebration.
“All in all, if a guy can have a ‘real’ girlfriend, register with a mysterious woman, and still avoid scandal, he must be a master at this game!”
“Come on, at the end of the day, men never change!” one final comment declared.
Scarlett couldn’t help but scoff at the absurdity.
Just then, her phone rang again—it was Alex.
“Scarlett, where are you? The reporters are here, and they’re waiting for you to hold a press conference. Have you seen the online rumors?” his voice was edged with urgency.
Listening to Alex’s anxious tone, Scarlett’s lips curled into a mocking smile. “I’m downstairs at the company building,” she replied before hanging up and heading upstairs.
Alex, upon spotting her, clutched her arm as if he’d found a lifeline, and hurried her toward the press conference venue.
“Remember what you’re supposed to say!” he urged.
- Writer
