Chapter 78 The Feeling of Enjoyment
Over by the sinks, the four women were so absorbed in their gossip session that they didn't even notice someone had walked up beside them. They were completely focused on their character assassination.
"Scarlett totally looks like the type who sleeps her way to the top. I bet she's taken some kind of... training courses, you know? Even someone as untouchable as Mr. Boleyn couldn't escape her clutches."
"Oh my God, I've heard about those training programs! They teach women how to trap rich men. She must've graduated with honors."
"So our Mr. Boleyn fell into her trap?"
"Were you ladies camping under my bed, watching me seduce your precious Mr. Boleyn with your own eyes?"
Scarlett's voice cut through the air like a knife—soft, but sharp enough to make them freeze.
All four women whipped around simultaneously, their eyes widening in horror as they spotted Scarlett standing by the mirror. Her expression was calm, almost bored, as she continued.
"Do the Boleyn Group employees make spreading rumors part of their job description? Does Mr. Boleyn know about this little hobby of yours?"
The moment Ambrose's name left Scarlett's lips, their faces went ghost-white. One woman, quicker to recover than the others, stepped forward with a nervous laugh.
"Ms. Mellon, we were just joking around! You know, girl talk. Just pretend you didn't hear anything."
Scarlett turned off the faucet, taking her sweet time pulling a paper towel from the dispenser. She dried her hands with deliberate slowness.
"That kind of 'joke' is something you just say casually? Something to laugh about?"
She lifted her gaze, her eyes cutting through them like lasers. Under that stare, the four women's hearts hammered against their ribs. Another one jumped in, her voice shaking.
"Ms. Mellon, we were totally out of line. I swear we'll never say anything like that again."
"Somehow, I doubt that."
The sarcastic drawl came from one of the stall doors swinging open. A knockout figure emerged, all curves and confidence, her hair falling in glamorous waves.
It was Briar.
She sauntered over to Scarlett's side, looking completely at ease. "I heard every juicy word from in there. Ambrose getting his head turned by a pretty face? Oh, I have to ask him about this."
The four women's faces drained of what little color remained.
Briar leaned against the counter, a wicked smile playing at her lips. "If his employees know him so well, maybe he's been getting cozy with the staff? Should I be worried?"
"No! No, that's not—we were talking complete nonsense! Mr. Boleyn never even comes to our floor!" One woman gestured frantically, terrified that Briar might actually go to Ambrose.
They didn't recognize Briar, but her designer clothes and casual mention of Ambrose screamed money and connections.
"That was some pretty detailed nonsense." Briar tilted her head, clearly enjoying herself. "I'm not buying it."
The four women squirmed under her gaze. "Ma'am, we just... we saw some stuff online, and Ms. Mellon is so beautiful, we kind of just... said things without thinking."
"Please, we're so sorry. Don't hold it against us. You seem like reasonable people."
Briar's smile didn't waver. "Sorry, I'm actually pretty petty."
When Briar wouldn't budge, the most composed-looking woman turned to Scarlett with a desperate plea.
"Ms. Mellon, we're colleagues. Can't you let this slide just once? We owe you big time. You're new here—you'll need allies eventually. Just say the word, and we'll have your back. Whatever you need."
A blatant transaction. And right now, Scarlett needed allies more than anything.
This was exactly why she'd dragged this out.
Scarlett tossed her wadded paper towel into the trash, her eyebrow arching. "Deal."
After Scarlett let the four women leave, Briar was still fuming.
"Those bitches need to be taught a lesson, or they'll never respect you."
A small smile tugged at Scarlett's lips. "Lucky they said something. Otherwise, how would I have gotten them to join my team?"
Briar stared at her in admiration, throwing up a thumbs-up. "Damn, girl."
As Briar washed her hands and dried them, she leaned in close, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper.
"So... did you really make Ambrose lose his self-control?"
Scarlett rolled her eyes and headed for the door. Briar tossed her paper towel and hurried after her.
"Scarlett, you're working at the Boleyn Group now. That place is shark-infested waters. You can't let your guard down!"
"That's why I just recruited those four. With their help, things will be easier."
"So Ambrose just dumps you in the Boleyn Group and doesn't lift a finger to help?"
"I'm there to work, not be pampered. If I need him to solve every little problem, what's the point of our arrangement?"
Briar had to admit she had a point. Scarlett always seemed three steps ahead.
Then, remembering that night, Briar's eyes lit up with curiosity. "Wait—did you and Ambrose actually sleep together?"
Scarlett stopped dead in her tracks, turning to meet Briar's eager, gossipy expression.
Briar knew Ambrose had picked her up that night. Denying it would be pointless.
"Come on, you're killing me here! Spill!" Briar planted her hands on her hips, exasperated.
Scarlett pressed her lips together. "Given the situation that night, what else could we do?"
Briar's grin turned absolutely wicked. "How was it? Was he amazing? Did he rock your world? Tell me everything!"
Scarlett went silent.
She knew this was coming.
"Go find someone and try it yourself if you're so curious." Scarlett started walking again, and Briar trotted alongside her, still chattering away.
"That kind of thing requires someone who gets your engine running just by looking at them. Ambrose definitely fits that bill, but since he's yours, I won't poach."
At the front desk, Scarlett paid for the evening's dinner. After settling the bill, she fired off a quick text to Heath.
"Mr. Rivera, I covered dinner—my treat for everyone tonight. I'm a bit tipsy, so I'm heading out. You guys enjoy!"
She and Briar walked out of Culinary Haven together, but the moment they stepped through the doors, Scarlett spotted Ambrose's car waiting at the curb. She stopped short.
Briar looked confused. "What's wrong?"
"Briar, you go ahead. I've got something to handle."
Following Scarlett's gaze to the car, Briar's face lit up with understanding. Ambrose was here.
She waved goodbye with a knowing grin. "Have fun tonight. Enjoy your quality time together."
Scarlett sighed, completely exasperated.
As Briar left, Scarlett was about to head toward the car when a voice called out behind her.
"Ms. Mellon!"
She turned to see one of her team members jogging up.
"Ms. Mellon, you're leaving already?"
Scarlett kept her tone casual. "I called a rideshare. What about you guys?"
"We're getting a cab."
"Ms. Mellon, about tonight we're really sorry. We had no idea they'd act like that." One of them spoke up apologetically.