Chapter 15 The Child is Not from the Ross Family
Scarlett's palm connected with Opal's face in a sharp crack. Before Opal could retaliate, two bodyguards stepped forward, effortlessly lifting her away to prevent further assault. Tossed unceremoniously to the floor, Opal—realizing she was outmatched—reverted to her country-bred tantrum tactics, stomping and wailing like a toddler denied candy.
"You disrespectful little bitch!" She shrieked. "How dare you strike your elder!"
Scarlett took a steadying breath and gathered the silent Yara into her arms, the child instinctively curling against her chest.
Without acknowledging Opal's theatrics, Scarlett headed for the exit with Yara securely in her embrace. Seeing them leaving, Opal abandoned her dramatics and lunged to snatch Yara, only to be blocked by one of the bodyguards.
"You can't take her, Scarlett! She belongs to the Ross family!" Opal shouted.
Scarlett paused and turned, her eyes sharp as ice picks when they landed on Opal. "She is not your family's possession. You've abused her, and I can have you arrested for that."
With that declaration hanging in the air, she continued toward the door with Yara.
Zane tried to intercept, but the second bodyguard blocked his path. Frustrated, he bellowed, "Scarlett, stop right there!"
At the doorway, Scarlett turned to face him. "I foolishly believed that even if you didn't love her, you wouldn't harm her. Clearly, I was wrong. I'll have her injuries documented—evidence for when this inevitably goes to court."
She walked out without another word.
"You gold-digging whore!" Opal's voice chased after her. "You think you're getting Wesley's money? Not a chance in hell!"
Ignoring the verbal assault at her back, Scarlett exited the Ross estate and carefully settled Yara in the waiting car. Once inside, she frantically checked the child for injuries.
"Yara, sweetheart, where did they hurt you? Tell Mommy."
The little girl, clearly shaken, looked up with tear-filled, bright eyes. "Mommy, the bad people didn't catch me. I ran really fast."
Scarlett wasn't convinced. She thoroughly examined Yara but found no visible marks. Relief flooded her, though she knew the psychological damage would require her constant presence in the coming days.
The bodyguards joined them, and Scarlett instructed them to drive. Cradling Yara in the backseat, she contemplated her next move.
Her revelation that Yara wasn't truly part of the Ross family meant Opal and Zane would soon discover Yara's real parentage. With Opal's vindictive nature, she would undoubtedly broadcast this information widely.
That would devastate Yara.
She needed to silence Opal and Zane while convincing Wesley to finalize their divorce quickly. Perhaps accepting Wesley's terms was her only option...
Or perhaps Ambrose could help? The bodyguards had already reported Scarlett's situation to Chase, who relayed everything to Ambrose. The news reached him during a business dinner at Culinary Haven.
Standing in the corridor outside the private dining room, Ambrose listened to Chase's report with an inscrutable expression, absently turning his ring, his demeanor cool and detached.
"This is Scarlett's family matter. I'm an outsider—not my place to interfere."
Chase hesitated, wondering if he'd misread the situation. Perhaps Ambrose had no personal interest in Scarlett and merely wanted her professional talents?
"Should I recall the bodyguards then?" Chase ventured.
Ambrose's response was measured. "How long did she hire them for?"
"Just the afternoon."
Ambrose seemed lost in thought when his phone vibrated. He pulled it from his pocket, stared at the number for two expressionless seconds, then pressed accept.
"What is it?" His tone was clipped.
"Mr. Boleyn, it's Scarlett."
Ambrose made a noncommittal sound of acknowledgment.
The silence stretched between them until Ambrose prompted, "Something on your mind?"
"Mr. Boleyn, simply blacklisting me won't be enough if you want to terminate my contract with the Ross Group."
After a brief pause, Ambrose's lips barely moved as he replied with practiced indifference, "Explain."
"The truth is, Wesley and I are married. Even if you cancel my contract, our marital status prevents me from legally working for you."
Ambrose walked to the hallway window, gazing out as sunlight caught in his narrow eyes, igniting a momentary flame that disappeared as quickly as his lashes lowered. When he spoke again, his voice carried a cool, almost playful edge.
"So you want my help with a divorce?"
More silence from Scarlett's end. After about ten seconds, her cautious voice returned.
"I need your help terminating the contract, yes, but also with protecting Yara. The Ross family might harm her. I need to ensure her safety, and I'll need your cooperation with my plans going forward."
The corner of Ambrose's mouth curved slightly upward. "And what do I get in return?"
Business was business—no profit, no deal.
Scarlett had no idea what someone like him might need. Money was clearly not an issue, and she couldn't guess what else she could offer that he might value.
After a moment's hesitation, she set her boundaries. "Anything within my capabilities, but I won't sell my body for professional advancement."
Ambrose's soft laugh held a note of mockery. "You come asking for favors while setting conditions? That's quite presumptuous of you."
The cold edge in his voice made Scarlett flush with embarrassment, but she had to protect herself.
"I just want to avoid future misunderstandings between us," she explained.
Ambrose didn't pursue the point. "Since you're agreeing to my help, we'll do this my way. As for what you owe me—we'll discuss that later. Consider it credit."
Credit? Scarlett had never accepted benefits without knowing the price. Anxiety gnawed at her.
"Those bodyguards will remain with you and your daughter. Don't go to work for the time being. Let me know how you want me to assist you." Ambrose proceeded as if everything was already settled.
Scarlett snapped back to attention, wondering how he knew about the bodyguards, but there wasn't time to dwell on it. Accepting his arrangement, she directly stated her first request.
"Tomorrow, please announce publicly that you're blacklisting the Ross Group."
Two seconds of silence passed. Just as Scarlett's nerves threatened to snap, his response came.
"Agreed."
"Where are you staying now?"
Scarlett answered truthfully. Ambrose immediately told her to relocate, explaining, "Once I announce the blacklisting, Wesley will come looking for you. Staying with your friend puts everyone at risk."
"Even with bodyguards, we can't guarantee your safety—especially with Yara involved."
Scarlett understood his reasoning. She had been searching for suitable accommodation without success. Before she could mention her difficulties, Ambrose preempted her.
"I'll arrange housing. Just follow the bodyguards when they take you there."
"That's too much trouble." Panic fluttered in Scarlett's chest.
She hadn't even done anything for him yet, and he was already arranging housing. How would she ever repay him? What if he used these favors to manipulate her later?
"I'm doing this to prevent complications in my plans. The bidding deadline approaches, and we need your situation resolved quickly." Ambrose's explanation halted her spiraling thoughts.
Analyzing his words, she found no hint of personal interest—just practical business considerations for their future collaboration.
Scarlett couldn't afford to delay. Steeling herself, she acquiesced.
"I'll accept your kindness, then. I promise to repay you through my professional work."
"Good."
Ambrose's response was brief. Without further discussion, he ended the call.
After hanging up, Ambrose lingered by the window for several moments before returning to Chase with instructions.
"Prepare the Lakeside Garden property for Scarlett and her daughter."
Chase blinked in surprise. Hadn't Ambrose just claimed he shouldn't interfere in her personal matters? Now he was offering housing? Apparently, when it came to Scarlett, Ambrose's words and actions didn't align. Chase made a mental note to interpret future orders regarding her accordingly.
Noticing Chase's hesitation, Ambrose's eyebrows drew together. "Is there a problem?"
Chase composed himself. "I'll arrange it immediately."
As Ambrose returned to the dining room to continue entertaining his guests, Chase couldn't help but notice that his boss's mood had distinctly improved.