Rise of Underdog

12

“Thomas…” Evelyn finally spoke softly, trying to calm the tension in the room. “Isn't it a little cruel to toy with the fate of someone who's just trying to achieve their dreams? He may be a nobody to you, but doesn't everyone deserve an equal chance?”

Thomas snorted. “You're too quick to pity. This world isn't a pity party, Evelyn. It's harsh and only gives place to the strong. If he can't handle the pressure, what will happen if he joins our circle? I'm saving my family from a potential member who would be a burden.”

Scarlett, hearing that, clenched her fists. Her eyes were now wide open. There was a burning anger, but also a sadness she found difficult to digest. She took a few slow steps back, trying to distance herself before her emotions boiled over. As her footsteps hit the marble floor of the hallway, a slight echo drew her attention.

Scarlett remained standing behind the tightly closed door. Her heart felt heavy, as if her father's words had become thorns stabbing at the deepest part of her being. A feeling she hadn't yet had the chance to clearly define was now shaking. Ethan… he wasn't perfect, true. But did everyone have to be perfect to have a place in her father's world?

Scarlett silently clasped her hands together in front of her chest. She knew full well that her father wasn't a man easily swayed by compassion or human logic. Thomas Sinclair was a man who valued lineage, fame, and social standing above all else. And now, her father clearly viewed Ethan as a threat. Someone who had to be eliminated before he became more powerful than he was allowed.

Scarlett closed her eyes. She could imagine how devastated Ethan would be when he learned that all his hard work had been hijacked by an invisible force. Would Ethan give in? Or would he sink deeper into anger?

But on the other hand, a more disturbing question arose: if Scarlett remained silent, wouldn't she be just as cruel? She knew the truth. She knew there was injustice. And she had a choice to act. But how?

Inside the room, Thomas and Evelyn's voices were still faintly audible. But now Evelyn seemed to have chosen to remain silent. Not because she agreed, but because she was tired of arguing with a man so intoxicated with power. Thomas himself seemed preoccupied with his thoughts, with grand plans that seemed to leave no room for someone like Ethan.

Scarlett swallowed. She couldn't just stand there and hope things would change on their own. She had to talk to Ethan. She had to tell him what was going on behind the scenes. But would Ethan believe her? Or would he see her as part of the Sinclair family's dirty game?

Scarlett took a slow step back. She knew the risks. If her father found out she was eavesdropping and intending to disrupt his plans, she could be isolated, restrained, or even forced away from Ethan forever. But Scarlett didn't care.

One thing she was certain of at this moment: Ethan didn't deserve to be treated like that. He had to choose—between being a puppet in his father's grand palace, or being a small voice fighting against injustice.

Scarlett abandoned her plan to meet her father. She ran to her backyard to try to comprehend the current situation. Her mind had begun to feel disorganized since learning that her father had boycotted Ethan Caldwell's efforts. She had hoped Ethan could prove himself a winner he could be proud of. Not for pride, but more for proving himself to gain his approval.

But apparently, that wasn't good enough for her father. Thomas felt it was a small and trivial matter, even considering Ethan's efforts to be nothing more than dust floating around without any definite meaning. He always looked at background; family privilege was always Thomas's number one consideration when judging someone. Especially in choosing the right partner for his only daughter. Meanwhile, Scarlett's other brothers had met their father's ideal partners, and they each felt they were a perfect match.

Scarlett was quite confused. If it wasn't Ethan, then who would her father choose to marry her? It remained a mystery and a big question mark. Her heart never felt secure until she finally officially married Ethan. But the road was too steep, as if the universe wasn't on their side at all. Scarlett almost gave up all her hopes. Their efforts felt futile if they were never together in the end and would only become a fairy tale in the future.

"Why are you daydreaming here?" someone asked, gently patting Scarlett on the shoulder.

"Huh, meaningless?" Scarlett asked, spontaneously turning her head back.

It was Ethan Caldwell behind her. Ethan immediately walked forward to adjust to Scarlett's current sitting position. Scarlett looked confused by Ethan's sudden presence. A mixture of joy and anxiety wracked his chest. It was difficult to rationalize, but it was the reality. Scarlett began to smile sweetly. Ethan returned the smile sincerely and joyfully. It was as if he had lost all the burdens and burdens he had been thinking about. The most important thing now was that Scarlett was in his eyes.

"How did you get in here?" Scarlett asked, barely whispering.

Scarlett was deeply worried that Ethan's presence would be discovered. Whether it was his brothers, his mother, or even his father, the consequences would be disastrous. But Ethan spoke calmly, without lowering his voice at all. He seemed to have lost all fear and was incredibly brave. He ignored the feelings raging in Scarlett's heart and mind, which were collaborating.

"Do you miss this?" Ethan asked, moving his face slightly closer to hers.

Scarlett felt she had no choice but to swallow deeply. Ethan understood that Scarlett was nervous and struggling to contain her overwhelming feelings. He automatically pulled back, maintaining his usual distance. This sparked a more exciting conversation between the two of them.

"Ethan, do you know something important?" Scarlett asked, unable to hold it in any longer.

"Important?" Ethan asked, frowning.