THE MISTRESS OF REBORN FATE

Chapter 2: Breaking the Chains

The room was enveloped in the heavy silence that followed the chaos. Exhaustion had finally overcome Ezekiel, and he was fast asleep beside her, his dark hair tousled against the crisp white pillows.

Scarlet rose slowly, her movements smooth and devoid of hesitation. She picked up her clothes from the floor—a simple, inexpensive dress—and put them on. As she adjusted her collar, her eyes caught something glinting on the nightstand: the handmade flower bracelet she had spent weeks crafting for Violet.

In her past life, she had accidentally left it there, allowing Violet to find it, claim she was the woman in the room, and usurp everything that followed.

Scarlet reached out, took the bracelet, and tucked it deep into her pocket.

This time, Violet, you won't get to claim a single thing from me.

She turned to glance at Ezekiel one last time. He possessed handsome, refined features—the absolute picture of a noble heir. Yet to Scarlet, he was nothing more than a fool incapable of distinguishing between the woman who had saved his life and the parasite who had stolen the credit.

The next time we meet, Roswell, I will be the one dictating your fate.

She slipped out of the room, avoiding the main elevators and taking the quiet service stairs down to the ground floor.

The hotel lobby was still bustling with guests in formal attire. Her parents, Daniel and Amanda Imperial, stood near the grand staircase, smiling beside Violet, who wore a stunning custom gown and looked every bit like a delicate porcelain doll.

"Where have you been?" Amanda snapped the moment she spotted Scarlet approaching from the side hallway.

She grabbed Scarlet’s arm, her grip tight enough to leave a bruise.

"Look at yourself! Your clothes are rumpled, your hair is a mess—you look like a beggar! Your sister is upstairs resting after her speech while you’re wandering around like a ghost!"

Isn't this what you always wanted? For me to look like a pathetic shadow beside Violet? But don't worry—this is the last time you'll ever see me like this.

"I was in the staff room," Scarlet replied, keeping her gaze lowered to maintain the meek, submissive facade they expected.

"You're an absolute embarrassment," Daniel sneered, casting a glance around to ensure no business partners were watching. "Don't go near the main hall. Leave through the back exit and wait by the car. We need to announce the official union of Violet and Ezekiel tomorrow, and I won't have you ruining our family's reputation."

"Yes, Father," Scarlet answered obediently.

Her eyes remained cold and unreadable beneath her thick bangs. She stepped out into the crisp night air, but instead of heading toward her father's car, she walked straight past the hotel gates.

Pulling out a cheap burner phone—purchased weeks ago with savings from her part-time job—she dialed an international number she had long since memorized.

The phone rang three times before a stern, refined voice answered.

"Hello?"

Scarlet’s throat tightened upon hearing that voice after so long, but she forced her tone to remain steady. "Grandma."

A sharp intake of breath echoed over the line. "Scarlet? Is that you, dear?"

"Yes, Grandma," Scarlet answered softly. "You once told me... that if I ever wanted to leave, you would help me."

Silence hung on the line for a moment before the sound of Losia Imperial adjusting her seat in Paris filtered through.

"That’s right. Have you finally realized that those parasites you call parents will drain you until there’s nothing left?"

"Yes," Scarlet said, gazing up at the towering lights of the Royal Roswell Hotel. "I don't want their surname anymore. I don't want their money. I want to leave tonight."

Losia chuckled softly—a cold, satisfied sound. "Good. My private jet is ready at International Skyline Airport. A car will pick you up in ten minutes at the corner near the hotel. Leave everything behind. You start a new life tonight."

"Thank you, Grandmother."

"Don't thank me just yet, child." Losia’s voice turned hard as steel. "When you arrive in Paris, you will no longer be the fragile girl who lets others trample her. If you are to be my granddaughter, you must learn how to wield a blade."

Scarlet drew a deep, steady breath. "I am ready."

Ten minutes later, a sleek black sedan pulled up to the curb. Scarlet stepped into the back seat without looking back once.

As the car accelerated down the highway, she took out her old diary—the book that held her naive dreams, her secret love for Ezekiel, and her misplaced affection for her family. Opening the window slightly, she flicked a small metal lighter and ignited the corner of the leather cover.

She held the notebook until the flames licked at her fingers, then tossed the burning pages out into the dark, rain-soaked night.

The old Scarlet Imperial died on that road.

Just wait for my return. When that day comes, I will settle every score, piece by piece. I will ensure every drop of blood is collected—until your lives fade away just as mine once were.