Chapter 82 Proclaiming Sovereignty
Felix went silent the moment she finished, staring at Scarlett in disbelief. A woman from one of Silverlight City's most prominent families—and this was what she'd endured?
Owen's downfall, then her own nightmare. These past few years couldn't have been easy.
Maybe that explained why she'd vanished from society.
Four years ago, the Mellon family name still carried weight in Silverlight City. After Owen's scandal broke, the city's elite had set their sights on Scarlett—beautiful, accomplished, suddenly vulnerable.
Felix remembered hearing that someone had staked his claim back then. She's mine. Anyone who tries to take her will regret it. But that guy had mysteriously backed off, and nothing came of it.
Except getting rid of one predator didn't stop the others. If someone had set a trap in the shadows, Scarlett wouldn't have stood a chance.
Despite his shock, Scarlett remained eerily calm. No grief, no rage—just that detached composure as she asked, "Anything else you need to know, Mr. Evans?"
Felix snapped back to attention, cutting into his steak while Ambrose's briefing replayed in his mind. After a few beats of silence, he asked the question.
"If you were set up, why'd you go through with having the baby?" He paused, clarifying quickly to avoid offense. "I mean, most people in that situation wouldn't—"
"I get what you're saying." Scarlett cut him off smoothly. "Wesley forced me to have the child. He wanted leverage—proof of my so-called 'affair' so he could use it against me in the divorce. Make sure I walked away with nothing."
Her tone stayed even, like she was discussing someone else's tragedy.
Felix listened, and for once, his famously cold, rational heart stirred with actual anger. Wesley wasn't just scum—he was the kind of lowlife who dragged the entire male species down with him.
"He was after my father's position from the start. I was too blind to see it." Scarlett's voice hardened. "So now I'm taking back what's mine."
She'd ripped open old wounds to make her position crystal clear.
Felix's expression darkened as he gave a curt nod. "I've got the full picture now."
"Then I'll leave it in your hands, Mr. Evans."
Felix speared a piece of steak with his fork. "Ambrose's retainer is very generous. I'm more than happy to take on high-paying cases like this."
Scarlett's knife froze mid-cut. After a stunned pause, she protested, "Mr. Evans, I'll pay your fees myself. Mr. Boleyn's already done more than enough—I can't let him cover your costs too."
Felix gave a soft chuckle. "Work that out between the two of you."
Scarlett made a mental note to hash this out with Ambrose. Though knowing how stubborn he could be, she was already getting a headache.
The rest of the meal passed in comfortable silence, both of them focused on their perfectly tender steaks.
After lunch, Scarlett excused herself to the restroom. The second she stepped inside, she came face-to-face with Delta, who was on her way out.
"You!" Delta's eyes flashed with pure venom.
Scarlett gave her one icy glance and moved to walk past, but Delta threw her arms out, blocking the way.
"Don't you dare walk away."
Scarlett's gaze turned glacial. "Move."
"Who do you think you are, acting all high and mighty? You greedy bitch—I'm going to settle this for Wesley right now." Delta's voice dripped with malice.
Scarlett looked at her righteous fury and almost laughed. "Settle what, exactly? And in what capacity—as his mistress?"
"I am not a mistress! You two are divorced!"
Delta jabbed her finger toward Scarlett's face, practically vibrating with indignation.
People passing by the restroom entrance had started to stare. Scarlett had zero interest in becoming a public spectacle.
"You really want to embarrass yourself here?"
Delta registered the curious looks and, still image-conscious despite everything, dropped her arms and stalked toward the door. "Fine. Let's take this somewhere private."
As if I owe you anything.
Scarlett walked straight out of the restroom without a backward glance. Delta stormed after her. "Scarlett! Don't you dare think you're getting a single cent from Wesley!"
Scarlett stopped and turned, her smile razor-sharp. "Delta, are you dense? What gives you the right to order me around? Oh, right—your position as the other woman."
"You're divorced."
Scarlett studied her for a moment, seeing an echo of her younger, stupider self. She shook her head with a bitter smile. "He's got you completely brainwashed. Turned you into his attack dog. You really think he loves you?"
The barrage of questions made Delta falter, though she refused to back down. Chin raised defiantly, she declared, "Of course he loves me."
Scarlett let out a cold laugh. "Then you're just as blind as I was."
She shoved past Delta with one firm push. "Keep harassing me, and I'll have you arrested. Then the Powell family name will be dragged through the mud in front of all of Silverlight City."
Delta had no choice but to stop, glaring daggers at Scarlett's retreating back. That greedy bitch dares call me blind? She's got zero claim on Wesley anymore and still demands his money. I'll make sure she pays for this.
Delta had come to lunch with Wesley today to introduce him to a potential business partner—playing the supportive girlfriend.
She rushed back to their private dining room just as the business contact was leaving. Once they were alone, she told Wesley about running into Scarlett.
Wesley's brow furrowed slightly, but he said nothing.
---
When Scarlett returned to their table, Felix was wrapping up a phone call. He ended it with a few clipped sentences just as she sat down.
"Ms. Mellon, I think we've covered everything. I'll reach out to Wesley one more time. If he refuses to pay, we'll file a formal complaint."
Scarlett nodded. "Thank you, Mr. Evans."
They stood to leave, and just as they reached the restaurant entrance, they ran into Wesley and Delta.
"Scarlett!" Delta's voice came out like a hiss.
Scarlett glanced back, registered the pair, and immediately turned away again. Felix also paused, his sharp eyes sweeping over them.
"Is Ms. Powell looking to get arrested?" Scarlett's tone was bored, almost lazy.
"Go ahead and try!" Delta shot back, clinging even tighter to Wesley's arm in some pathetic display of ownership.
Scarlett smirked but didn't bother responding. Felix, however, turned his attention to Wesley. "Mr. Ross, when exactly are you planning to transfer Ms. Mellon's shares?"
Wesley—whether because Delta was watching or because Felix's presence made him cautious—replied coolly, "Let's give it some time. The company's dealing with a few... complications right now."
Delta studied Felix for a moment, then decided to stir the pot. "Mr. Evans, do you even know who you're representing? Scarlett's nothing but a greedy gold-digger. You might want to think about your reputation."
Felix let out a soft laugh. "What reputation? I take cases from anyone who can afford my retainer."
"Then I'll double your fee to represent Wesley instead," Delta announced.
Felix's gaze slid from her face to Wesley's. "Mr. Ross, you certainly have a way with women. Fresh off a divorce, and already a society princess is throwing money around for you. Looks like you two had this arrangement going long before the papers were signed. Impressive strategy."