Chapter 50 *
Scarlett's POV
Oh, you've got to be kidding me.
He saw me. His face lit up.
"There you are!" He pushed off the wall. Walked toward me. "I've been waiting for you."
He held out the roses. They were ridiculous. At least three dozen. Probably cost a fortune.
"For you."
I took the bouquet. His smile got wider.
Then I walked straight to the trash can at the end of the hallway. Dropped the whole thing in.
The smile died on his face.
I turned back to look at him. Kept my expression neutral.
"You know what they say about people who don't know when to walk away?"
He blinked. "What?"
"They usually don't get the chance to learn from their mistakes."
I let that hang in the air for a second.
"Because there's no second time."
His face flushed red. "Are you threatening me?"
"Just sharing family wisdom."
I turned to leave. Started walking toward the elevator.
He followed. I could hear his footsteps behind me.
"Wait. Which school do you go to? NYU? Columbia?"
I kept walking. Didn't answer.
"Come on, don't be like that. I'm just trying to be friendly."
I stopped. Turned around.
"I already gave you good advice. Take it."
His expression changed. Got uglier. More aggressive.
"How much do you want?" His voice dropped. Got colder. "Name your price."
"Excuse me?"
He stepped closer. Reached for my arm.
I yanked away before he could grab me.
"A girl who looks like you, working as household staff?" He sneered. "You've obviously got ulterior motives."
Is he serious right now?
"Damon doesn't sleep around," Rocco continued. His voice was condescending now. "You're not going to get anything from him. He's too smart for that."
He moved closer. Invaded my personal space.
"Why don't you come work for me instead? I'm much more... generous."
I stared at him.
This guy is actually trying to poach me like I'm some kind of escort service.
"Even if I were for sale," I said slowly. "I wouldn't sell to you."
His eyes narrowed. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"Do you own a mirror? Have you seen yourself?"
His face went purple.
I turned away. Started walking fast toward the elevators.
The hallway was empty now. Everyone was at lunch or in meetings.
I heard him moving behind me. Fast.
Then his hand grabbed my shoulder. Hard.
I spun around. He was right there. His face twisted with rage.
"You fucking—"
His other hand came up. Tried to cover my mouth.
My body moved on autopilot. Pure muscle memory.
I grabbed his arm. Twisted. Stepped in close.
Then I executed a perfect shoulder throw.
Rocco flew through the air. Slammed into the floor with a loud THUD.
The impact knocked the wind out of him. He gasped. Wheezed.
I stepped forward. Placed my shoe firmly against his chest and throat. Applied just enough pressure.
He froze. Eyes going wide.
I smiled down at him. Sweet and innocent.
"Like I said. You're not good enough."
My voice was conversational. Pleasant even.
"Not smart enough to compete with Damon's intelligence. Not strong enough to match his power."
I pressed down slightly with my foot. He gasped.
"What exactly do you have to offer?"
"You—" He was struggling to breathe. "You fucking bitch!"
"Creative."
"I'm going to destroy you!"
I laughed. Actually laughed.
"Go ahead. Try it."
Then I punched him in the face.
His head snapped to the side. Blood started pouring from his nose.
He opened his mouth. Started cursing again.
I backhanded him. Hard.
The cursing stopped.
I delivered two more sharp slaps. One on each cheek.
"You done?"
"Fuck you!"
Guess not.
I raised my fist again. Time for a more thorough lesson.
DING.
The elevator doors opened.
Three employees stepped out. Laughing about something. Their voices echoing in the hallway.
They saw us. Froze.
Their eyes went from me to Rocco on the floor to my foot on his chest.
Damn it.
Rocco saw them too. His face changed. Got desperate.
"Help!" He started struggling. Thrashing around. "She attacked me! This crazy woman just assaulted me for no reason!"
The employees just stood there. Staring.
Not good.
I sighed. Stepped back. Let him go.
Rocco scrambled to his feet. Still shouting.
"You saw that, right? She just—"
I delivered one final kick to his ribs.
He doubled over. The shouting stopped.
Then I walked calmly to the elevator. Pressed the button.
The doors started closing.
I looked at the three employees. They were still frozen. Watching.
I smiled. Sweet and innocent.
"Self-defense."
The doors closed.
I leaned against the wall. Let out a long breath.
That felt good.
Really good.
The elevator reached the lobby. I straightened up. Smoothed down my clothes.
Walked out like nothing had happened.
Arthur was waiting by the entrance. He saw me. Started walking over.
"Mrs. Wolfe. Ready to go?"
"Yes. Let's get out of here."
We walked to the car. Arthur opened the door. I slid in.
1:25 PM.
Plenty of time to get to the Colony Club.
I leaned back in the seat. Closed my eyes.
Time to deal with Viviana.