Chapter 2

As the host of this event, the last bit of my professional composure finally vanished.

I let out a cold laugh.

"Security, escort him out!" I snapped.

"Sir, without an invitation, you can't stay here," the security guard said, stepping in to block Marcus.

Marcus sneered, "Scarlett, aren't you being a bit dramatic?"

He smirked and adjusted his collar, then slowly took out a gold-embossed invitation from his suit pocket and flashed it in front of me.

He said, "Take a good look. I'm the official guest of your brand.

"Doesn't matter if you're just a greeter or even the manager, you don't have the power to drive me away."

He leaned in a little closer, his eyes playful and almost taunting as he asked, "Surprised, right?"

The security guard took his invitation, glanced at it, and gave me an apologetic shake of the head.

Just then, a shrill voice came in. "Marcus."

Marissa Blake hurried over in her high heels, linking her arm with Marcus in a familiar, affectionate gesture.

"Scarlett? Is that really you?" Marissa asked as she looked me up and down, her face full of feigned surprise.

She sneered, "I almost didn't recognize you. Are you working the event staff here?"

Before I could reply, Marcus let out a cold snort. "What else would she be doing? Could it be that she is still a guest at the party?"

Marissa's expression turned pitying in an instant.

She sighed and said, "Scarlett, seeing you like this, I can't help but feel sorry for you.

"If I'd known you were coming, I would've had Marcus get you an invitation. At least you could go for a taste of the high life."

Seeing Marissa's phony concern, I didn't even bother to speak.

Not to mention the invitation, the Hale Building was mine.

Ever since I left the scene, I've just been with Silas and rarely show up in the country anymore.

Marcus suddenly remembered something and said, "Now that you're here, Marissa. From now on, Scarlett can be your dance double."

Marissa pouted, pretending to be upset as she turned to Marcus and said, "Marcus, Scarlett's actually won awards before. Isn't it kind of beneath her to be my dance double?

"Besides, my dance is pretty tough. I'm worried she might not be up for it physically."

She covered her mouth and sneered, "After all, it's been two years since she's worked. Her coordination might be off. If something goes wrong on stage, she could make us all look bad.

"Why don't we let Scarlett try out the basic moves first? Just so she doesn't end up holding me back."

Marcus waved it off and said, "No big deal. If she can't handle it, she can just practice more. I promised her, and I won't go back on it."

I didn't even bother to look up. I just grabbed my walkie-talkie and ordered, "Security, bring the team over and teach these two what real rules look like."

Soon after, a squad of security guards rushed over.

"How dare you!" Marcus's face darkened as he quickly pulled Marissa behind him, glaring at me.

He snapped, "Scarlett, are you out of your mind? Marissa is the special guest performer for Hale Jewelry. If you can't even show her some respect, do you even want to keep your job?"

Marcus probably didn't expect me to push back so hard. His face twisted in surprise and confusion.

He continued, "Scarlett, you pissed off the investors on set back then. If I hadn't humiliated myself by drinking and apologizing for you, you would have been kicked out of the crew long ago.

"How many times did I have to clean up your messes in those years? It's not like before. I can't keep bailing you out anymore."

Investors? Marcus was just an assistant director at the time. He didn't have any real power at all. How could he have possibly handled anything for me?

Silas was there the whole time. He just watched me enjoying myself and stayed quiet.

Thinking of this, the anger in my chest only burned hotter.

I said, "Marcus, let me say this one last time. I'm not here waiting for you, and there's no way I'm going to be Marissa's stand-in.

"And stop with that crap, it just makes me sick. We're done. When we meet in the future, do us both a favor and walk the other way, got it?"

Marcus's face turned completely cold.

He locked his gaze on me with anger simmering just beneath the surface.

He said, "Alright, since you want to pretend, I'll let you keep up the charade."

He turned around and wrapped his arm around Marissa, kissing her forehead right in front of me.

He sneered, "Three days from now is Marissa's big jewelry showcase. When you can't keep up the act anymore and come begging to me in tears, don't blame me for being heartless."

As I watched them leave hand in hand, I sent a message to Silas.

Scarlett: [Hubby, I want you to come to the jewelry show in three days.]

He replied almost instantly. [Of course, I'll be right by your side.]

After Marcus got back, the more he thought about it, the more uneasy he felt.

My icy attitude was a far cry from the girl he used to know.