Scarlett watched as Elizabeth Bennets expression transformed the moment Edward Cullens words rang out. She had no doubt that, were it not for the circumstances, Elizabeth would have torn her apart.
Finally, Edward assigned Scarlett to the public relations department, and Elizabeth offered to take her there, her demeanor gracious and composed, earning Edwards approval.
Following Elizabeth, Scarlett suddenly found herself halted mid-step as the other woman spun around and lashed out with a resounding slap. "Im warning you, keep your unwarranted ambitions in check, or I swear youll wish you were dead," Elizabeth hissed.
Scarlett cradled her stinging cheek, her right hand clenched into a fist behind her back. She must endure this; before Edward agreed to collaborate with the Butlers, she had to hold on, or Rhett would indeed harm her child.
Seeing Scarletts silent demeanor, Elizabeths ire only escalated. After depositing her at the public relations department, she announced with a clear undertone of malice, "This is New York Citys celebrity designer, pursued by many a wealthy patron. Make sure to utilize her connections well."
That night, Scarlett was dispatched to negotiate a contract. After several rounds of drinks, she stepped onto the balcony for some fresh air, only to realize she had been under observation.
"Ah, the esteemed designer, what brings you here?" A voice laced with sarcasm interrupted her solitude.
Scarlett turned to see Lincoln, a man who had once pursued her. With a forceful tug, he pulled her into his arms, leering, "Scarlett, if its money you need, you could have come to me.何必 demean yourself so?"
Scarlett frowned and pushed him away firmly. "Mr. Lincoln, please show some respect."
Lincoln laughed unabashedly, using his height to pin her against the wall. "Scarlett, youre nothing more than a high-class escort now. Everyone can have you."
His right hand clamped around her wrist while his left roamed her waist, his breath reeking of alcohol as he leaned in towards her.
In the next moment, Scarlett drove her knee upward. Lincolns face contorted in pain, and he crouched down, his gaze turning fierce as he ordered, "Take her to the room!"
Scarlett hadnt anticipated Lincoln would dare to make a move here. In her panic, she spotted Edward entering from outside and cried out, "Edward Cullen, help me!"
However, Edward merely glanced at her, then looked away, continuing his stride without pause.
Scarlett stared in shock as the light in her eyes flickered and died. Of course, Edward Cullen hated her; how could he possibly come to her rescue?
Lincoln sneered, "Scarlett, no one can stop me from sleeping with you today!"
At Lincolns command, Scarlett was forcibly fed a drink laced with substances and then bound and thrown into a room upstairs.
The room was pitch black, and all that was left was Scarletts heavy breathing. The effects of the drug rendered her limp, and she could only writhe in discomfort.
A soft click announced the arrival of someone. Scarlett looked over in panic but could only make out the silhouette of a man.
She pleaded, "Please, let me go..."
The man approached, and Scarlett felt a wave of humiliation and shame, wishing fervently for the strength to end her own life. As her consciousness faded under the increasing influence of the drug, she thought she heard the man whisper in her ear, "Scarlett OHara, you really will climb into anyones bed."