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.

Six months flew by. I officially became a shareholder of Young Corporation, inheriting my mom's 20% stake. The paperwork was all done.

I stepped foot back into the Young Corporation headquarters. This time, I went straight to Dad's office. The door was open.

Dad was signing some papers. He looked up, his eyes burning with anger and hatred.

"What now?" he asked flatly, tossing his pen onto the desk.

I walked in, not alone. Ivan Barnes, my lawyer and a friend, followed behind me.

"I'm here to claim what else is mine," I said, stepping closer to his desk. My gaze was steady, unwavering.

"What *else* could you possibly want?" Dad snorted. "You already got your mother's shares. What more do you need?"

"A position," I said curtly. "Financial Manager. The one Sarah currently holds."

Dad's eyes bulged. His face instantly turned crimson. His right hand shot up, ready to strike.

But Ivan moved fast. His hand clamped around Dad's wrist, stopping him just before his hand reached my face. Dad was stunned, turning to Ivan with an angry glare.

"Please control yourself, Mr. Young," Ivan said. "Actions like this could lead to serious legal trouble."

Dad yanked his hand away roughly. "Who are you?! How dare you interfere in my family's business!"

"Ivan Barnes, Miss Scarlet's lawyer," Ivan introduced himself, remaining calm. "And also a witness to this inappropriate behavior."

Dad snorted, then sat back down, trying to compose himself.

"You think you can just waltz into that position, Ice?" Dad asked, sneering. "You have no experience. You're still wet behind the ears."

I smirked. "I hold 20% of Young Corporation shares. To secure the Financial Manager position, I only need the support of 35% of the board's votes." I looked at him haughtily. "So, I suggest you arrange a board meeting as soon as possible. Next week, at the latest."

Dad's face went pale. He knew I wasn't playing around. My shares gave me the power to force his hand.

"Fine," he said, once again through clenched teeth. "I'll arrange it. But don't expect the board to agree so easily. They know Sarah's capabilities."

"That's my problem. You just set up the meeting," I said, then turned around. "I'll expect results next week."

I walked out of the room, Ivan following close behind me. Dad's office door closed after us.

In the parking lot, Ivan immediately opened his car door for me. Today, I was riding with him. "Are you sure you'll be alright, Ice?" he asked.

I nodded. "Of course. This isn't the first time I've faced Dad. And it won't be the last." I got into the car.

Ivan got into the driver's seat. "We need to talk. How about we grab some coffee? There's a quiet cafe nearby."

I didn't argue. My mind was still reeling. I could act tough in front of Dad, in front of everyone. But in front of Ivan, that mask loosened a bit. He was the only person who knew almost all my secrets.

We arrived at a cafe that wasn't too crowded. The entire way there, I could see women's eyes around us captivated by Ivan.

He was handsome, alright. Tall, well-built, with dark hair and those distinctive gray-green eyes. His athletic physique perfectly matched the mysterious aura that always clung to him.

We ordered coffee. I sat across from him, trying to keep my composure. But Ivan, it seemed, could read my uneasiness.

"You're anxious," Ivan said, looking straight at me.

I sighed. "Just a little," I admitted. "This is an important position. I can't afford to mess up."

Ivan gave a slight smile. "Your reputation's solid, Ice. Your work on previous projects has been great too. And I'll help you handle this. You don't need to worry."

I nodded, trying to reassure myself. Suddenly, a warm trickle ran beneath my nose.

Ivan's eyes widened. "Ice! You're bleeding!" He immediately pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and offered it to me. "You're too hard on yourself. I've told you countless times, you shouldn't be this tough."

I took the handkerchief, wiping away the blood that had started to drip. Then, I laughed. "Couldn't do a thing without you."

He looked at me, his eyes filled with something more than just a friend's concern. "Why have you never seen me as anything more than a friend?"

I avoided his gaze.

"Find a better woman. I just want to spend the rest of my life on revenge."

Sadness became even clearer in his eyes. He looked down. "You never change."

Seeing Ivan upset made me angry. I hate it when people look at me with pity. "Don't look at me like that," I snapped.

Ivan looked up, his eyes a little surprised by my angry reaction. "My bad," he said.

Silence fell between us. We both just stared at our steaming coffee cups.

...

A week flew by. Monday morning, I arrived at Young Corporation. I wasn't alone. Two burly bodyguards escorted me. In one of their hands, there was a new nameplate with my name engraved: 'Scarlet Young - Financial Manager'.

I went straight to the executive floor, to what used to be Sarah's office.

Sarah had just arrived at her office. She was arranging her desk, unaware of her impending doom. Her face was shocked when she saw me walk in, followed by the bodyguards and Ivan.

"What are you doing here?!" Sarah demanded, her voice high and angry. "How dare you walk into my office!"

"Your office?" I smirked. "Looks like you missed the memo, Stepmom. This office is mine now." I extended my hand, and my bodyguard placed my nameplate on the desk.

Sarah's eyes bulged at the nameplate. "You're insane! Your father would never let this happen! I'm going to talk to him!"

"Go ahead," I said indifferently, stepping forward and sitting in her chair, the Financial Manager's chair. "But you'll just be wasting your time. Because now, *I* own this position. Not you."

I showed her the job transfer documents. Dad had arranged this himself so Sarah had no idea she'd been fired.

Sarah looked at me, eyes blazing with fury. I'd taken everything from her. "You demon!" she screamed. "You witch! I'll kill you!"

I just leaned back in the chair, enjoying the look of defeat on her face. "Go on, try," I whispered softly. "And see what happens to you."

Sarah was still silent. I casually said, "Why are you still standing there?"

Sarah's mouth hung open.

I waved my hand, as if shooing a chicken. "Now get out, you're ruining my view!"

Sarah pointed at me. "I'll get my revenge on you. Just you wait!"