James looked like he was seconds away from snapping.

"Scarlett... Hayes."

Her name came out through clenched teeth, each syllable heavy with barely contained rage.

Just as he was about to lose control, Sadie reached out and gently tugged on his sleeve.

"James... maybe I should talk to her," she said softly, her voice trembling. "At the end of the day... I'm the one who hurt her first."

The sight of her teary, guilt-stricken face made his chest tighten.

In his eyes, Scarlett had wronged Sadie over and over again-she had even cost them their child.

And yet Sadie had never blamed her.

Instead, she blamed herself-for "taking him away," for everything that had happened.

How could someone be this selfless?

"Please... let me talk to her," Sadie whispered, fragile and pleading.

James hesitated for a moment, then finally stepped aside.

The second she stood in front of Scarlett-

Everything about her changed.

The tears disappeared. In their place came a cold, mocking smile.

"Scarlett, that prison uniform really suited you," she said with a sneer. "Honestly, you should've stayed locked up for life."

Scarlett's eyes narrowed, irritation flickering across her face.

"I'm not in the mood for your games," she said flatly. "But don't worry-you won't have to wait long."

Her lips curved slightly.

"I heard your wedding's in three days. I'll be there."

A brief pause.

"To settle the score."

Sadie's heart skipped.

For just a split second, unease flickered across her expression.

What was Scarlett planning?

But the feeling vanished as quickly as it came.

She scoffed, her gaze full of disdain.

"As if you could do anything," she said with a laugh. "Go ahead. Try."

Her tone sharpened, turning vicious.

"Let me make one thing clear-no matter what you do, you'll always be nothing more than a rat living in my shadow."

"James is mine."

"Your mother? Mine too."

"You've already lost, Scarlett. Completely."

Scarlett looked at her the way someone might watch a clown on stage.

One brow arched slightly, her expression lazy, almost amused.

"Don't you think you're celebrating a little too early?"

"Oh? Still not giving up?" Sadie smirked.

Then, glancing quickly at James-making sure he wasn't watching-

She lifted her hand and slapped herself.

SMACK-

Instantly, her eyes filled with tears.

"I'm sorry, sis!" she cried, her voice shaking. "It's all my fault! I shouldn't have taken James from you! I-I didn't mean to... I just love him too much... I'm sorry... I'm so sorry..."

Scarlett felt a wave of disgust watching the performance.

And yet-

There were always fools willing to believe it.

James rushed forward, pulling Sadie into his arms.

"Sadie! Are you okay?!"

"I'm fine..." she whispered weakly. "Don't blame her... it's my fault..."

Her trembling voice and tear-streaked face only fueled his anger.

He spun around, glaring at Scarlett, his eyes blazing.

"Scarlett! How can you be this cruel?! If you're angry, take it out on me! This has nothing to do with her!"

Scarlett's gaze drifted lazily toward Sadie.

"I didn't touch her."

"You're still denying it?!" James snapped, his fists clenching.

Scarlett let out a quiet, almost amused breath.

"I can prove it."

Prove it?

Both James and Sadie froze, confusion flashing across their faces.

How could something like that even be proven?

Before either of them could react-

Scarlett raised her hand.

Then-

CRACK-

Her arm lashed out like a whip.

The impact was explosive.

Sadie spun in place like a top, stumbling in circles before crashing hard onto the ground, limbs sprawled.

Her hair fell into complete disarray.

The right side of her face swelled almost instantly, turning an ugly shade of red.

When she opened her mouth-

Blood poured out.

Along with several teeth.

She looked utterly wrecked.

Sadie stared at Scarlett in shock, her jaw slack.

James stood frozen, his mind completely blank.

No one had expected-

That Scarlett would actually hit her.

And certainly not like that.

In the suffocating silence, Scarlett gave a faint smile.

"See the difference?" she said lightly. "That's what it looks like when I hit someone."

If they insisted on framing her-

Then she'd make it real.

Not just real-

Unforgettable.

James's hands trembled with rage.

"You need to apologize to Sadie!"

Scarlett let out a soft scoff.

"Idiot."

Even after that, he still couldn't tell?

She didn't bother sparing him another glance.

Turning on her heel, she walked away.

"Don't ignore me!" James roared, lunging forward and grabbing for her shoulder.

Scarlett stopped abruptly.

Her eyes darkened.

Cold. Sharp. Dangerous.

Without even turning fully, she shifted slightly-effortlessly dodging his hand.

Then she moved.

Fast.

She caught his wrist, twisted, and-

In one smooth motion-

Flipped him over her shoulder.

James flew through the air in a clean arc before slamming face-first into the ground.

Hard.

A sickening crack echoed.

Blood gushed from his nose.

