Chapter 50: Chapter Forty Nine

Athena

The library basked in the golden glow of the afternoon sun, casting long, dappled shadows across the floor. I sat by the window, a book resting idly on my lap, though my attention was elsewhere— lost in the sprawling skyline beyond the glass.

The past month in this hotel suite had been nothing short of a sanctuary—no obligations, no constant vigilance, free from the constant anxiety of tiptoeing around Beatrix’s unpredictable moods. Just peace.

But peace was a fragile thing. It could shatter in an instant.

As if on cue, the sharp chime of the doorbell jolted me from my thoughts. My body reacted before my mind could catch up—I sprang to my feet, sending the book tumbling to the floor with a dull thud. I didn’t bother picking it up, stepping over it as I hurried out of the room and down the hallway. Turning the corner, I descended the stairs, my heart skipping a beat.

Eros had mentioned visiting his grandparents for the weekend, so I wasn’t expecting him. But knowing him, I wouldn’t be surprised if he decided to drop by on his way there.

Descending the stairs, I spotted Graham already heading toward the door. I bit my bottom lip, anticipation curling in my stomach. But as the door swung open, it wasn’t Eros standing there.

It was Scarlett Granville.

A wave of unease settled over me, settled in the pit of my stomach. I had no idea how she’d found me, though I wouldn’t put it past her to have me investigated. 

The moment Graham unlatched the door, she stepped inside without hesitation, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floor. Arms crossed, expression unreadable, she exuded an air of cold confidence.

“Miss Granville…” Graham started.

“Shut it, old man,” she snapped, her eyes already scanning the room. “Where’s that foolish girl living here?”

“Don’t worry about it, Graham,” My voice cut through the air as I stepped forward. “I’ll handle this.”

Graham gave a small nod. “Yes, Miss,” he murmured before retreating.

Scarlett’s gaze raked over me with thinly veiled disdain. “Living the dream, aren’t you? Must be nice—hiding away in a five-star suite, pretending the real world doesn’t exist.”

I folded my arms. “What do you want, Scarlett?”

She tilted her head, momentarily caught off guard by the edge in my tone. Then, recovering quickly, she smirked. “Straight to the point, huh? Fine. Stay away from Eros.”

I let out a sharp laugh. “Seriously? You came all the way here just to say that?”

"I'm not joking, Athena. I mean it." Her voice was sharp, edged with warning, her posture rigid and unyielding. In another era, she might have resembled a warrior princess, standing her ground with fierce determination. 

But here and now, draped in her crimson ensemble with matching red lipstick, she looked anything but intimidating. To me, she was nothing more than a laughable spectacle—one that made my stomach turn.

“And if I don’t?” I challenged her, lifting my chin.

Scarlett stepped closer, lowering her voice to a venomous whisper. “Then I’ll make your life miserable.”

For a moment, silence stretched between us. Then, to her visible irritation, laughter bubbled out of me. I planted my hands on my hips as my amusement faded into a smirk, meeting her glare head-on.

“Is that so?” I arched a brow, daring her to try.

"I'm just here to deliver a message. Consider it a warning," Scarlett said, her voice laced with quiet menace.

"A warning?" I arched a brow, feigning surprise. "I don’t recall asking for one."

Scarlett tutted, shaking her head. "Oh, sweetheart, you don’t get a choice. Stay away from Eros."

I let out a short laugh. "You already tried that. Or did you forget the whole kidnapping situation? You had me locked up by a psycho."

"That was nothing," she said coolly. "If you keep pushing, something worse will happen."

A tense silence stretched between us. Scarlett watched me intently, waiting for a reaction. I refused to give her one. If this had been before I befriended Eros, I might have obeyed her without question. But now? Now I knew exactly where she stood in Eros’s life. And she was playing a losing game.

"You don’t scare me," I said, meeting her gaze without flinching.

"You should be scared." She laughed softly, tilting her head as if I was being naive.

"You think threats will work on me?" I let out a derisive snort. "That might have worked before. Not anymore."

Scarlett smirked. "I don’t need to scare you. I just need you to understand that you’re out of your depth." She said, "Eros isn’t yours to have."

"And you think he’s yours?" I demanded, stepping closer.

She sneered. "At the very least, I know where I stand. Unlike you."

I tilted my head, letting a slow smirk curl my lips. "That’s funny, considering Eros doesn’t even acknowledge you. Have you forgotten last month’s humiliation? In front of the entire student body?"

Scarlett’s jaw clenched, her fingers tightening around her purse. "Watch your mouth, Athena. You don’t want to make an enemy out of me."

I let out a small laugh. "Aren’t we already past that?" I asked, amusement flickering in my tone.

For a moment, she studied me, then exhaled sharply and reached into her purse. My body tensed instinctively, wondering if she was about to pull out a weapon. But then she held up a small envelope and tossed it onto the coffee table.

"I think you’re wasting your time," I said, eyeing it warily. "Don’t you have someone else to annoy? Maybe your dog to pet?"

Scarlett’s lips curved in amusement. "Just making sure you understand." She told me. "Think carefully before you make your next move."

With that, she turned on her heel and strode toward the door. It wasn’t until now that I noticed her perfume—overwhelming and sickly sweet. A giggle bubbled in my throat as I recalled what Eros had once said about it.

"He was right," I murmured, laughing softly.

Scarlett paused at the door, glancing over her shoulder with a glare. "What’s funny?"

"Nothing." I bit my lip, trying to stifle my laughter.

"Whatever." She huffed. "Enjoy your little sanctuary while you can. It won’t last."

Then she disappeared through the door, leaving behind an eerie silence. The door clicked shut, but her threat lingered in the air.

I swallowed hard, my gaze dropping to the envelope. My fingers trembled slightly as I reached for it. "What now?" I whispered, tearing it open.

A single sheet of paper slipped out, landing in my palm. I unfolded it carefully—and my breath caught in my throat.

"I didn't forget about you, Athena. You think you're safe? You're not. I'm watching you."