23
Ted returned to the cathedral. Chase remained outside, leaning against the wall, lighting a cigarette. Guests emerged, heading towards the estate for the reception. Leon and Scarlett exited, hand in hand, their fingers intertwined. Feeling Leon’s strong, warm hand, Scarlett felt reassured. He didn’t seem angry about Chase’s arrival. Seeing
Chase crushed his cigarette and approached quickly.“Scarlett!”
them,
The guards blocked him. Scarlett saw the bruises on his face and the blood on his lip; her expression was impassive.
Leon said calmly, “Mr. Miller, please stop bothering my wife.”
The word “wife” w
a dagger to Chase’s heart. A cold glint entered his eyes; he threatened, “If you urt her or mistreat her, I will take her back!”
Leon sneered.“That won’t happen.‘
Chase sneered back.“We’ll see…”
“Chase!” Scarlett interrupted, her tone cold.“Whatever happens, I will never get back together with you. I hope we never see each other again.”
Her gaze was cold and distant, devoid of love or hate. Chase’s face paled; he fell silent for a moment, then murmured,“I’m sorry.”
Scarlett replied, “I don’t need your apology.”
Taking Leon’s arm, she walked towards a waiting Lincoln. Leon opened the car door for her, giving Chase a warning look. Their eyes met. Chase hadn’t given up.
The reception was lively, ending late into the night. Leon had drunk considerably; he seemed tipsy. Glancing at Scarlett, he smiled occasionally.
After the guests departed, Scarlett helped him to their bedroom. After showering and changing, she sat on the bed. He sat up suddenly, startling her.
Leon mumbled, “I need a shower.”
He stood and headed for the bathroom. Scarlett let him go. Wedding was tiring She lay in bed, sleepy but unable to sleep. Leon soon came back with only a towel around his waist. His hair was wet, water droplets clinging to his muscular physique. Scarlett watched the water trickle down his neck, over his defined chest muscles… His figure was perfect, attractive, alluring.
He sat down, smiling.“Do I look good?”
Before she could answer, his lips were on hers. Scarlett tried to pull him away.“You’re drunk. You should rest.”
Leon was slightly drunk, but fully conscious. His eyes were burning with desire. He said suddenly, “What Chase couldn’t give you, I will.”
Scarlett said softly, “Okay.” Men’s promises were often empty words.
Leon seemed to know what she was thinking, kissing her fiercely. It was their wedding night, so Scarlett didn’t say no. At first, she controlled her moans, but eventually lost herself…
- 3.
Menu
He whispered in her ear,“Don’t trust me?”
Her eyes were misty, her voice soft, “I do, I do,” She bit his shoulder playfully.“You’re bad!” His eyes darkened; his passion intensified. Eventually, Scarlett fell into a deep sleep. Leon, his intoxication gone, gazed at the woman in his arms. His words had been sincere. Time would tell. Chase returned to the States, colder and more imposing than before. He wasn’t defeated; he worked harder than ever, like a machine,
First, he donated fifty million to charity, repairing his image after the Anya scandal. Then, he invested in and produced a blockbuster holiday film, earning five hundred million. His entertainment company thrived, Miller Corp’s stock not only recovered its losses but also increased significantly. His grandfather and the shareholders regained their confidence in him.
The scandal
obscurity, buried
into faded
under
a
wave
of
new
headlines.
year later, Uri was released and deported to Georgia. His family’s business collapsed within six months.
Eighteen months later, Anya was released from prison. The entire entertainment industry rejected her. She tried to return to the international scene, but they rejected her as well.
She was unwilling to accept it. Some celebrities, after five or ten years in prison, still had successful careers. Why was she facing such obstacles?
A friend hinted, “You made powerful enemies.”
