Chapter 6 A Bargaining Chip
694 Words
That seemed a dangerous trip!
Scarlett took a deep breath. Jason seemed utterly unconcerned with the implications of what she'd said.
Did he not realize they couldn't have this kind of relationship?
Seeing Scarlett's flushed face and unsteady breathing, Jason decided to stop teasing her.
He stood up straight, putting a bit of distance between them, and gently tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "Relax. You look exhausted. After the party, I want you to rest in that room."
That was what he wanted? Her to rest a bit?!
Embarrassment flooded her, making her face even redder than before.
"You'll be alone tonight," Jason said, patting her head before walking away.
Scarlett watched him leave, feeling a whirlwind of emotions. She took the key card and headed upstairs.
*****
Without her father's interference, Scarlett finally had a peaceful sleep. The next morning, she rushed back home when her mother, Annie, called.
Unfortunately, as soon as she walked in, Iversen's tirade began. "You were supposed to network last night, and you disappeared! Where have you been?"
Scarlett replied calmly, "I was just resting at the hotel."
"Liar! Jack's uncle was there. You could've at least introduced yourself!"
Standing defiantly in the living room, Scarlett responded calmly, "We'll meet after I'm married anyway. Missing one greeting tonight won't change much."
"Are you seriously talking back?" Iversen stood up angrily. "Is this what your etiquette teachers have taught you?"
"They taught me to respect myself, not to sell myself," Scarlett retorted, her disdain and contempt barely concealed.
Iversen trembled with rage.
Annie hurried to Scarlett's side, her voice gentle. "Iversen, don't be angry. I'll talk to her. She'll do better next time."
"You'll talk to her? Haven't you realized that your parenting ruined her?! She's acting so willfully, without any regard for the family," Iversen shouted at Annie, pointing at Scarlett.
Scarlett looked at her father, her voice quiet but firm. "It's my fault, not Mom's."
She didn't care even if Iversen hit her, but he couldn't talk to her mom like that. Annie was her bottom line.
"I see you still don't understand your mistakes. The Hamp family doesn't need a useless person! Lock her up so she can reflect. No one's to bring her food!"
Scarlett wasn't surprised by his reaction and responded with a cold laugh.
That was always how it went. No praise for doing right, just punishment for any misstep, ranging from verbal abuse to being locked up and starved. She was used to it.
She was nothing more than a bargaining chip to Iversen.
If Annie's family hadn't always been so dependent on the Hamp family's support, the mother and daughter wouldn't have to endure that kind of treatment.
Annie escorted her back to her room, gently patting her head. "Next time, don't talk back. He just needs to vent his anger."
Scarlett held Annie's hand. "Mom, I hate living like this. Let's leave. I don't want to stay here another day."
Annie patted her back. "I promise we'll leave soon. Just hold on a little longer."
Scarlett lowered her head, feeling uncertain about what "soon" meant, but she chose to believe Annie once again. "Okay."
After Annie left, Scarlett heard the sounds of an argument. Technically, not an argument.
It was Iversen's one-sided berating. Annie rarely talked back, but when she did, it infuriated him.
That was their dynamic, never at peace.
Scarlett sat at her desk, overwhelmed with problems.
If only she could completely break free from the Hamp family.
She had no friends to confide in, which meant she had to keep all her struggles to herself.
Then her phone rang. She checked the number, didn't recognize it, and rejected it.
The caller persisted, and at her breaking point, Scarlett answered irritably, "Hello?"
"Come outside. I'm at your front door," came Jason's deep, displeased voice.
Scarlett stiffened and hurried to the window, peering outside. Sure enough, a familiar SUV was parked there, along with Jason's bodyguards.
Weren't they supposed to pretend not to know each other?
What was he doing here?
Scarlett's voice trembled with unease. "Mr. Bilbo, what are you doing at my house?"
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