Chapter 2

When I got home, Eleanor wasted no time throwing shade. "Scarlett, I heard Mr. Nelson from Scarly Group is a tough nut to crack. It's been days. Still haven't locked down that contract?"

I shot her a look and rolled my eyes. "Save your concern. At least I'm not out here losing money like you."

Eleanor was livid, and her mom quickly stepped in. "Don't let her get to you."

She turned to me and said, "Scarlett, Eleanor didn't mean anything by it."

I just raised an eyebrow to show I understood, and replied with a quiet "mm."

Then I headed upstairs.

Hearing Eleanor and Layla grumbling, I just let out a mocking laugh.

"Mom, look at her. She took Jack away from me, and now Dad's handing the company project to her too," Eleanor complained.

"Shh, your dad knows what he's doing. It's just to keep the board quiet," Layla replied.

I didn't bother listening anymore. I just smiled and went back to my room.

Just when I thought the deal with Mateo was a lost cause, he surprised me by stepping in and lending a hand.

At the board meeting, Madison put on a show of regret and apologized to all the shareholders.

He put on a righteous face and said, "It's been a week, and my daughter still hasn't managed to sign the deal with Nelson Group. That's on me. I haven't done a good job guiding her.

"She's still young and needs more experience.

"The Carter Group is the legacy of my late wife, Penelope. Rest assured, I'll do everything in my power for the company."

The shareholders shot each other uncertain looks, some nodding, others shaking their heads.

"We'd like to hear what Miss Carter has to say," one of them said.

Madison smiled awkwardly, then turned his gaze to me.

Just as I was about to stand up, my assistant rushed over and whispered something in my ear.

I nodded, looked toward the conference room door, and smiled. "Let them in."

Mateo's assistant was the one who walked in.

"Scarlett, Mr. Nelson asked me to bring you the project contract," he said.

The whole room was shocked.

Madison's face turned even darker. He was definitely not happy about it.

I nodded to my assistant, telling her to escort Mateo's assistant out.

"This project is my gift to everyone here. The Carter Group is my mother's life's work, and I won't ever let it fall into the hands of outsiders. All of you have watched me grow up over the years. I hope you'll trust me with this opportunity," I said.

The shareholders broke into applause.

Madison's face darkened with anger.

This was just the beginning.

When I stepped out of the conference room, Mateo's assistant was still waiting.

"Ms. Carter, Mr. Nelson says you owe him a favor this time," he said.

"Tell Mateo I'll return the favor," I replied.

I lingered by the conference room door, not leaving.

Madison came out fuming, his face twisted with anger. He shot me an impatient look. "Come to my office."

Once we were inside, Madison swept the set right off his desk in a burst of rage.

He jabbed a finger at me. "Scarlett, are you trying to show me who's boss?"

I changed my expression, sounding gentle but a little hurt. "Dad, how could you think that about me?"

"I just wanted to show you I can handle things. The Carter Group is Mom's life's work, and I just want to contribute to it.

"I never thought you'd see me like this. If I'd known you'd feel this way, maybe I shouldn't have come back at all."

Madison sighed and gently patted my back.

"I wasn't thinking straight," he said. "By the way, how are things going with Jack lately?"

I sniffled. "I'm planning to go try on wedding dresses with him tomorrow."

"Alright, don't be upset. How about I give you that villa in Southport as a gift?" he said.

I said "mm" in a cute, teasing way.

Then I hugged Madison.

Please, that villa was always my mom's.

When I got home, the living room was a total mess.

I knew Eleanor had thrown a tantrum.

When she saw me, she pointed at me and complained to Madison, "Dad, you're so obviously playing favorites with her.

"Why does she get the Southport villa? You said it would be my birthday present.

"She's the most manipulative one here. She already landed the deal with Scarly Group, but she's still acting as if she failed.

"You never should've brought her back home in the first place."

Before Madison could even react, I slapped her right across the face.

"You... you actually hit me?" Eleanor stammered, her eyes wide with shock.

"That's right, I hit you. Mom raised you for years, and you turned out to be nothing but a traitor," I shot back. "If Dad hadn't been so kind-hearted, do you really think you and your mom would still be living here?"

Madison stepped in, putting a stop to the chaos. "Enough. Eleanor, go to in the study as punishment."

Then he smiled at me. "Tomorrow you're going to try on wedding dresses, so get some rest."