Chapter 7

Lena locked herself in her room, refusing to eat or drink.

A few days later, Mrs. Albright sent her away too, to some obscure relatives in the countryside no one knew.

Before she left, Lena stopped me in the hallway. She was gaunt, her eyes hollow.

She said it was Isabella.

It was Isabella who had told Victoria everything about her and Leo, including Leo's home address and contact information.

In exchange, Victoria had promised to put in a good word for Isabella with Mrs. Albright, helping her become the ultimate winner.

I looked at Isabella, who was not far off, learning flower arrangement with Mrs. Albright. Her face held a gentle, elegant smile, as if she knew nothing.

A chill ran down my spine.

To climb the ladder, she would gladly trample over her sisters.

Only one thought remained in my mind: Escape. I had to leave, now.

I used all the money I'd secretly saved, applied through an agency to a top university abroad for a finance degree, and even secured a full scholarship.

The day my visa came through, I thought I could finally breathe the air of freedom.

I went to Mrs. Albright to say my goodbyes.

She was still the picture of gentle affection, holding my hand, rambling on, her eyes even welling up.

"Scarlett, there's no place like home. You're a young woman, going to a new place where you know no one. How could I not worry?"

I smiled. "Madam, I'll take care of myself. I'll write to you often."

The next day, as I was dragging my suitcase to the airport, I received a call from the embassy.

My visa had been revoked, "due to suspected fraudulent documentation." I'd also been blacklisted, prohibited from applying for any country's visa for five years.

I stood rooted to the spot, my blood running cold, my hands and feet icy.

It was Mrs. Albright.

She had cut off all my escape routes, determined to keep me trapped in this gilded cage.

That evening, she called me to her study.

She dropped her facade, a victorious smile on her face.

"Scarlett, don't blame me. You're the one I had the highest hopes for among all four girls. I couldn't bear to let you leave."

She handed me a document.

"Brandon needs a capable assistant. You'll work for him. The closer you are to him, the more opportunities you'll have. Don't disappoint me."

It was an employment contract, for the position of Executive Assistant to the CEO of Albright Industries.

I stared at her hypocritical smile, my heart a dead space.

I took the contract and calmly signed my name.

Scarlett.

If I couldn't escape, then I'd turn this place into my hunting ground.