Chapter 177
Chapter 177
Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, three years had passed since that harrowing storm at sea.
During those three years, Silverlight City's business world had undergone earth-shaking changes.
The rival tycoons and competitors who'd thought the Getty Group would fall apart without a leader had their expectations shattered by Scarlett's iron-fisted takeover.
The woman rumored to be weak and helpless—Thaddeus's "ex-wife" who only knew how to hide behind a man—revealed chilling business acumen and ruthless efficiency after taking over the CEO position.
Under her leadership, the Getty Group divested itself of poor-performing assets and focused on developing new energy and artificial intelligence. After a brief period of turbulence, stock prices soared to historic highs.
Scarlett's name had become a new legend in Silverlight City's business world.
Sapphire Hill Estate.
Early autumn sunlight, warm and gentle, spilled across ivy-covered red brick walls, bathing the estate—once soaked in bloodshed—in a tranquil glow.
"Starry! Starry, come quick! My kite won't fly!" Orla, dressed in a pink princess dress, stomped her feet in frustration, clutching an enormous butterfly kite.
"Coming. You're running too slow. You have to run into the wind." Arthur, wearing casual athletic clothes and with a refined, handsome face, set down the LEGO model he'd been assembling and jogged over with light steps.
Three years had passed. Nurtured by Scarlett's unconditional love and Orla's constant chatter, Arthur—who'd once suffered from severe autism—had not only emerged from the shadows but now communicated like any normal child. He'd even developed a calm, protective demeanor befitting an older brother.
Arthur expertly took the kite string and ran across the lawn with Orla.
Soon, the butterfly kite soared steadily into the blue sky.
"Starry's so amazing! It's flying so high!" Orla clapped excitedly, eyes filled with admiration.
Arthur looked at her joyful face, his lips curving into a doting smile.
On the second-floor terrace.
Scarlett, dressed comfortably in loungewear, held a warm cup of tea and quietly watched the two small figures chasing each other on the lawn.
An autumn breeze passed, lifting stray strands of hair near her face.
Watching her healthy, happy children, warmth flooded her heart—but it was accompanied by a faint, persistent ache.
'If only... he could see this too.'
"What are you thinking about? You look so lost."
A bright female voice broke through Scarlett's thoughts.
Allegra, her belly slightly rounded, walked onto the terrace with Finnian's support, smiling warmly.
"Allegra, Finnian." Scarlett said snapping back into reality, quickly setting down her teacup and helping support Allegra's other arm. "Why aren't you resting inside? Didn't the doctor say your first trimester is unstable and you need to be careful?"
"I'm about to grow mold stuck in bed. Finnian's more nagging than my mother—he won't let me do anything." Allegra shot her husband a playful glare, her dewy eyes unable to hide her sweetness and happiness.
Though Allegra still hadn't regained her memories, fate seemed to have compensated her in another way. They'd become close friends again.
Watching Allegra's carefree smile, Scarlett's eyes brimmed with healing and peace.
Her Allegra could be a wife doted on like a princess, a mother about to welcome new life.
That was enough.
"I'm doing this for your own good. If you don't behave, I'll just have to tie you to the bed." Finnian carefully helped his wife settle into a wicker chair, his tone full of helpless affection.
He looked up at Scarlett. "Scarlett, sorry to intrude today. Allegra insisted on coming to see Orla and Arthur."
"It's fine. I've been missing her too." Scarlett smiled and sat across from them.
Just then, Sawyer emerged from the study, holding several documents. "Scarlett, this is the final confirmation for the global premiere of the 'Dragon's Tear' animated feature film."
Sawyer handed the documents to Scarlett. He wore a crisp gray suit today, still the picture of a refined gentleman.
But in those eyes that usually held deep affection, there was now a trace of freedom—the look of someone preparing to leave.
"The premiere is scheduled for next Friday. I'll attend the opening ceremony." Sawyer looked at Scarlett. "If all goes well, this film will become this year's global animated box office champion."
"Thank you, Sawyer." Scarlett took the documents, genuinely grateful. "Without your continued support and help, the name Echo might have been buried long ago."
Sawyer smiled faintly and sat on the sofa beside Scarlett, his gaze deep as he looked at her.
"Scarlett," he paused, his tone carrying barely detectable complexity, "after the premiere... I may need to return to Veridian headquarters for a while. The family has some tricky business that requires my personal attention."
Scarlett froze.
Over the past three years, Sawyer had devoted almost all his energy to Silverlight City, quietly standing behind her, handling various troubles and helping stabilize the Getty Group's situation.
She knew his feelings for her. And she'd rejected him without mercy.
"How long will you be gone?" Scarlett asked softly.
"Hard to say. Maybe a few months. Maybe... a few years." Sawyer sighed inwardly.
He knew.
From the moment Thaddeus plunged into the sea, his place in Scarlett's heart had become irreplaceable.
Years of companionship couldn't compete with the mark that domineering, obsessive Thaddeus—who loved her to his very bones—had carved with his life.
"Scarlett, if... if you ever feel too tired in Silverlight City, or if you want a change of scenery, the estate in Veridian will always be open to you and the children."
His gaze was gentle and steadfast, as if making a promise that would never expire.
Scarlett looked at him, her eyes warming with unshed tears.
She understood what he meant.
But.
"Sawyer, thank you, " Scarlett shook her head gently, a slight smile on her lips. "But I'm not going anywhere."
She turned to look at Arthur and Orla, carefree on the lawn. "This is my home. I have to protect everything... for him."
Sawyer looked at her resolute profile and nodded with a smile. "All right. I understand. If the Getty Group ever faces trouble you can't handle, contact me anytime."
Late at night.
Scarlett drove alone to the waters off Silverlight City's eastern outskirts.
The sea wind howled, carrying early autumn's chill.
The dark water churned beneath the moonlight, emitting low, thunderous roars.
This was where Thaddeus had disappeared.
It was also the only place where, over the past three years, she could find a shred of solace when overwhelmed by unbearable pressure and pain.
Everyone told her to look forward.
Sawyer urged her. Finnian urged her. Even Yvaine, far away in Majestic City, constantly tried setting her up with eligible young men, hoping she'd move on.
They all believed time could heal everything.
But only Scarlett knew.
Some wounds didn't heal with time. Instead, they festered over the years, growing deeper and more painful.
"Thaddeus..." Scarlett stood on the beach, letting the wind tangle her hair, staring at that bottomless black ocean. She murmured, "I miss you so much..."
She crouched down, hugging her knees, tears falling silently. "Arthur's gotten taller. He protects Orla now. When he smiles... he really looks like you..."
"Getty Group's stock price went up again today. I've got those old foxes eating out of my hand..."
"But why won't you come back and see? Didn't you love being in control of everything?"
"How could you bear... to leave such a huge mess to me alone..."
Like a helpless child, she poured out her grievances, longing, and exhaustion to the vast sea.
Only in this empty corner could she shed her unbreakable queen's façade and reveal her most fragile side.
Scarlett cried for a long time, until the sea wind made her cheeks sting with cold.
"I'll protect everything for you."
"Until... the day you come back."