I was in my car when a message popped up on my other phone.

[Mia]: Miss, Vivian's hosting dinner tonight. They've invited Mr. Lucas Becker. Seven o'clock.

My eyebrow shot up. Lucas Becker. That name immediately snagged my attention.

I let out a cynical laugh. A family dinner, huh? I jerked the steering wheel hard, changing the car's direction. My plan to just go home to my own mansion vanished in an instant. Tonight, I was heading back to that lion's den. Not as a captive, but as the most lethal uninvited guest.

I floored it to my usual salon, an exclusive spot downtown that operates 24/7. Whenever I show up, they're ready. The moment I walked in, the staff were already greeting me, sharp as ever.

"Evening, Miss Young," one of my top stylists said, instantly understanding from my look that this was an urgent mission.

"I need something fresh," I said simply. "And do my hair too."

They didn't ask a lot of questions. They were well-trained. Two people immediately swarmed around me. One started on my face, the other's hands were already busy working on my long hair.

I looked at myself in the mirror. Those eyes, their gaze hadn't faded. If anything, it was sharper now. The smile forming on my lips was a predator's sneer.

Fifteen years ago, I was a scared little girl. Now, I'm a woman ready to devour. In less than an hour, my transformation was complete.

At my mansion, I headed straight to the dressing room, pulling out a black evening gown, heavily adorned with crystals.

Once everything was ready, I left my mansion. Driving my car toward my father's house.

I arrived at six PM, an hour before Lucas Becker was expected. On purpose. I wanted to give them plenty of time to panic because of my arrival.

The gate opened automatically as soon as the sensors detected my car. I parked in the guest area, not the family garage.

I walked inside and was immediately greeted by Mia.

"Welcome, Miss," Mia said.

Before I could even reply, a shrill voice shrieked from the living room. "Scarlet?! What are you doing here?!"

That was Sarah, my stepmother, with the same old expression: angry and displeased. She was already dressed up, wearing a bright red cocktail dress.

But her shock wasn't just about my arrival. There was something else. Sarah's eyes swept over my appearance from head to toe. She definitely saw how much I'd changed.

I offered a slight smile. "Hello, Stepmother." My voice was calm, commanding the entire room. "Don't tell me you're not happy I came?"

Sarah stepped forward, her hands clenched into fists. "Get out of here right now, Scarlet! You're not invited! Your father doesn't even know you're coming! This is a family event!"

I just breezed past Sarah, sauntered over to the plush cream sofa, and casually dropped onto it, crossing my long legs. "Mia," I called out, my voice loud enough for everyone to hear. "Please get me a drink. Fresh orange juice, not too sweet."

Sarah absolutely shrieked. "Mia, don't! Don't serve her! Scarlet, I told you to get out of here!" Her face was bright red, barely containing her explosive rage.

I turned to her. "Why? Is there a problem?" I asked with feigned innocence. "Or do you just not want a scene when your special guest arrives?"

Sarah's expression hardened. She took a long, deep breath, trying to compose herself. "Vivian's boyfriend is coming over. He'll be having dinner with us tonight. I don't want any trouble. So, for Vivian's sake, just leave. You can come some other time."

"Oh, really?" I sneered. "I see. Well, in that case, I want to join this dinner too. I want to get to know Vivian's 'boyfriend.' Who knows, he might be interesting."

Vivian appeared. "You are not joining our dinner!"

"Oh, him? The same guy who used to chase me all the way to campus?" I saw Vivian hiss in anger. "Interesting. In that case, I absolutely have to be here."

Sarah ran out of patience. She stomped over to me. "Scarlet, stop messing around! I said, leave!" Her hand reached out, trying to grab my arm. I anticipated her move. Quick as a flash, I caught her hand, twisting it behind her back.

"Aaah!" Sarah shrieked in pain, her arm contorted behind her back. Her eyes were wide with shock and agony.

Vivian lunged forward. "Mom! Scarlet, what are you doing?!" Her hand flew up, aiming to slap me. I saw it coming. Quickly, I shoved Sarah, making her stumble sideways, then with one easy motion, I parried Vivian's hand. She lost her balance.

Just then, Mia arrived with the orange juice. I grabbed it and splashed the contents right into Vivian's face.

"You bitch!" Vivian screamed hysterically. Her face was soaked, her makeup running. "Dad! Dad! Look what she did!"

Moments later, heavy footsteps echoed from the staircase. Dad appeared. His eyes swept over the scene in the living room. I sat calmly on the sofa, arms crossed over my chest with a satisfied smirk.

