Chapter 11

Scarlett had been living in the mansion for just a short while, and already, she was starting to understand why rich people acted the way they did— detached, dramatic, and hopelessly spoiled. It wasn't a lifestyle; it was a personality type.

The first thing she had done upon arrival was go shopping. Her old clothes had been through enough struggles, clinging to her like war survivors, and it was time to set them free. By "set them free," she meant burn them in a ceremonial farewell. They had served their time. Rest in peace, dear oversized shirts and overwashed jeans.

Now, as she stood in front of her walk-in closet, she let out an impressed whistle. It was ten times bigger than her former bedroom.

Oh! scratch that, it was probably bigger than her entire apartment. There were rows upon rows of clothes arranged neatly, color-coded, with shoes and bags stacked so precisely it looked like they had been placed there by an obsessive fairy godmother.

Scarlett clapped her hands together dramatically. "So this is how the wealthy lives," she muttered. "All this luxury and yet…" She trailed off, frowning as she ran her fingers through a section of black dresses.

Her nose scrunched.

What was wrong with that Jade girl? All this money, all these options, and yet her wardrobe screamed "grieving widow at a funeral convention." Black, white, and the occasional pink— just enough to remind the world she was, in fact, female. If not for that tiny splash of color, Scarlett might have assumed the closet belonged to a highly fashionable vampire.

But today was not a day for mourning.. unless, of course, one counted the death of boredom. She had an outing with her university girlfriends, and the occasion called for something fabulous. She needed an outfit that said, Yes, I am now rich, but I promise I won't rub it in your faces too much.

After a dramatic deliberation, she settled on a sky-blue, off-shoulder gown that hugged her just right and ended at her knees. The color was delicate, soft, a perfect contrast to the ridiculous wealth she was now swimming in. She paired it with a small black handbag and sky-blue high heels, because coordination was key. A light touch of makeup, small gold earrings, and she was good to go.

She checked herself out in the full-length mirror.

"Scarlett, you might be too powerful," she told her reflection. "Tone it down before you cause an international incident."

Her braids were still fresh, but she made a mental note to get a new hairdo before the week ended. Wealth had granted her the privilege of caring about things like "switching up hairstyles" instead of "making sure her hair didn't look like a bird's nest after waking up." Progress.

With a final twirl, she descended the stairs gracefully, channeling her inner runway model. Unfortunately, she wasn't expecting an audience.

"Wow! You look amazing this evening, baby," Gina gushed as soon as she saw her.

Scarlett, who had been prepared for nothing more than the approving nod of an empty hallway, stopped mid-step, blinking in surprise. "Mom! I—uh, thank you."

Usually, Gina was out with her husband on a Saturday evening, making up for lost romantic moments or whatever parents did when their kids weren't watching. So what was she doing here? And, more importantly—

Her gaze shifted to her elder brother, Tony, who was casually scrolling through his phone like a man who had no business being home.

Scarlett narrowed her eyes.

"What's going on? Why is everyone here?" she asked, already feeling a slight panic. Please don't tell me they're about to ruin my plans.

"Where are you going?" Gina asked instead, taking in her dressed-up appearance with a motherly once-over.

Scarlett clasped her hands together like a desperate salesperson about to pitch a product no one wanted. "Okay, so, listen—I have this get-together with my university friends, and I promise we won't stay out late. Also, we don't drink. My friends are very responsible. Straight A's, proper upbringing, possibly the future saviors of the nation. Please don't lock me in this house forever."

By the time she finished her rushed speech, her eyes were closed in a silent prayer, bracing for disappointment.

She heard a strange noise. A sort of muffled, snorting sound.

Slowly, cautiously, she opened one eye.

Her father, Lewis, was trying (and failing) to hold back laughter. Tony had completely given up and was chuckling openly. Gina was pressing her lips together, but her shoulders betrayed her amusement.

It took Scarlett a second to realize what had just happened.

She had begged.

Oh, the shame. The absolute shame.

Her face turned an interesting shade of crimson as laughter filled the room.

"We know you don't drink," Lewis finally said, wiping at the corner of his eye. "We know your friends are good kids. We also know that you are, obviously, the best girl in the world." His lips twitched. "So we're not about to lock you in. Your mother was just asking where you'd be spending the evening."

Scarlett exhaled loudly. "Oh, okay." She dusted off her dress in a show of fake confidence. "And thank you, Dad, for the very unnecessary speech. It was not helpful at all."

Lewis gave her a knowing smirk, while Tony hummed innocently beside him.

"Now that I have your royal approval," Scarlett continued, flipping an imaginary cape over her shoulder, "who's not busy enough to drive me, or should I start summoning an Ride?"

Her question was directed at everyone, but her eyes kept flickering toward Tony, their eldest sibling, in a not-so-subtle hint.

Tony, ever the opportunist, smirked. "Looks like I am the lucky 'not-busy' person you're looking for." He stood up and gave a theatrical bow. "Shall we, my princess?"

Scarlett, not one to let an opportunity for dramatics slip by, lifted her chin so high it almost touched the ceiling. "Aye, peasant! Now tarry along and do not keep this princess waiting!"

With an exaggerated wave, she strutted toward the door, walking like she had just won an award for the most elegant person alive.

Gina and Lewis exchanged glances, warmth filling their eyes as they watched their daughter being ridiculous.

The mansion had been cold and silent for too long.

Now, with Scarlett here, there was finally life, laughter, and the kind of chaos that made a house feel like a home again.

They had made the right decision.

They had brought back their lost daughter, and, in doing so, they had brought back the heart of the family.