Chapter 5

It seemed like an eternity before the security guards arrived and took charge, eventually escorting Scarlett away. She was bruised and battered, her clothes drenched in blood. Her eyes were hollow, lacking any trace of life, and her face was locked in an expression of utter despair. Huddled in the corner, she clutched her head, her body shaking like a leaf. The guards, having learned she was a killer, were on edge. They shot each other uneasy glances before quickly dispersing. Soon after, the gatekeeper came by, locked the door, turned off the heat, and left for the night. The lounge was empty now, with only Scarlett left behind. Back in prison, whenever she was beaten and cried at night, the cruel inmates only made things worse for her. So now, even though the pain sliced through her like a knife, she refused to let a single tear escape. The night seemed to go on forever. The harsh winter wind found its way through every gap, biting into the bruises on her skin until they cracked open. All Scarlett could do was curl in on herself, biting down on her hand to stifle the pain, the metallic taste of blood sharp against her tongue. When morning finally broke, the sound of her phone ringing pulled her from the darkness. Seeing Eamon's name light up the screen was like catching hold of a lifeline, and she hurried to answer. "Renee, did you get the paperwork finished?" His voice, calm but tinged with concern, was the final nudge Scarlett needed. The tears she'd fought to keep in all night broke free. Before she could reply, the door swung open. A wave of panic rushed through her, the fear of her tormentors returning overtaking her thoughts. Not wanting to drag Eamon into the mess, she ended the call abruptly. Eugene burst in, the morning light spilling over him, his eyes filled with urgency. "Scarlett, I'm here to get you out of here." Calvin lifted her into his arms, his voice heavy with an unmistakable sense of pain. "Don't be afraid. We're getting you out of here." At the sound of those familiar voices, Scarlett's senses slowly returned. But this time, she didn't burst into tears, didn't spill her heart out, or reach out for their reassurance as she would. Instead, she hid her face, shielding herself from the glaring sunlight. By the time they arrived at the hospital, the doctor had given her a sedative before beginning to treat her injuries. Scarlett quickly drifted into a deep sleep. Even in her dreams, her face remained tight with fear and anxiety, her fingers clutching the phone so tightly it seemed like she'd never let go. Seeing how worn out she looked, Eugene and Calvin were hit with a strong wave of guilt. They fell back into the familiar rhythm from their childhood, taking turns sharing stories until she slowly began to relax. Eugene picked up her phone, which had been buzzing nonstop, and was about to check the caller when Scarlett, suddenly alert, snatched it back. Noticing the tension in her face and seeing the caller's name flash on the screen, Eugene frowned. He couldn't stop himself from asking, "Scarlett, who's this Eamon who's been calling you nonstop for the last hour? Why's it coming from an international number? And why do you have him listed as your brother?" Scarlett's gaze met his. She was about to answer when Olivia Perkins, Eugene and Calvin's assistant, entered the room. "Mr. Letcher, Mr. Eugene, Ms. Sharon is awake." At the announcement, Eugene and Calvin rose in unison, quickly heading out while reminding Scarlett to rest and take it easy. As they turned to leave, she felt a surprising wave of relief wash over her. She answered Eamon's 60th call, telling him she'd just woken up from a nightmare and reassuring him there was no reason to worry. Only then did Eamon, on the other end, exhale in relief. "I've transferred some money into your account," he said. "Check it out. It's yours to spend however you like. After that, book a private flight and get here. I won't be able to settle until you do." When Scarlett opened the notification, she saw the deposit of one hundred million. She fell silent for a long moment, struggling to find the right words, before finally whispering a tearful "thank you." "Don't be silly. Why are you thanking me? You're my only little sister. I'll take care of you for the rest of my life and give you everything I have." Eamon's laughter came through the line, his tone easing the ache in Scarlett's heart like a breeze. She suddenly realized she was no longer just an orphan taken in by a family. She had a brother now.