"What is going on?!" Dad thundered.

Vivian immediately pointed at me. "Dad! Look at her! She threw a drink at me! She hurt Mom! She came uninvited!"

Dad stared at me, then shifted his gaze to Sarah and Vivian. He let out a long sigh. "Sarah, Vivian, shut up!" They were stunned. He was telling them to shut up. "Go fix yourselves up! The guest will be here soon!"

Sarah stared at Dad in disbelief. "But, honey-"

"I said, shut up!" Dad cut her off. "Go change. Now!"

Sarah and Vivian exchanged venomous glares at me, but they didn't dare defy Dad. With annoyed grumbles and barely audible curses, they turned and hurried upstairs, leaving me alone with Dad.

Dad gave me a sharp look. "Scarlet," he said. "Don't make trouble. You know we have an important guest coming."

I scoffed, my expression flat. "I'm just welcoming them, Dad. What's wrong with that?"

Dad just shook his head, giving up. He turned, walking towards his study at the end of the corridor, perhaps to avoid further problems, or maybe because he himself didn't know what to do with me.

I straightened my legs again, enjoying the sudden silence that fell over the room. A soft chime sounded. It was the doorbell.

Mia rushed to open the front door. A man stood in the doorway, tall, in an expensive suit that fit him perfectly. His dark hair was neatly combed, and his eyes immediately locked onto mine, as if he already knew I'd be there.

I stared back at him. A subtle winning smile played on my lips. "Hello, Lucas," I thought to myself.

Lucas Becker.

He looked at me, his eyes betraying a hint of surprise, then his expression hardened. He shifted his gaze, as if I were something he didn't want to see.

My foot swung gracefully, carrying me closer to Lucas Becker, who was still standing stiffly in the doorway, his eyes darting away from me. There was a palpable disgust on his face, as if my very presence here was a stain ruining his evening.

"I can't believe you're here, Scarlet," Lucas hissed, seething with annoyance. "What are you doing? Stirring up trouble again?"

I stopped a few steps from him, close enough to make sure he couldn't ignore me. My smile was a thin mask.

"Why? Am I messing with your plans, Lucas?" My gaze cut right through him. "Have you forgotten this is my father's house? Sarah, that mistress, might be his wife. But I? I have rights here too. More than you could ever imagine."

Lucas clenched his jaw. His eyes now blazed into mine. "Stop hurting Vivian, Scarlet. She's innocent in all of this. You're cruel."

No sooner had those words left Lucas's mouth than Vivian's shriek echoed from the top of the stairs.

"Lucas!" Vivian flew down the steps in a different dress, looking fresh and as if nothing had happened. She practically launched herself into Lucas's arms, hugging him tightly as if I weren't even there. Her lips immediately found his, a kiss that was too long, too performative, and right in front of me.

A wave of revulsion washed over me. My stomach churned watching that display. But more than that, there was another sting. Pain. A familiar ache, one I'd buried for so long.

Lucas was my first love. A love I thought was dead. But seeing this, my heart throbbed with agony. I still loved him. Dammit.

Vivian pulled away from Lucas, looking at me with a triumphant gleam she couldn't hide. "Ice, darling, come join us for dinner." Her voice was sickly sweet, sly as hell. This was clearly a trap. She wanted to humiliate me at the dinner table.

I didn't flinch. Only a faint smile was my reply. With effortless grace, I turned my back on them. "Of course. Why not?" I sauntered past them, heading toward the dining room as if I were the true mistress of this mansion. Not her, not her mother.

...

The dining room was already brightly lit. The long mahogany table was laden with lavish dishes. Sarah was already seated at the end of the table, her face still red with visible anger. She glared at me the moment I walked in.

"I'm watching you," Sarah hissed.

I ignored her, choosing the empty chair closest to the head of the table, where Dad would sit later.

Vivian and Lucas entered after me, Lucas's arm still wrapped around Vivian's waist. They sat across from me.

Dad finally arrived, his expression still annoyed. "Enough," he said, his voice heavy, "Let's eat. No more drama."

Everyone sat down. A short prayer was said, more like a dry formality. Then, we started eating. I reached for a plate. Deliberately, I piled on several dishes, then laughed at something obscure.

Sarah immediately snapped at me. "Scarlet, what in the world are you doing? Have you no manners?!"

