Chapter 2

Morning sunlight filtered through the blinds, casting dappled patterns across the carpet.

Scarlett slowly sat up, her body aching as if she'd been hit by a truck, every inch of her bones protesting in pain.

The space beside her was already cold, as if last night's storm of passion had been nothing but a nightmare.

She padded barefoot to the bathroom. In the mirror, her face was pale, her collarbone and neck covered with intimate yet glaring marks—all reminding her that it hadn't been a dream.

Scarlett lowered her eyes and silently turned on the shower, letting the warm water cascade over her body, as if it could wash away those humiliating imprints.

After getting ready, she changed into loose loungewear and walked into the walk-in closet, staring at Thaddeus's half of the wardrobe.

Suits, shirts, ties—everything pressed to perfection and arranged with meticulous care.

For three years, she had been like the most dedicated housekeeper, managing every aspect of his life, yet never making it into his heart.

Scarlett picked up her phone, habitually checking today's schedule, but her fingers froze the moment they touched the screen.

Suddenly, it all felt pointless.

Just then, her phone buzzed frantically, with "Yvaine" flashing across the screen.

Yvaine Hayes was Scarlett's agent, the one who had transformed her from an unknown newcomer to the voice acting legend known as "Hymn."

Scarlett took a deep breath and answered.

"Scarlett! Have you seen the news?" Yvaine's voice was unprecedentedly anxious, even tinged with anger.

"What news?" Scarlett's voice still carried the morning's raspiness.

"The Getty Group! The Getty Group just made an announcement!" Yvaine sputtered on the other end. "'God's Instructions'! That S+ tier project of the year! They've announced the voice actress for 'Luna'!"

Scarlett's heart plummeted.

"God's Instructions" was the Getty Group's open-world game that had been five years in the making with a budget of billions—the most anticipated project in both the gaming and voice acting industries this year.

The female protagonist, "Luna," had a complex, multi-layered character that demanded exceptional talent from any voice actress.

Since the project's inception, industry insiders had unanimously agreed that the role belonged to "Hymn." Even the Getty Group's producer had privately hinted to Yvaine that the character was tailor-made for Scarlett.

Scarlett had spent half a year preparing, immersing herself in all the background materials, becoming one with the character.

"It's not me, is it?" She asked softly.

Silence hung on the other end for a moment, followed by Yvaine's even angrier voice, "No! It's some newcomer named Niamh Lawson! And guess what? This newbie was just signed to Lavinia's studio!"

Lavinia's studio?

Everything from last night flashed before her eyes—Lavinia's smug smile, Thaddeus's icy glare.

So Thaddeus wasn't just trampling on Scarlett's dignity; he was deliberately sabotaging her career.

"Scarlett? Scarlett, are you still there?"

Scarlett's throat tightened, rendering her speechless.

The phone slipped from her grasp, landing on the carpet.

The world seemed to spin, leaving only a ringing in her ears.

She steadied herself against the closet door, barely maintaining her balance.

Was this Thaddeus's gift for their third wedding anniversary?

Not only did he bring another woman home to humiliate her, but he also wanted to show her that he, Thaddeus, could easily give her everything—and just as easily destroy it all.

Just then, her phone screen lit up with a notification for a trending Twitter story.

With trembling hands, Scarlett picked up her phone, her fingers involuntarily tapping on the alert.

It was #Lavinia And God's Instructions# trending.

She opened Lavinia's Twitter profile, where the latest post read like an open declaration of war.

Lavinia: [Some things were always meant to be mine. Now they've simply returned to their rightful owner.]

The accompanying photo showed her beaming in front of a massive "God's Instructions" promotional poster.

In the background, the silhouette of a tall, well-built man was clearly visible.

Despite being just a blurry outline, Scarlett instantly recognized who it was.

Thaddeus hadn't just stolen her role—he wanted to announce his favoritism and her defeat to the entire world.

Scarlett felt the room spinning.

She had been imprisoned in this gilded cage, enduring Thaddeus's endless emotional abuse and punishment.

And now, even her career and reputation—the only things she had left—Thaddeus was taking away.

He wanted to crush her completely, leaving her abandoned by the entire world.

A profound sense of helplessness washed over her, nearly bringing her to her knees.

Just as despair threatened to consume her, her phone rang again.

An unfamiliar number, but with The Getty Manor's exclusive area code.

Scarlett's heart clenched, thinking it might be Thaddeus, and she instinctively wanted to hang up.

But her finger hovered over the screen, hesitating.

Finally, she swiped to answer.

"Who is this?"

Instead of Thaddeus's cold voice, an elderly, gentle tone came through.

"Is this Scarlett?"

It was Thaddeus's grandfather, Owen Getty.

Scarlett's eyes welled up as she fought back a sob, answering softly, "Grandpa, it's me."

"I saw the news," Owen's voice was full of sympathy and resignation. "Don't take it to heart. It's just one role—with your talent, there will be plenty of better opportunities in the future."

This long-overdue kindness instantly broke through all of Scarlett's defenses.

Tears streamed down her face as she covered her mouth to muffle her sobs.

"That fool!" Owen sighed heavily on the other end. "Don't worry. As long as I'm alive, you are the rightful granddaughter-in-law of the Getty family. No one can challenge your position!"

Owen's speech was cut short by a violent coughing fit.

"Grandpa, are you alright?" Scarlett asked urgently.

"I'm fine, just the usual," Owen said, catching his breath. "Anyway, Scarlett, don't dwell on this, and don't fight with Thaddeus. He's just too stubborn for his own good."

Scarlett tilted her head back, trying to force the burning sensation away, but her voice still carried an unmistakable tremor, "Thank you, Grandpa."

"Scarlett, there's no need for formalities with me." Owen sighed, his tone tinged with a complex mix of regret. "I know these years haven't been easy for you. Thaddeus just feels he owes Lavinia."

'Owes her?'

Scarlett's heart skipped a beat, and she instinctively pressed, "Owes her what?"

Silence hung on the line for a few seconds, "Nothing, just some old history. Remember, Scarlett, if you ever face any injustice, tell me. I'll stand up for you!"

After hanging up, Scarlett remained frozen in place.

Owen's unfinished sentence echoed in her mind.

What had happened in the past?