Chapter 124
From Ashes to Queen. Now I Call the Shots
124 The Countdown
“So yeah, I really like the phrase ‘grind their bones to dust.”
luck.”
Oliver’s face darkened. “Scarlett, don’t push your luck.”
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Scarlett pulled out her phone and dialed. “Exactly. I’m very good at pushing my luck.”
Martha clutched her chest, swaying like she was about to faint. “Scarlett, how could you argue with your brother like this? What a public disgrace… You weren’t like this before.” She sighed dramatically. “It’s my fault. I’ve been too busy, I didn’t take good care of her.”
Franklin supported his wife, voice dry and hoarse. “Scarlett, as your father, I’m begging you. Just come home with us. If you can prove you’re okay, I’ll make sure you’re allowed back at school.” He reached into his coat. “You see, I even brought you a portion of company shares, just to give you some sense of security.”
Oliver scoffed, coldly. “Look at her – no respect for family. Who knows what kind of warped mind she’s got?”
Martha added with grief in her voice, “It’s my fault. If I’d seen this sooner, maybe she wouldn’t have gone after Rebecca.”
Each of them, one after another, kept trying to pin a label on her – unstable. Mentally ill. A liability. And once again, public opinion began to shift.
Whispers spread like wildfire. If Scarlett was mentally unwell, all her achievements – the conference win, the project glory – could be revoked. Until she recovered, she’d lose everything. And recovering? That was nearly impossible to prove. Sᴇaʀ*ᴄh the FɪndNøvel.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access s of novels early and in the highest quality.
Everyone expected her to panic. Maybe even break down and go home crying. But Scarlett remained calm, even amused. If anyone looked closely, they’d see it – the glint of sarcasm in her eyes.
“Three.”
Her sudden voice startled the crowd. What?
The Joyners looked confused too. Counting? What the hell?
Had she finally snapped?
They exchanged glances. If she really had lost it, they’d use it. Leverage it. Destroy her with it.
“Two.”
She said it again. Louder.
Everyone stared. Was she having a breakdown?
The Joyners leaned together, whispering hurriedly, already planning to twist this into a mental health narrative.
“One.”
And right as the word left her lips-
Two police cars pulled up at the school gates. Doors swung open. Officers stepped out and approached
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128 The Countdown
swiftly.
Scarlett gave a faint smile. “You wanted it you got it. The police are here.
The Joyners froze.
What the hell?
Was she seriously this crazy? Calling the cops?
Oliver’s face turned thunderous. “Scarlett, what the hell are you playing at?”
Scarlett didn’t even blink. “Still don’t get it? They’re here for you.”
Just as he lunged forward, about to scold her-
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One of the officers stepped between them, flashing a badge. “The Joyner family is suspected of involvement. in a criminal case. Please come with us for questioning.”
Oliver grit his teeth. “This is ridiculous. We’re being framed. Someone tipped them off – I know it.”
He glared at Scarlett like he wanted to burn her alive. But she stood tall, calm and composed. His fury didn’t touch her.
—
The officers‘ tone was firm. “This is connected to Rebecca. Her case has escalated it’s a serious matter now. We need to investigate further.”
–
Martha’s face went pale. “Wait, what? Rebecca was arrested yesterday over a planning dispute that’s a civil case, not criminal!”
–
Scarlett scoffed. “Oh? So Ms. Martha knew exactly why Rebecca was taken in and still stirred up rumors, making everyone think I did it out of jealousy? That’s some deep maternal love. I’m not worthy.”
Martha had nothing to say.
But Oliver, fueled by rage, shoved one of the officers. “You’re not taking my parents. Tell me how this became a criminal case. Or are you all actors she hired?”
He glared at Scarlett again. “This whole thing is a stunt, huh? You even hired people to pretend to be cops. just to make yourself look good. You know impersonating law enforcement is a serious crime, right? Back off now, and maybe – just maybe I’ll plead for leniency. Otherwise, no one’s saving you.”
–
The officers exchanged looks then sighed.
“Look closely.”
—
The lead officer pulled out his ID again, his voice loud and clipped. “This is the badge. This is the chip. Each one is encrypted, assigned to an individual officer. No one can fake these.”
Scarlett shook her head and sighed. “Now I understand what they mean when they say ignorance is dangerous.”
She turned to the officers. “They came to campus. They blocked me from attending class. They spread lies and slandered my name. I’ve recorded everything- audio and video.”