I turned to her, the spoon in my hand still mid-air. "Oh, my apologies, Stepmother. I'm just so impressed. This food looks incredibly fancy. Did you order this from a five-star restaurant? To welcome a special guest? Wow, so the resident chef isn't quite up to snuff these days, huh?" My tone was dripping with sarcasm.

Vivian immediately shot back. "What are you talking about, Ice?! I cooked all of this myself! Every single dish!" Her face flushed, but her eyes held a defensive glint.

I shot her a sharp look. Liar. I knew she couldn't even fry an egg without burning it.

Lucas was quick to defend Vivian. "That's right, Scarlet. Vivian really is a great cook. Her cooking is one of the things that made me fall for her back in college." He glared at me, annoyed. "Maybe you're just jealous because you can't do the same."

Lucas's words hit me like a punch to the gut. I froze. Cooking? Back in college? The thing that made him fall for her?

My mind raced backward. That cooking... the packed lunches I often brought for Lucas when he was busy training. The lunches that always disappeared from his locker. Or the lunch I'd made with all my heart, the last time I gave it directly to him... and he threw it in the trash right in front of me, saying he didn't need my pity.

He said Vivian made all that food. I had forgotten. I didn't realize...

Dad cleared his throat loudly. He looked from me to Lucas, then back. "I want a peaceful dinner. No more arguments." His voice clearly ended the debate.

I lowered my gaze, pretending to focus on my food, but my mind and heart were still reeling. Could Vivian really have cooked for Lucas?

...

After dinner, I went to the second-floor toilet.

Once inside, I heard Vivian and Sarah's voices. They were talking, seemingly unaware that anyone else was nearby. I stood by the doorframe, my hand still on the doorknob.

"I hate her, Mom!" Vivian whined, her voice thick with anger. "I can't believe she showed up! I want her out of this house as soon as possible!"

"Calm down, sweetheart," Sarah replied, trying to soothe her. "Your father won't let her do anything."

Vivian complained again. "It's not that! I just don't want Lucas to find out..."

Sarah sounded like she sighed. "Find out what?"

"I'm scared old flames might reignite, Mom!"

"Ridiculous. Lucas never liked her. He only felt sorry for her."

"No, Mom! Lucas *did* like her back then!" Vivian raised her voice. "He often praised Scarlet. If I hadn't messed with their story, Lucas would definitely be with Scarlet. I wouldn't have let that happen!"

Vivian's confession pierced my heart. I froze on the spot. Completely shocked.

All this time, I was sure Lucas hated me. I wholeheartedly believed he'd gotten rid of me, just like he'd tossed my homemade lunch in the trash. I was convinced he was disgusted by me.

But what I just heard...

He liked me?

I walked out of the toilet; both of them went pale.

I walked out of the restroom. My eyes went straight to Vivian and Sarah. Vivian's face went white.

"Are you two done gossiping about me?"

Vivian jumped, startled. Her face turned bright red, a mix of anger and embarrassment. "Were you eavesdropping?! How rude of you!"

I just stared at her, not caring about her accusation. "Eavesdropping? I was just enjoying your *fascinating* 'chatter.' Especially about how you stole my lunch and pretended to be me."

Vivian glared, her body tensing. "Shut up! You have no proof! Even if you tell Lucas, he won't believe you! He's my boyfriend! He loves me!"

A cynical smile spread across my lips. I stepped closer to Vivian.

"You're right," I said, now standing right in front of her. I didn't touch her, but my presence was so dominant she took a step back. "I won't say a word."

Vivian looked surprised. I smirked. My hand shot out, gripping Vivian's arm tight. My hold was firm, no messing around. She whimpered softly.

"I won't say a word," I repeated. "But I'll make damn sure Lucas throws you out. Like trash!"

My grip on her arm tightened further, making Vivian wince in pain.

"What are you going to do?" she whispered.

I released my hold, as if her arm no longer meant anything to me. Vivian immediately rubbed her reddened arm, her eyes full of hatred mixed with fear. I left her standing there, trembling. There was nothing left for me to say to either of them.

"You little devil!" Sarah muttered.

I turned and smiled. "Thanks." After that, I turned around and continued walking, descending the stairs to the ground floor. The click of my heels against the marble created a determined rhythm.

Lucas was still in the family room, alone. He looked like he was reading a message on his phone, his face looking annoyed.

I approached him. "All alone, Lucas?" My voice sounded friendly.

Lucas looked up, his expression surprised to see me. He frowned. "Where's Vivian?" he asked, ignoring me.