Sadie's face drained of all color.

She had expected James to defend her-

Not... this.

Her neck turned stiffly toward Scarlett, disbelief written all over her face.

Since when was she this strong?

James staggered to his feet, wiping the blood from his nose.

The way he looked at Scarlett now-

Was pure hatred.

Scarlett casually raised her fist, a wild grin tugging at her lips.

"What? Want more?"

She took a step forward.

James immediately backed away-again and again-putting distance between them.

Scarlett let out a mocking laugh.

"Pathetic."

Humiliation burned through him, but he didn't dare move.

Not after that.

Scarlett turned and walked toward the car parked by the road.

Without looking back, she lifted a hand in a lazy wave.

"See you at the wedding in three days."

She didn't have time to waste here.

There were people she needed to see-

Her adoptive parents.

Her brother.

Five years.

It had been five long years.

"Damn it!"

James ground his teeth so hard it felt like they might shatter.

He had always been the one standing above everyone else-untouchable.

And today?

He had been humiliated like never before.

Not only that-

He was supposed to go to the airport with his father to welcome an important figure.

Instead, he came here to force Scarlett to sign the divorce papers.

And what did he get?

Nothing.

He missed everything.

All because of her.

Scarlett.

His expression darkened.

Fine.

If she wanted to show up at the wedding in three days-

Perfect.

He'd make sure she paid for everything.

But remembering her terrifying strength, his eyes narrowed.

He'd need backup.

This time-

He'd make her kneel.

Beg.

...

Inside the car, Howard glanced at Scarlett through the rearview mirror. She had changed into civilian clothes. Her eyes were closed, resting.

"Where to, Commander?"

"My adoptive parents' place," she replied calmly. "And from now on, call me Boss. I don't want my identity exposed."

"Understood."

Just then-

A child suddenly ran into the road.

"Shit-!"

Howard jerked the wheel sharply.

The car screeched, barely avoiding the roadside barrier.

Scarlett's eyes snapped open, her hand gripping the overhead handle.

"What happened?"

"A kid ran out!"

Without hesitation, she pushed the door open and stepped out.

A small boy lay on the ground ahead, struggling to push himself up.

He looked about four or five years old.

"Hey-are you okay?" she asked, hurrying over and helping him to his feet.

Then-

She froze.

The boy's face...

Why did he look so much like her?

The child's eyes widened.

He stared at her, bright and clear.

For a few seconds, he said nothing.

Then slowly, uncertainly-

"...Mommy?"

That single word-

"Mommy..."

It hit Scarlett like a shockwave.

Her heart jolted.

For a split second, she was dragged back four years... back to the tiny life she had lost the moment it entered the world.

If her child were still alive-

He'd be about this age now.

The thought tightened painfully in her chest.

As she looked at the boy, her gaze softened without her realizing it.

A storm of emotions surged through her-

Longing. Grief. Guilt. Tenderness.

Feelings she couldn't quite name... all tangled together.

At that moment, Howard walked over, his eyes flicking between Scarlett and the boy.

"Bo-Boss... is that your kid?" he blurted, stunned. "He looks just like you. Same eyes, same face-it's like a copy-paste."

Good grief.

The leader of Obsidian Unit... the infamous War Goddess...

Had a child?

If word of this got out, it would send shockwaves through the entire underworld.

Scarlett shot him a look.

"I don't know him," she said evenly. "He's probably just scared and mistook me for someone else."

Still, she studied the boy more closely.

There was a resemblance.

But lookalikes weren't exactly rare...

And deep down, she knew-

It wasn't possible.

Her child...

Was gone.

The boy's expression crumpled the moment he heard her answer.

The light in his eyes dimmed, replaced by quiet disappointment.

"Let me check if you're hurt," Scarlett said, her voice softening.

But before she could move-

A harsh shout cut through the air behind them.

"There he is! Grab him!"

The boy's small body stiffened.

His eyes widened in fear as he stared at the group rushing toward them.

"Hey... it's okay," Scarlett said gently, resting a hand on his head. "I've got you. No one's going to hurt you."

The warmth of her touch-

It steadied him almost instantly.

Without thinking, he leaned into her, clinging to that rare sense of safety.

Scarlett rose slowly, her expression turning ice-cold as she faced the group closing in.

"Get over here!" the scar-faced man barked at the boy.

Terrified, the child instinctively wrapped his arms around Scarlett's leg, holding on tightly.

That was when she noticed-

Bruises on his arms.

Fresh wounds along his neck.

Some still bleeding.

Her eyes darkened instantly.

The air around her seemed to drop in temperature.

They did this...

To a child?

Disgusting.

Before she could speak, the scar-faced man sneered.

