CHAPTER 206: DO NOT MAKE HER PROUD

[Summit Partners: Assistant Director’s Office]

Scarlet stood before the floor-to-ceiling window, arms crossed, her gaze fixed on the bustling city as the setting sun painted the skyline. She narrowed her eyes, recalling her meeting with Melissa.

Knowing Melissa was part of her job. After all, Atlas’s business was also hers. His sudden decision to shake hands with the Lancasters had never been in his plans, but because his children were being cared for by the Youngs, he had given the NL Group a chance.

"The Lancasters weren’t part of our list," she whispered, eyes sharpening. "And this decision is disrupting the balance of the original plan for Novera."

On top of that, Scarlet was far from pleased with how defensive Atlas had been toward Lola Young. He knew he shouldn’t be associating with her, yet he remained stubborn. Although she understood the twins had taken a liking to Lola, he didn’t need to stay entangled with her as well.

Her grip on her arm tightened, jaw clenching. She tapped her fingers against her arm, lost in thought. Melissa had given her little to go on, aside from the fact that Lola Young was apparently using the children and claiming to be their mother. She knew this was misinformation—Melissa had no idea the children with Lola weren’t actually hers.

A knock at the door broke her thoughts. Scarlet turned as it opened.

"Hey," Allen peeked his head in, one foot stepping into the room. "Are you free?"

Scarlet simply nodded. "Take a seat."

"It’s alright," he said, walking to the other end of the desk. Hands in pockets, he studied her for a moment. "You know why I’m here."

"Of course. It’s because I invited Melissa Young to my office, correct?"

Allen tilted his head. "Why?"

"Allen, if you’re asking because you plan to report me, then do so. I will explain myself if he wants an answer... though I doubt he would," she shrugged.

"He already knows, Scarlet," Allen corrected her. "If you think he wouldn’t know what’s happening at Summit Partners just because he’s been a little distracted, you’re wrong. He’s never really distracted... and you, of all people, know that."

A moment of silence fell. Scarlet’s stubborn expression remained, while Allen’s face carried a serious tone. It wasn’t hostility, but a distinct tension hung in the air.

"Scarlet, don’t overstep again," Allen warned. "I’m telling you not just as a colleague, but as someone who considers you a good friend. Do not overstep again."

"Why? Because he’s going to kill me?"

"I will." His blunt answer finally cracked the stubbornness in her eyes. Allen sighed faintly, maintaining a solemn front. "So I’m warning you now. Don’t, Scarlet. Whatever you’re planning, Lola Young is off-limits."

He paused, chin raised. "Focus on your task and leave his personal affairs to me. That’s my job, not yours. Derek Lancaster is out of the project, and unless the boss needed again, that will never change."

Allen turned on his heel. Just as he reached the door, Scarlet finally spoke.

"You really think you can kill me?" she scoffed. "Allen, don’t forget who you were five years ago. You couldn’t even hurt a fly back then."

"Five years is a long time." He glanced over his shoulder. "And in the world we operate in, a lot can happen. Scarlet, I even left my fiancée for him. What makes you think I can’t get my hands dirty if I have to?"

Allen held her gaze. "Don’t let his personal life distract you, Scar. Treat this as a warning."

Another wave of silence followed before he strode off. Scarlet stayed rooted, biting her inner bottom lip as she stared at the door.

"Tch," she clicked her tongue, clenching her fists. "Is he really just going to let things be?"

Scarlet wasn’t lying when she said her interests were aligned with the Zorken Family and the Order. Born and raised in the Order, she didn’t want another incident like the ones from years ago.

In other words, she didn’t trust Lola or the kind of problems she might bring. They already had enough, and they couldn’t waste resources protecting that woman. Moreover, if there was going to be a matriarch of the Zorken Family, Lola surely didn’t fit.

"Fine," she huffed. "If you really think this isn’t a problem, so be it."

She turned back to the city, eyes glinting, jaw clenched.

"Don’t make me say ’I told you so,’" she whispered. "I know that woman is bad news... and my gut has never failed me."

****

At the same time...

"What a day!" Haji stretched in the back seat. "Hey, Silo, you said there would be celebrities! How come I didn’t see one?"

"What do you mean?" Lola looked back at him, pointing at herself and Cedrick. "We were with you all along."

Cedrick winced quietly, lowering his head slightly. "I’m not—"

"Damn..." Haji scoffed, leaning toward her. He pointed at Cedrick. "Him, I don’t doubt. But you? Lola, I know things are hard, but you can’t just daydream with your eyes open."

"Hah." She scoffed. Before she could respond, her phone vibrated. She glanced down, eyebrows rising.

The notification banner at the top of the screen displayed the sender and message:

[From: Jasmine Young

Good evening, Young Madam Bennet. My daughter and I plan to shop tomorrow. If you’re not busy, perhaps we can have some tea? It would be amazing to have you there.]

Lola finally tapped the persistent notification. The message log was mostly Jasmine’s invitations or casual inquiries.

Lola leaned back, pondering.

I guess I’ve already made them wait long enough.

A smirk lifted her lips as she noticed Haji and Cedrick staring at her in confusion. Lola said nothing, simply relishing the moment.

"Please don’t smirk like that," Haji blurted. "It’s scary."

"You’re not the one who should be scared, Haji," she hummed playfully. "But the reasons I am smiling."

As she giggled mischievously on her own, Haji moved closer to where Cedrick was seated.

"Do not ever make her proud," he warned under his breath, shaking his head. "Just never be the reason she’s smiling like that, okay? It’s usually not a good thing."