THE MISTRESS OF REBORN FATE

Chapter 3: The Queen’s Return

Five years later.

The Grand Ballroom of the Imperial-Roswell Tower in London was packed with the city's elite and prominent figures. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm, radiant glow over men in sharp tuxedos and women draped in diamonds.

Tonight marked the lavish celebration of the long-delayed merger between the Roswell Group and Imperial Enterprise—a high-stakes deal held back for years by financial instability and bitter internal strife.

Violet Imperial was the absolute center of attention. She looked effortless in a custom white silk gown, her body leaning lightly against Ezekiel Roswell’s arm.

Although she remained stunning and radiant, the past five years had been a quiet nightmare. Shortly after Scarlet vanished on their eighteenth birthday, the Imperial family suffered a devastating blow when Losia Imperial officially severed all financial support to Daniel’s London branch.

Deprived of Losia’s backing, the business faltered, forcing Violet to fast-track her wedding plans with Ezekiel just to keep her family afloat.

Yet, despite three years of marriage, Ezekiel had grown increasingly distant. His eyes were always cold, his mind perpetually elsewhere. His emotional detachment had become a constant source of torment, fueling Violet’s paranoia until she viewed every woman who glanced his way as a threat.

"Ezekiel, darling, please... at least try to smile," Violet whispered, her fingers tightening on his arm. "The press is watching us."

Ezekiel didn't turn to look at her. He pulled his arm away slightly, using his champagne glass as a subtle excuse.

"The press is here for the merger, Violet. Not our personal lives," he replied indifferently, his gaze fixed coldly on the crowd.

"You're always like this," Violet murmured, a thread of bitterness lacing her sweet tone.

She quickly forced a dazzling smile as guests walked past, though her internal monologue was spiraling. Damn you, Ezekiel! Why are you doing this to me? After everything I sacrificed to get you, I will never let you slip away. Never!

Suddenly, the massive double doors at the entrance swung open.

The chatter inside the grand hall gradually died down as eyes turned toward the doorway. Walking across the plush carpet was an elderly matriarch clutching a cane topped with a silver dragon's head—Losia Imperial.

Yet, it was not Losia who caused the sudden, breathless silence in the room.

Beside her stood a young woman in an emerald-green silk backless dress that tailored her figure to perfection. Her dark hair was styled in soft waves that cascaded over one shoulder, exposing the long, smooth line of her neck. She wore no heavy jewelry—only a pair of delicate diamond earrings that caught the light with every step.

Her face was breathtaking—high cheekbones, dark crimson lips, and piercing eyes that exuded absolute authority and cold indifference.

Daniel Imperial froze mid-sip, his champagne glass nearly slipping from his fingers.

"Scarlet...?" Amanda gasped, her face draining of color. "No... that can't be her..."

Violet’s perfect practice smile vanished instantly. Her eyes widened in shock as she stared at the woman walking beside their grandmother.

Where were the oversized glasses? Where was the shy, timid girl who used to hide behind her hair? The woman standing before them looked like a queen surveying her subjects.

Ezekiel turned, his entire body going tense and rigid.

A sudden, strange pounding echoed in his chest as their eyes met. A fleeting image—a ghost from a night five years ago that he had spent years trying to piece together—flashed through his mind.

Scarlet paused in the center of the room, looking at her family’s stunned expressions with a faint, unbothered smile.

Losia stepped forward, her voice ringing clearly across the silent hall.

"Good evening, everyone. I know many of you are wondering why I have returned to London after five long years." She gestured calmly toward Scarlet. "Allow me to introduce the new majority shareholder of Imperial Enterprises and the Chief Executive Officer of Imperial Global Holdings in Paris—my granddaughter, Scarlet Imperial."

Whispers spread through the ballroom like wildfire.

"Scarlet Imperial? Isn't she the second daughter who was disgraced and vanished years ago?"

"She looks completely different... she's stunning!"

"Wait, if she holds the majority shares, what happens to Daniel Imperial?"

Daniel stepped forward hastily, his face flushed with a dangerous mix of rage and anxiety. "Mother! What is the meaning of this?! You gave the company shares to her? She abandoned this family! She is a disgraceful, ungrateful daughter!"

Scarlet turned slowly, her dark eyes locking onto her biological father. The heavy weight and sharpness of her gaze stopped Daniel mid-stride.

"Father," Scarlet said, her voice smooth and deep, entirely devoid of warmth. "Or should I say, Director Imperial? It seems you’ve forgotten that five years ago, you signed a legal agreement renouncing all parental rights and claims over me—in exchange for a corporate loan from Grandma to fund your daughter’s ambition of becoming the 'golden bride' of the Roswell family."

"How dare you talk back to your father!" Amanda spat, her voice rising in a sharp pitch. "You are a disgrace to this entire family!"

"Who are you calling a disgrace, Amanda?" Losia cut in smoothly; a cold smirk was playing on her elegant red lips. "My heir has never been a disgrace. Only foolish parents like the two of you would treat real treasure like trash—and I assure you, you will regret every bit of it."

Scarlet took a step toward them, the sharp click of her heels echoing against the marble floor.

"You did not raise me. You did not provide for me. And tonight, I have not returned as your daughter."

She shifted her gaze to Violet, whose knuckles were white from gripping Ezekiel’s sleeve. Scarlet's smile widened—dark, captivating, and utterly merciless.

"I came back as your owner."