"Stay out of this if you know what's good for you," he growled. "Or I'll put you in the ground."

Howard almost laughed.

Put her in the ground?

The person capable of that probably hadn't even been born yet.

Cracking his knuckles, he stepped forward-

Only for Scarlett to stop him with a raised arm.

"I'll handle it."

Her expression was cold. Merciless.

Like a judge passing sentence.

Four years ago, her child had died.

Back then, she'd been powerless.

Too weak to protect him.

But now-

She would never let something like that happen again.

Howard glanced at her, half amused.

"Boss, these guys aren't even worth it. Using you on them is like bringing a missile to a street fight."

Scarlett ignored him.

She gently guided the boy toward him.

"Keep him safe."

Then-

She moved.

A blur.

Fast as lightning.

Before anyone could react, she was already in front of them.

Her leg snapped out-

BAM-

The impact was brutal.

The man she struck let out a guttural scream as several ribs cracked on the spot. Blood sprayed from his mouth before his eyes rolled back and he collapsed.

Out cold.

The rest froze.

Fear crept across their faces.

What the hell was she?

Even they weren't this ruthless.

She broke bones without hesitation-

Without even blinking.

Scarlett turned slowly, her face expressionless.

Her voice was calm.

Cold.

Lethal.

"Who hurt him?"

A pause.

"Break your own arms."

Arrogant.

Unbelievably arrogant.

"Damn it! You've got a death wish!" the scar-faced man spat. "You think you can take us on alone?"

He waved his hand sharply.

"Get her! I don't care how strong she is-she's still just one person! The client's paying a hundred grand each if we bring that kid in!"

That was all it took.

Money lit a fire in their eyes.

"Boss is right! No way we lose to one woman! Get her!"

Fueled by greed, they charged forward, steel pipes raised high.

The boy clenched his small fists, his body tense as he watched Scarlett surrounded.

His eyes filled with worry.

Scarlett, meanwhile, remained perfectly calm.

She rolled her neck.

Cracked her knuckles.

Pop. Pop.

A steel pipe swung straight toward her head-

She raised her hand-

And caught it.

Effortlessly.

The man holding it froze.

He had swung with everything he had.

And she just... stopped it?

But what happened next-

Was worse.

Scarlett tightened her grip.

Creeeak-

The metal started to bend.

Right before their eyes.

Warping. Twisting.

Until-

It folded.

The harsh grinding sound echoed through the sudden silence.

Everyone stopped dead.

No one dared take another step.

Scarlett bent it into a perfect right angle-

Then casually ripped it from his hand and tossed it aside.

Silence.

Heavy.

Suffocating.

Someone swallowed hard.

"Monster... run! RUN!"

Panic broke out instantly.

They scattered in every direction.

Scarlett's gaze darkened.

The boy's injuries flashed through her mind.

And then-

Her own child.

If he had lived...

He'd be about this age.

Her eyes narrowed.

Run?

Not happening.

She crouched, scooped up a handful of small stones-

And flicked her wrist.

Whoosh-whoosh-whoosh-

The stones tore through the air with deadly precision.

"AAAGH-!"

One by one, the fleeing men collapsed, clutching their legs, screaming in pain.

The boy's eyes lit up.

She was incredible.

So strong.

So cool.

She had to be his mom.

He remembered-

He'd dreamed about this before.

A dream where he was in danger, and his mom appeared just in time to save him.

And now-

It was real.

But then-

The scar-faced man, still on the ground, pulled out a gun.

The barrel aimed straight at Scarlett's head.

"Mommy! Watch out!" the boy screamed, his face going pale.

The trigger was pulled.

BANG-

The bullet fired.

***

Scarlett was about to dodge-

When suddenly-

A hand caught her wrist.

Before she could react, an arm wrapped around her waist and pulled her hard against someone's chest.

Her forehead hit something solid.

Warm.

Firm.

A man.

Her eyes darkened instantly.

She moved to break free-

But the arm around her tightened, pulling her even closer.

Her expression turned cold.

Was this guy seriously trying something?

Her hand slid to her waist, fingers closing around the hilt of a hidden blade-

But before she could strike-

He let go.

Scarlett stepped back immediately, every nerve on alert as she looked up-

And froze.

For a split second, her pupils shrank.

The man standing in front of her was striking.

Sharp features, as if carved from stone. Strong brows, a straight, defined nose, and thin lips that naturally carried a hint of severity.

There was an effortless elegance about him-

The kind that couldn't be faked. The kind that came from power, from upbringing, from standing at the very top.

But what caught her off guard the most-

Was how much he resembled the boy.

Father and son?

While Scarlett studied him-

He studied her.

Carefully.

Silently.

