Chapter 158
Trum Ashes to Queen : Now I Call the Shots
158 The Truth Unveiled
They had all assumed Scarlett was just putting on a show–trying to stir up drama.
But now that Hudson’s true identity was clear, everything had to be reconsidered.
It was painfully obvious the Joyner family had realized this too. Especially Martha, whose body was trembling uncontrollably, teeth chattering in fear.
“I should change my temper?” Hudson let out a cold laugh. “When the people who bullied Scarlett walk right into my hands, why shouldn’t I deal with them?”
“You’re not upset because I took matters into my own hands, are you? What–wanted the chance to defend Scarlett for yourself?”
Just then, a commotion erupted near the staircase. Everyone’s attention shifted as two figures slowly descended from above.
One was the Lane family’s matriarch, Sophia, clad in a moon–white cheongsam that made her skin appear even more luminous. Her long black hair flowed like ink, and her regal aura exuded effortless elegance and
grace.
Beside her walked a young girl.
Her complexion was pale as porcelain, her long hair pinned up and adorned with gold and jade hairpins. The white gown she wore shimmered under the lights like rippling water, the delicate floral patterns across it seeming to bloom as she moved.
But no one could take their eyes off her face.
Scarlett was breathtaking.
There was no trace of hostility in her beauty–only an ethereal softness that drew people in like a dream. A fairy. A goddess. Something too perfect for this world.
The mother and daughter descended the steps slowly and gracefully. At the final step, Owen, the current head of the Lane family, stepped forward in a traditional–style suit and took Sophia’s hand with a warm smile.
Nothing more needed to be said.
This was a family. A real, undeniable family of three.
Franklin clutched his chest, his face contorting with disbelief.
It all made sense.
No wonder the Lane family’s coordinator had been so furious about Rebecca’s plagiarism, even threatening to have her jailed. No wonder everyone in Trenwyn had been avoiding him like the plague whenever he sought help.
Scarlett .
It was all because of Scarlett .
That little tramp was the Lane family’s daughter!
08:32 Mon, 11 Aug 07
158 The Truth Unvelled
His eyes burned with fury as he shot a deadly glare toward his own men.
Why hadn’t they investigated properly when the paternity claim first came up?
How had they made such a colossal mistake?
Martha was terrified by the murderous look on his face, shaking like a leaf. She, too, had been stunned so much so that she regretted every word and action. If she had known… if she had even suspected.
She would’ve treated Scarlett better. Anything would’ve been better than this public disgrace.
Just one look at Hudson told her everything. The Lane family protected their own. Ruthlessly.
She had once comforted herself with the idea that even if Scarlett returned to the Lane family, they might treat her like the Joyners had–cold, distant, unimportant.
But the moment she saw Scarlett’s attire, all hope evaporated.
It was a creation by the famed designer Angel–not something money alone could buy. The Lane family hadn’t just accepted Scarlett. They had invested in her.
Remorse hit her like a tidal wave, shaking her to the core.
Scarlett’s three Joyner cousins were equally stunned, unable to speak.
Connor was utterly mesmerized. He’d never imagined Scarlett could be so beautiful. She looked like a celestial being, untouched by the dust of the mortal world.
He had always thought he didn’t love her. Their engagement had been more about obligation–maybe even pity.
But now…
Now his heart was pounding so hard, he could hear it in his ears. It felt like it would crack through his ribs.
His eyes brimmed with awe and desire. sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ Findηʘvel.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access s of novels early and in the highest quality.
This was his fiancée.
And now, she came with power, wealth, and prestige. No one would dare mock him for being tied to her ever again.
He would treat her well–very well–from now on.
Taking a deep breath, he snapped back to reality and began strategizing. He quickly tugged on Franklin’s sleeve and whispered a few words.
Franklin’s expression instantly improved.
Yes, the Joyners had treated Scarlett poorly in the past. That’s why the Lane family had retaliated. Hudson’s assault had already fulfilled that need for vengeance.
Now that Sophia had appeared, surely she would scold Hudson to show she hadn’t authorized the violence. That way, the banquet could continue peacefully.
08:32. Mon, 11 Aug
If
158 The Truth Unvelled
After all, if they caused a public scandal now, it wouldn’t just ruin their own image it would give the whole city of Jalindale something to laugh about for weeks.
Fine. He’d take the loss tonight. Let it go–for now.
They wouldn’t press charges or retaliate over the beating. Instead, they’d bide their time. Once they had Scarlett firmly in their grasp again–once the Joyners had used her connection to climb higher– then they could deal with that wretched bodyguard later.
Besides, everyone’s eyes were on Scarlett now.
If they kept harping on Hudson’s carlier violence, it would only make the Lane family look bad. And if they embarrassed the Lanes in public, there was a real chance the family would stop pretending to be polite at
all.
That would be the true disaster.