Chapter 175
From Ashes to Queen: Now I Call the Shots
175 The Price of Regret
“I’m sure the Denton family is fine with it,” someone muttered. “As for the rest? Hard to say
“Right? She came from some backwater town–who knows what she did before all this?”
“I heard her grades were pretty good at school. Supposedly, she was recommended to Jalindale for this competition.“.
“We’ve all been around the block. These days, what kind of recommendation can’t be bought ? ”
“True. But she really is a pretty one.” Sᴇaʀch Thᴇ (F)indNƟvᴇl.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access s of novels early and in the highest quality.
“Then let’s make sure that doesn’t reach the cars treasures his daughter?”
f the main house. Didn’t you see how much Mr. Lane
“Sure, let him. My son would never marry a girl like that.”
“Unless Mr. Lane gave her half the Lane family as a dowry.”
“Well, in that case, I’d worship her at home too.”
“Alright, alright, the car’s here. Enough gossip. Let’s go home.”
Hidden in the shadows, Connor heard every dirty word.
A dull ache settled in his chest.
He had doubted Scarlett too–especially after meeting James. But today, he saw James didn’t even have the right to speak to her. That’s when he realized: back then, James had gone to Trenwyn not because he cared about her, but to cozy up to the Lane family’s future heiress.
What a manipulative bastard.
And Connor hadn’t seen it at all. He’d even said hurtful things to Scarlett. He’d defended Rebecca, withdrawn Scarlett’s resources…
His heart tightened.
It had only been two weeks, and already, he had done so much to let her down.
No wonder Scarlett had been so cold every time they met.
Still, she had a soft heart. If he humbled himself and begged, maybe there was still a chance.
Suddenly, he thought of a better way.
As he reached the manor gates, he turned around and went back. Most guests had already left, and the staff were under orders not to let anyone wander in.
“I’m her fiancé,” he said. “We had a misunderstanding, that’s all.”
But the staff didn’t even blink.
Sophia had made it very clear–now that Scarlett had returned, too many people were trying pull tricks . People like this couldn’t be shown any mercy.
13:44 Tue , 12 Aug 。
175 The Price of Regret
“I already explained everything,” Connor insisted. “Just go let her know I’m here . Tell her it’s me→→ Connor need to see her.”
The staff exchanged looks. One of them finally went inside to report.
Connor stood there, staring at the brightly lit villa. His thoughts drifted back to the past.
Scarlett had lost sleep for him. Climbed a mountain to find a spring for him. Sketched for nights on end for him.
So many moments. All proof of how deeply they’d loved.
Scarlett … after all you gave for me… are you really this heartless now ?
The report brought someone out of the house–but it wasn’t Scarlett.
It was Taylor.
The moment he saw Connor, rage surged in his chest.
He had hoped Rebecca’s scandal would be enough to keep the Joyner family and Connor locked away in Trenwyn. That way, no one could disrupt Scarlett’s return home.
But apparently, they had never cared that much about Rebecca’s safety. When things got tough, they abandoned her without a second thought.
Hypocrites.
Back then, because Scarlett had cared about Connor, Taylor had been forced to hold back, watching helplessly as they paraded around like fools.
Now that Scarlett had severed all ties and called off the engagement, it was time they paid for their sins.
“You want to see Scarlett?” Taylor’s voice dripped with contempt. “You think you’re worthy?”
Connor stood tall. “Eugene, you don’t have to humiliate me like this. Scarlett and I have been together for years. I know her. She wouldn’t really abandon/me.”
Taylor’s fist clenched–and he didn’t hesitate to swing.
The punch landed hard.
2
“If you ever talk like that again, I’ll beat you every time I see you–until I beat you to death.”
He sneered, “You want to see Scarlett? Fine. Stand over there, on that stone slab. Stay there all night.”
Connor’s face darkened. “You’re deliberately degrading me?”
Taylor smirked. “You don’t have to atone if you don’t want to. But don’t forget–you’re the one begging me And if I’m in a bad mood, your name won’t even reach Scarlett’s ears.”
With that, he turned and left, barking orders to the staff and guards. “If he takes one step forward, break his legs and throw him out. I’ll take full responsibility.”
“Yes, sir.”
175 The Price of Regret
At the signal , several guards stepped into place, blocking Connor’s path.
Outnumbered and outmatched, he could only stand there .
For a moment, something shifted in his eyes. He glanced toward the slab of blue stone nearby.
Begging?
Scarlett had done that before.
His mother had never approved of Scarlett–just a country girl, even if she was the Joyner family’s daughter. She’d never been good enough in their eyes…
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