I smiled faintly, mocking him. "They're chit-chatting upstairs. Don't you wanna hang out and have a drink with me down here while you wait?"

Lucas stared at me. His gaze was still full of irritation. "No need. I'm going to find Vivian." He immediately turned and headed for the stairs, completely dismissing me. He wanted to escape me. But it wouldn't be that easy.

"Oh," I sighed softly, loud enough for him to hear. "It just makes me wonder if Vivian's prepared dinner is so unforgettable that you can't even wait a minute?"

Lucas paused for a moment, but didn't turn around. He just sped up his ascent upstairs. I just scoffed quietly.

I left Dad's mansion not long after, getting a head start on Lucas. My car sped down the deserted road towards my private mansion.

I arrived at a dark intersection, which I knew was the only route Lucas could take to get home. It was a small, somewhat secluded road, not very busy with traffic.

I deliberately parked my car on the side of the road, making it look like it had broken down. I turned on my hazard lights, then sat in the driver's seat, waiting. 

Half an hour later, headlights cut through the darkness. It was Lucas. Bullseye.

I sprang into action. As his car approached, I hurried out of mine, standing by the door with a perfectly feigned anxious look. My hand held my phone, as if I was desperately trying to call someone.

Lucas's car slowed, then stopped a few yards ahead of me. His window rolled down. Lucas's face appeared, looking confused.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

"Oh, Lucas!" I pretended to be surprised, as if I hadn't been expecting him. "My car broke down! I don't know what to do." I put on a scared face, glancing around the dark road. "It's so isolated out here. I'm so scared..."

Lucas sighed, clearly annoyed. "I can call a tow truck."

"No need! My assistant will handle it," I said quickly. "I just don't want to be out here alone. It's so dark. I'm afraid of bad people, Lucas. You know, on a deserted road like this..." I deliberately bowed my head, hugging myself, playing the part of a fragile, terrified woman.

Lucas scanned the surroundings. He was clearly weighing his options, considering leaving me, but his moral compass must have pricked him. He was a gentleman, after all; he wouldn't leave a woman alone on a dark road.

He hesitated, his eyes uncertain. "I need to get home."

"But I can't wait here by myself," my voice dropped to a near whisper. I looked up, meeting his gaze with faked teary eyes. "Please, Lucas. Just take me home first."

Lucas looked like he was in a major bind. He let out a long, frustrated sigh. "Get in."

I smiled thinly to myself. Nailed it.

I quickly scrambled into the passenger seat beside him. The moment I sat down, the familiar, masculine scent of his cologne filled my senses.

Lucas's car drove off again, cutting through the night. I stayed quiet, letting the silence do the talking. Occasionally, I'd glance at Lucas. His face was tense, his jaw tightly clenched. He avoided eye contact with me.

"You don't have to drive me all the way inside the gate," I said softly, breaking the silence. "Just drop me off out front. I can walk from there."

He just mumbled something indistinct, not bothering to respond. I knew he didn't want to be around me for long.

It didn't take long to reach the front of my mansion.

Lucas stopped the car. "We're here," he said flatly.

I nodded, then unbuckled my seatbelt. I made a show of struggling with it, even sighing a little.

Lucas huffed in annoyance. "What now?" he asked.

"I don't know," I said. "Seems like the seatbelt's jammed."

He scoffed again. I watched him get out of the car. Then he walked around. He came to the passenger side. My car door opened.

"You can-"

Before he could finish his sentence, the moment the door opened, I released the seatbelt. I deliberately let my body go limp, feigning dizziness. I swayed to the side, as if about to fall. And Lucas, with his natural reflexes, instantly caught me. I fell right into his arms.

The scent of his cologne grew stronger. My hands crept up to his chest, pretending to look for a grip, but I was doing it on purpose. His heart pounded beneath my palms.

I looked up at him, and smiled. A faint, triumphant smile, full of meaning.

"Nice move, Scarlet!" Lucas hissed, laced with anger. He knew. He knew I was just playing games. He knew this was all an act. "You're devious. You used to be so cruel to me. And now? You're acting cheap like this?"

My hands, which had been resting on his chest, now deliberately stroked the area gently. I could feel the muscles beneath his shirt. "I am," I whispered, teasing. "But... you like it, don't you, Lucas?"

He gasped. His eyes widened for a moment. My touch, that teasing whisper, seemed to startle him.

Lucas's face flushed. He clenched his jaw, then with one rough motion, he pushed me away.