Behind his back, his fingers brushed lightly together-the same hand that had just been around her waist.

His dark eyes stayed fixed on her.

Unblinking.

Then-

The boy ran over on unsteady legs and threw his arms around Scarlett's leg, clinging to her like he never planned to let go.

"Mommy! Mommy! I finally found you!" he cried, tears streaming down his face.

Mommy?

Theron's expression shifted almost imperceptibly.

His gaze flicked between Scarlett and the boy.

Looking closer-

There really was a resemblance.

Could it be...

That night, five years ago-

Was it her?

His eyes sharpened slightly as his gaze moved to the corner of her eye.

Nothing.

No mark.

That night, his mind had been clouded, his memory incomplete-but one detail had stayed clear.

The woman had a small red mark near her eye.

Scarlett didn't.

Her skin there was flawless.

And besides-

He had found the child abandoned in a trash bin.

What kind of mother would do that?

Someone capable of that kind of cruelty...

Couldn't be the same woman who had just risked everything to protect a child.

No.

It wasn't her.

Scarlett looked down at the boy, his face streaked with tears. She frowned slightly and wiped them away.

"Hey. Easy," she said, her voice gentler now. "You don't have to cry like that. If you're hurt, deal with it-but don't fall apart over it."

"O-Okay..." the boy sniffed, trying hard to hold it together. "Theo will be good... I'll listen to Mommy..."

His eyes were still glassy, trembling with tears he refused to let fall.

He was scared-

That if he cried, she wouldn't like him anymore.

Scarlett paused.

"You said your name is Theo?"

The boy nodded quickly.

"Yeah! Theo is my nickname. My full name is Theodore Cross!"

He looked up at her, hopeful. Expectant.

Still calling her Mommy.

Strangely-

Scarlett didn't mind it.

Every time he said it, something in her chest softened.

It felt... natural.

Familiar.

Almost like-

He really belonged to her.

"Listen," she said, her tone gentler now. "I'm not your mom. If you don't believe me... ask your dad."

As she spoke-

Theron had already walked over.

Scarlett straightened and faced him. "He's probably just shaken up and confused me with someone else."

"He doesn't have a mother," Theron said calmly, his gaze steady.

Scarlett raised a brow.

And why was he telling her that?

Before she could ask-

His voice lowered slightly, smooth and controlled.

"You saved my son."

A brief pause.

"I owe you. Name your price-whatever you want."

"I don't need anything," Scarlett replied without hesitation. "I helped him because I wanted to."

Theron studied her for a moment.

That confirmed it.

A woman like her-

Calm. Decisive. Protective-

There was no way she was the one who had abandoned this child.

"Saving him makes you someone I owe," he said. "I'll repay you. No matter what it takes."

Scarlett frowned, a flicker of impatience crossing her face.

"I said-I don't want money."

Theron went quiet for a few seconds.

Then slowly-

A faint smile touched his lips.

His gaze locked onto hers.

"What about me?"

"...What?" Scarlett blinked, caught off guard.

She stared into his eyes-

Dark. Focused. Entirely on her.

Like nothing else existed.

Before she could respond-

He added, just as calmly,

"If you don't want money... then I'll repay you with myself."

Scarlett stared at him, momentarily speechless.

So that's what he meant.

Even Howard looked stunned. He'd been with Scarlett for years-this was the first time he'd ever seen someone come at her like this.

But the happiest one-

Was Theo.

He grabbed Scarlett's hand with one hand, Theron's with the other, his face lighting up.

"This is perfect! I have a mommy now! I have a real family!"

Scarlett looked at his bright, hopeful smile-

And for once...

She couldn't bring herself to break it.

But then-

Theo's eyes suddenly rolled back.

His body went limp.

"Theo!"

Scarlett reacted instantly, catching him before he hit the ground. His face was flushed. She pressed a hand to his forehead-

Burning.

"He's got a fever," she said sharply, looking up at Theron.

Theron took the boy from her arms.

After a couple of steps, he stopped-and turned back.

"You're not coming with us?"

Scarlett's gaze lingered on Theo for a moment before she looked away.

"Like I said, I helped because I wanted to. I don't need repayment-especially not... that."

Theron's brows drew together slightly.

When he spoke, his voice was calm-but absolute.

"I don't go back on my word."

A beat.

"I said I'd repay you with myself. I meant it."

His eyes held hers.

"Wait for me. I'll come find you."

And just like that-

He turned and walked away, long strides carrying him to the car, Theo still in his arms.

The car pulled off.

Scarlett stood there, watching the taillights disappear into the distance.

"...Whether you keep your promise or not-what does that have to do with me?" she muttered under her breath.

Then she turned and got back into her own car.