Chapter 85 People in Love Are All Fools
Why was Tatum calling her at a time like this?
Scarlett hesitated for a few seconds before answering. "What do you want?"
"Scarlett, call off Ambrose's people. They won't stop hounding me. Keep this up, and I'll expose the fact that you had some stranger's baby." Brielle's shrill voice pierced through the line.
What the hell? Ambrose's people went after Brielle?
Though honestly, they were probably dealing with that Four Seasons Hotel incident. Getting justice for her.
Scarlett walked out of the room, phone pressed to her ear. "Brielle, when you tried to trap me after that whole jail fiasco, you should've thought about the consequences."
"Don't think landing Ambrose makes you untouchable. I'll be there to watch when he dumps your ass."
"My life's none of your business. Try pulling another stunt, and I won't be this nice." Scarlett's voice hardened.
"Scarlett, you're such a slut—throwing yourself at Ambrose, then Ulysses. No wonder you ended up with a bastard child. It's karma." Brielle's words turned venomous.
Scarlett had grown numb to insults aimed at herself, but trash-talking Yara? That crossed a line. Her jaw clenched.
"Brielle, if you want to play it this way, fine. I'll give you exactly what you're asking for."
She hung up, refusing to listen to another second of that poison.
After ending the call, Scarlett wondered—was Ambrose confronting Brielle about the Four Seasons incident, or something else?
She picked up her phone to call him, finger hovering over his name. Then this morning's argument flashed through her mind. She was still pissed.
Forget it. Not calling.
But just as she turned to go back inside, Ambrose called. Like he'd read her mind. She stared at the screen before finally answering.
"What?" Her tone stayed flat.
"Opal won't be bothering you anymore." His deep voice traveled through the line, sounding especially hypnotic in the dark.
Scarlett gripped her phone, clearing her throat to steady herself. "Just chase her off. Don't hurt her."
Silence stretched for two seconds. Then his voice came through, dripping with sarcasm. "Are you worried about her, or about me?"
Scarlett leaned against the hallway wall, staring up at the ceiling light. "Why would I worry about someone like her?"
A low chuckle rumbled through the phone—quiet, but satisfied. "So you're worried about me. Does that mean you're not mad anymore?"
She rolled her eyes. "Don't mix the two up."
Even hearing that, Ambrose didn't sound upset. She was worried about him—afraid he'd hurt Opal, and she'd retaliate. If Scarlett wanted to stay mad, fine. He'd just have to win her over again.
"So what'll it take for you to forgive me?" His tone turned playful, like lovers bantering.
Scarlett's head rested against the wall as she thought about last night. Everything spiraled because she'd mentioned leaving. He wouldn't let her go that easily.
But regardless of their relationship status, now wasn't the time for this conversation. She followed his lead. "Don't come to Lakeside Garden for a while."
Silence.
Worried he'd misunderstand, she added, "After I get the Ross Group shares, then you can come over."
Ambrose exhaled. "Alright. I won't go to Lakeside Garden during this time."
"Okay." Relief flooded through her. At least he was reasonable.
"By the way, did you go after Brielle?" she asked.
"Did she bother you again?"
"Not exactly. Just cursing me out. Why'd you go to her?"
"Asked her some questions. Don't worry about it. My people will keep tabs on her."
From Ambrose's words, Scarlett understood where Brielle's frustration came from. Having Ambrose's people watching her? That had to be hell.
Still, someone like Brielle needed to be taught a lesson. Otherwise, she'd keep being a pain in Scarlett's ass.
She held the phone silently. Then Ambrose spoke. "Why'd you bring up lawyer fees with Felix today? The fees are included in our arrangement."
Scarlett snapped back to attention. "I can't let you pay the lawyer fees. Having Mr. Evans represent me is already enough."
"You're really gonna fight me on this? It's pocket change. I never let women pay in my deals."
Scarlett got it—Ambrose cared about saving face. If she paid, Felix would never let him live it down.
"Then I'll pay you back privately."
"We'll talk about it later." Ambrose shut down the topic.
Scarlett knew arguing was pointless. Someone in Ambrose's position wouldn't take her money anyway.
Whatever. Deal with it later.
"If there's nothing else, I'm hanging up."
"You bit me last night. Still hurts." Ambrose dropped that bomb suddenly.
Scarlett's mind went blank. Heat crept up her face. What was he getting at?
"You're pretty wild, though. I kind of like that side of you." His voice turned teasing.
Her face burned, but she fired back. "Ambrose, I only bit you because you hurt me."
"I'll be more careful next time. Where did I hurt you? Down there? Need me to send over some medicine?"
His rapid-fire questions made her face flame crimson.
She hung up immediately, cutting off whatever else he planned to say.
Scarlett tilted her head back, exhaling hard. She had no idea Ambrose could be like this. That whole serious act was just a front. In private, he had zero filter.
Her phone buzzed with a text. From Ambrose.
"I know you're too shy to ask, but should I send the medicine over?"
Scarlett ground her teeth. Was he messing with her, or did he actually think she needed it?
"No. I'm taking a shower. Stop texting."
She marched into her room toward the bathroom, desperate to wash away the heat in her cheeks.
---
On the other end, Ambrose read Scarlett's text, a triumphant smile spreading across his face. She was too easily flustered. If he didn't push her buttons like this, she wouldn't keep talking to him.
"Look at that stupid grin. People in love really are idiots." Felix plopped down beside him, tone mocking.
Ambrose shot him a sideways glance. "You wish you could be an idiot like this. Too bad nobody wants you."
Felix went quiet.
"Ambrose, you seem pretty happy lately!" Ruben leaned in, eyes fixed on Ambrose's face.
Ambrose lifted his glass, lips curving into an almost-smile. "You single guys wouldn't understand."
Felix scoffed. "We single guys definitely don't know what it's like to steal someone else's woman. Ambrose, you got her by being a homewrecker, and you have the nerve to brag?"