Chapter 6
“Miss Moore?” Ethan offered me a handkerchief. “Would you like to take a break?”
I shook my head, covering my eyes with the cloth.
The days that followed felt like a dream. I moved into my grandfather’s house. He had
somehow found purple curtains like the ones my mother loved as a young girl, replacing
the heavy crimson velvet ones.
“How did you know my mother loved this color?” I asked, touching the delicate pattern on
the fabric.
Ethan, who was adjusting the brightness of my bedside lamp, paused. “Your grandfather kept a detailed album in his study with extensive annotations on her preferences.”
He was always like that–economical with words but obsessive about execution. He helped
me find professional managers to run the company.
Three years later, when I formally took control of the entire Moore Corporation, I could confidently argue my points at board meetings.
I was constantly busy, but money worries were a thing of the past. Sometimes when I worked late, Ethan would silently bring me a midnight snack. When I returned from business trips, a perfectly temperature–controlled cup of tea would be waiting.
“Ms. Moore, Mr. Shaw specifically requested that you attend next week’s charity gala in New York,” my assistant reminded me cautiously. “It’s to promote the newly acquired
hospital.”
Over the years, Ethan had become like my shadow, and the wound Parker had torn in my heart slowly healed under his gentle care.
When the plane landed in New York, a wave of familiarity washed over me.
Ethan adjusted my coat collar and said softly, “Scarlett, I need to handle some branch office matters. I’ll return to escort you to the gala.”
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Him to Becoming an Empire Queen
Chapter 6
“Well, well, if it isn’t Scarlett Moore! We still have unfinished business, you know.”
Rachel strutted toward me in twelve–centimeter Jimmy Choos, wearing this season’s latest couture and makeup worthy of a red carpet.
She looked me up and down, taking in my understated clothing, her red lips curling into a
sneer.
“Since when do they let trash like you into galas of this caliber?”
She turned and beckoned to security. “Guards! Remove this poverty–stricken imposter immediately!”
The security guard approached quickly. I handed him my invitation, which he inspected carefully before bowing respectfully and stepping aside. “Ms. Moore, please proceed.”
Rachel clacked over in her stilettos. “Scarlett! Which sugar daddy did you hook to score an invitation?” Her shrill voice drew curious glances from nearby attendees.
I didn’t even bother giving her a glance as I walked straight toward the main hall.
“Hold up!” she shouted after me. “That’s the VIP section! Gate–crashers like you belong in the back corners!”
No sooner had I taken my seat than several executives from international medical groups warmly greeted me. We effortlessly switched between English and French during our conversation. In my peripheral vision, Rachel’s champagne flute dangled like it might crash to the floor any second–her perfect rich–girl composure cracking right before my eyes.
During the intermission, she finally couldn’t contain herself and stormed over. “Scarlett, forcing yourself into circles where you don’t belong will only humiliate you! Wait until the real VIPs show up–then we’ll see how pathetic you look!”
She lowered her voice to a threatening whisper. “Want me to remind everyone about your dirty little past?”
I set down my teacup with deliberate calm. “I stand behind every choice I’ve made. As for you…” I looked her directly in the eyes.
“When you’re alone at night, do you ever feel even a twinge of guilt for the people you’ve
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From Abandoning Him to Becoming an Empire Queen
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Chapter 6
hurt?”
Just then, the emcee’s voice boomed through the venue: “Please welcome to the stage the Chairwoman of Moore Corporation and representative of the acquiring party of Mercy
Hospital, Ms. Scarlett Moore!”
Rising amid thunderous applause, I moved toward the podium with measured dignity.
At the same time, Rachel’s glass crashed to the floor.
