Chapter 133 Malice
Scarlett believed that Ambrose was sober.
Even so, she didn't give in. "I appreciate your recognition, but my mind really isn't on this right now." After a few seconds, she added, "I just want to finish the art museum project I'm working on. Once I become director, my attention will be divided and this project will probably suffer. As for the director position, please choose someone else."
Seeing Scarlett's insistence, Ambrose didn't push her, but he wasn't ready to give up either. He just said,
"Don't rush to refuse. Think it over."
Though Ambrose said he'd give her time to think, she didn't take it to heart. That afternoon, she threw herself completely into work. When she got tired, she got up to make coffee in the break room. At the doorway, she heard colleagues from the design department talking about this again.
As soon as they saw her, they all smiled and congratulated her. Scarlett asked with a smile, "What's the congratulations for?"
Vida chimed in, "Of course it's for you becoming director soon."
Scarlett's expression remained calm. She took down the coffee powder from the cabinet, put some in her cup, and said, "How come I don't know I'm becoming director? Did the higher-ups only tell you guys and not notify me?"
Seeing her serious expression, everyone's mouths dropped open in surprise. "But HR has been spreading this news."
"It's just a rumor."
After she said this, everyone was skeptical, but some people who wanted to get on her good side still kept saying congratulations. Scarlett responded playfully, neither cold nor warm.
On her way back from the break room, passing through the design department hall, a dissatisfied, mocking voice reached her ears.
"The director position should at least go to a senior employee. Why should a new employee get it? Who would accept that?" It was Jace's voice.
"Jace, keep your voice down. If someone hears you, do you want to keep your job or not?" someone advised.
"Exactly, she's got people backing her. Don't go against her, or you'll be the next Mr. Rivera."
Full of sarcasm and malice. A cold smile appeared on Scarlett's lips as she walked back to her office.
Today Scarlett left work right on time. Just as she walked down to the parking lot, an unfamiliar number called.
She hesitated for a few seconds, then answered, "Hello."
"Hello, Owen wants to see you. If you're available now, please come over."
Scarlett recognized the voice - it was the prison guard she usually contacted. She replied, "I'm available, I'll come over in a bit."
Scarlett guessed that Owen's sudden request to see her was probably about Brielle. Tatum must have gone to see Owen. That was fine - she could tell him about all this and let him see the true faces of this mother and daughter.
After hanging up, Scarlett drove to the prison in the suburbs. On the way, she called Rhea, saying she didn't need to save dinner for her and asking Rhea to help look after the two kids.
After a forty-minute drive, Scarlett arrived at the prison. The staff arranged for her to go to where Owen was held. Walking in, she saw that Owen had dinner set up - all home-cooked dishes.
"Dad." Scarlett called out as she stepped through the door.
"Scarlett's here. I was waiting to have dinner with you. It's been a long time since we ate dinner together." Owen still had his refined air, smiling warmly.
Scarlett walked over and hugged him. After the father-daughter embrace, they sat at the table.
Owen didn't say anything, just said to eat first. Scarlett didn't want to ruin the atmosphere either, so the father and daughter ate dinner harmoniously.
When they were almost done eating, Owen finally spoke.
"Scarlett, I called you here tonight because there's something I want to ask you."
Scarlett picked up a napkin and wiped her mouth. "Dad, did Tatum come to see you?"
Owen didn't hide it and nodded. Scarlett asked again, "What did she say?"
"She said you had Ambrose send Brielle to a mental hospital."
"Didn't she say why?"
"Just those old grudges."
After hearing this, Scarlett didn't say anything. She just asked, "Dad, do you want me to let Brielle go, or...?"
Owen put down his knife and fork and waved his hand. "I just want to know the reason. After all, I know you - you wouldn't go that far without a reason."
Hearing this, Scarlett's heart settled. Owen believed in her. So she told Owen everything from beginning to end. By the end, tears were streaming down her face.
The room was very quiet. Owen's hand on the table clenched into a fist, as if he was using great force to control his emotions. After a long while, he finally said in a hoarse voice,
"Scarlett, I've wronged you."
As he spoke, he lowered his head, unable to hide his grief.
Owen's sadness this time was even deeper than when he learned what Wesley had done. Scarlett felt sorry for him. She hadn't wanted Owen to know about these things.
At his age, he couldn't take any more shocks.
Damn Tatum, deliberately not wanting to let her and Owen have peace.
She reached out and held Owen's hand. "Dad, this isn't your fault. It's because that mother and daughter have such poisonous hearts. Now they're getting what they deserve."
"If I hadn't married Tatum back then, you wouldn't have suffered like this." Owen said.
"No one can predict what will happen in the future, so Dad, this really isn't your fault. Don't feel guilty. We're still looking for the child, and I believe we'll find them eventually."
Owen was truly heartbroken. It was his fault.
To shift Owen's emotions, Scarlett brought up the Mitchell family taking office. Only then did Owen break out of his sad mood.
"I know."
"Ambrose is now competing for Serene Bay Peninsula. Tell him not to worry. The Mitchell family won't dare to be too obvious. He just took office, and many eyes are watching him."
Scarlett nodded.
"What's going on between you and Ambrose? Tatum said you're living together."
Scarlett then explained about Yara and Ambrose's son being classmates, and about the treatment, explaining that they were basically helping each other out.
After hearing this, Owen didn't say much, just said, "I understand. If he can help you find the child, it'll repay the favor I did for his father. You don't need to feel guilty."
Scarlett heard the reassurance. Owen was telling her she didn't need to feel like she owed anyone anything.
The father and daughter chatted for quite a while. At eight o'clock, Scarlett said goodbye to Owen. This goodbye felt even harder than the last time.
At night, emotions get amplified, and the longing for loved ones becomes stronger.
She walked out of the prison gate, head down, heart heavy. Suddenly, a light shone in front of her. She looked up.
In the light, a handsome figure walked toward her. She was stunned - why was he here?
The figure ahead was none other than Ambrose. He wore a black shirt, blending with the night. As he walked over, she felt the night wasn't so scary anymore.
"Why did you come?" She looked at the approaching person with a sense of unreality.
Ambrose put his hands on his hips. "I was just in the area, so I came by to pick you up."
"You cried again?" His eyes fixed on hers, seeing the reddish traces.
Scarlett raised her hand to touch her eyes and sighed, "Seeing my dad upset made me feel bad."
Ambrose raised his hand to cup her face, his thin lips parting, his husky voice extremely gentle, "Still want to cry? Want to lean on my shoulder?"
Scarlett didn't say anything.
"Get in the car first." He took her hand and walked toward the car. Scarlett had driven her own car, but she got into his.