Chapter 78
"So, I have a partnership proposal I'd like to discuss with you. It's about additional collaboration on the cultural tourism project. I think we could work together for mutual benefit." Scarlett's tone was very polite.
Ophelia felt even more confused. Scarlett had given her trouble before because of William, so why would she suddenly want to discuss a partnership?
"Partnership?" Ophelia said. "Ms. Lewis, we've already worked things out with the Brown Group on the cultural tourism project. We don't need any additional partnerships right now."
"Ms. Blake, don't be so quick to refuse," Scarlett said with a smile. "My proposal is very innovative and would only benefit your project. Let's meet and talk about it, then you can decide."
"I know there may have been some misunderstandings before. I apologize for that. I hope we can put aside personal grudges and focus on work."
Ophelia hesitated. She was curious about what Scarlett was really up to, and if there was a genuinely good opportunity, there was no need to miss it because of personal issues.
"Alright, where should we meet?" Ophelia asked.
"Tomorrow at 3 PM, at the café in the southern part of the city. How does that sound?" Scarlett said.
"That works," Ophelia agreed.
After hanging up, Ophelia turned to look at William sleeping beside her, feeling conflicted.
Should she tell William about this?
After thinking it over, Ophelia decided not to say anything yet. She'd wait to see what Scarlett really wanted first.
The next afternoon, Ophelia arrived at the café right on time.
She found a seat and waited for over ten minutes, but still didn't see Scarlett.
Just then, her phone received a message from Scarlett: "Ms. Blake, sorry, something came up at the café. Let's change locations. The address is Moonlit River. I'll wait for you there."
Ophelia frowned, feeling uneasy.
Why change locations for no reason, especially to somewhere remote like the riverside?
But since she'd already agreed to meet, she decided to go check it out.
She took a taxi to Moonlit River. It was very quiet there, with only a few people scattered along the riverside taking walks.
Scarlett stood under a willow tree by the river, wearing a white dress with her hair down, looking somewhat lonely.
Ophelia walked over. "Ms. Lewis, what exactly do you want?"
Scarlett turned around, looked at Ophelia, and smiled. "Ms. Blake, you actually came."
"I thought you wouldn't dare."
Ophelia looked at her. "Ms. Lewis, what are you trying to do? If this isn't about business, I'm leaving."
"Don't rush off," Scarlett said. "I do want to talk to you, but not about business."
"I just want to ask you, what exactly do you have that makes William care about you so much?" There was a hint of jealousy in Scarlett's eyes. "I've known William for so many years. We grew up together. He's never been this special with anyone."
Ophelia understood now—this wasn't about business after all.
"Ms. Lewis, what's between Mr. Brown and me is our private matter. You don't need to worry about it," Ophelia said calmly.
"Private matter?" Scarlett smiled. "Ms. Blake, do you know? William and I used to play here all the time when we were kids."
She pointed at the riverside. "We used to catch little fish here and compete at skipping stones. He was so clumsy back then, always losing to me."
"And once, I accidentally fell into the river, and William pulled me out. He promised then that he'd always protect me."
Scarlett was lost in her memories, her tone nostalgic. "We went to kindergarten together, went to school together, studied abroad together. The bond between us isn't something a woman who just appeared out of nowhere like you can compare to."
Ophelia listened quietly, unmoved.
These were all things from the past, and they sounded like nothing more than childhood play. They didn't prove anything.
"Ms. Lewis, what's your point in telling me all this?" Ophelia asked. "If you just want to reminisce, I'm not interested. I have things to do, so I'm leaving."
"Don't go!" Scarlett stepped forward, reaching out to block Ophelia, her tone challenging. "What, did I hit a nerve? Feeling guilty?"
"My past with William—you can't compare. You think getting married means you've beaten me? How naive."
Ophelia stopped and looked at her coldly. "Ms. Lewis, whether I feel guilty or not has nothing to do with you."
"Your past with Mr. Brown is your business. I'm not interested, and I don't want to get involved."
Scarlett sneered, her tone even more cutting. "Not interested? I think you're just scared."
"You're just William's temporary novelty. So what if you've registered your marriage with William? I'm the one he truly loves. Once the novelty wears off, he'll come back to me."
"When that happens, just wait to be dumped by William."
Ophelia laughed at her words, her tone full of disdain. "Ms. Lewis, aren't you a bit too full of yourself?"
"I know what kind of person Mr. Brown is better than you do. Since he chose me, he won't change easily."
"As for you, clinging to the past like this only makes you look pathetic. It's meaningless."
Scarlett's face instantly darkened, her eyes full of resentment. "Pathetic? You're the pathetic one!"
"You think William really loves you? He just pities you! A woman like you with a marriage history and all those scandals—you're not worthy of him at all!"
Ophelia didn't want to waste any more words on her. Her tone was icy. "Since this isn't about work, there's nothing more to say."
"Ms. Lewis, take care of yourself."
With that, Ophelia turned and walked away without hesitation.
Scarlett watched her retreating figure, trembling with rage. Just as she was about to curse again, suddenly a dark figure rushed out from behind a nearby tree.
The person moved incredibly fast, first slamming hard into Ophelia. Ophelia staggered backward several steps, nearly falling.
Before she could react, the person shoved Scarlett hard.
Scarlett let out a scream, lost her balance, and fell straight toward the icy river water.
Scarlett fell into the river, the water instantly covering her head.
She struggled desperately in the water, flailing her arms wildly, shouting continuously, "Help! Help!"
Ophelia was startled by this sudden turn of events. Without time to think, she immediately took off her coat and jumped into the river.
The river water was bone-chillingly cold. Ophelia shivered from the cold but still forced herself to endure it and swam quickly toward Scarlett.
"Don't panic, I'm coming to save you!" Ophelia shouted, reaching out to grab Scarlett.
Seeing Ophelia, Scarlett grabbed onto her like a lifeline, clutching her arm tightly and pulling her down hard.
Ophelia was pulled under and swallowed several mouthfuls of water. The icy river water poured into Ophelia's throat, making her extremely uncomfortable.
She was a bit angry and tried hard to shake off Scarlett's hand. "Let go of me! This way, neither of us can get out!"
But Scarlett seemed to have gone crazy. Not only did she not let go, but she also held on even tighter and deliberately pushed Ophelia underwater.
"Ophelia, don't think you can easily save me," Scarlett's voice carried a sinister edge. "When William gets here, do you think he'll believe I fell in by myself, or that you pushed me?"
Ophelia's heart sank. She hadn't expected that even at a time like this, Scarlett would still be scheming against her.
She struggled hard, trying to break free from Scarlett's control, but Scarlett was determined, clinging to her tightly, not giving her any chance to reach the shore.
The river water grew colder and colder. Ophelia's strength was gradually failing, and breathing became difficult.
Just when Ophelia was about to give up, a familiar figure rushed over quickly and jumped into the river without hesitation.