From Ashes to Queen: Now I Call the Shots novel Chapter 18

apter 18 Fire and Ice

Sean blinked in surprise, then raised his brows and asked, “Why not?”

He’d deliberately chosen to call her “Scully” to set himself apart from the way the Joyner family addressed

her.

Besides, he and Scarlett had just fought on the same side.

Of course we’re in this together.

New name, new dynamic.

Jasper’s voice was flat, yet carried a chill that somehow made the air drop several degrees.

“Fine.”

Sean shivered.

“Ahem… I mean, what am I supposed to call her–Grandmaster?”

Jasper: “…Shut up.”

Sean: “Yes, sir!”

With the Lewis family matter settled, Dr. Carrie reminded them, “Your wound’s opened again. I need to reapply the dressing–come on.”

Without giving Scarlett a chance to refuse, she dragged her back to the surgical ward.

Sean tried to follow.

Jasper yanked him back. “We’re going back to campus.”

Sean pursed his lips. “I’m just worried Scarlett’s gonna take that three million and decide she doesn’t wanna be your lab rat anymore.”

At that, Jasper paused mid–step.

He wasn’t a man of many words.

His thoughts and perceptions were often a level above most people’s, so unless necessary, he rarely explained himself.

But today was an exception.

“She’s not someone who goes back on her word.”

Sean was left speechless.

He hadn’t even said Scarlett wouldn’t return–he was just talking nonsense like usual.

Why so serious?

For a second there, it felt like he’d committed some unforgivable crime.

At the Clubhouse

This was the most exclusive, high–end spot in Trenwyn. The kind of place only the rich and powerful frequented.

Connor pushed open the private room door. His buddy Rowan waved him over.

“Finally! The drinks are open–we’ve been waiting on you.”

Noticing Connor still had his coat slung over his arm, Rowan glanced behind him with surprise.

“Huh? Scarlett’s not here?”

Usually at gatherings like this, Scarlett would always show up, worried Connor’s drinking might trigger his stomach problems. She’d be by his side, tending to everything.

Right now, she should’ve been the one holding his coat and carrying the expensive liquor–basically, like a personal maid from ancient times.

Even when Connor snapped at her or flirted openly with waitresses in front of her, she never got upset.

Rowan still remembered that time Connor got drunk, mistook Rebecca for Scarlett, and got into the wrong car–leaving Scarlett behind in the pouring rain.

She couldn’t get a ride. And none of them offered to help, too busy laughing.

She ended up walking ten kilometers to the Jude estate, waited until she confirmed Connor was safe and sleeping, and only then walked back to school in the rain.

He had been the one who couldn’t stand it anymore and had his driver take her.

So even when she broke off the engagement at the birthday banquet, everyone figured it was just a tantrum–that she’d be crying and begging for forgiveness within the hour.

“You two haven’t made up yet?”

Rowan looked baffled, then smirked. “Come on, Scarlett probably just went to get something for you, right? You’re trying to mess with us.”

The rest of their crew burst out laughing.

Connor’s expression darkened, cold air radiating from his body. He threw his coat onto the couch and sat down heavily.

“Make up? Seriously? She calls off the engagement just like that and expects me to come running back? She should remember her place.”

Rowan’s eyes widened. “You’ve been with Scarlett for years. You really feel nothing?”

“Maybe she’s actually upset this time. That fire was serious–she got hurt. She’s probably still shaken up.”

Connor frowned. “What fire?”

Rowan, now realizing Scarlett really hadn’t told him, closed the door and leaned against the frame. He pulled up a news article on his phone and tossed it over.

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