Chapter 38

Scarlett’s POV What he said sounded sorrowful, almost convincing in its firmness. But I knew him too well. If Everett hadn’t quietly allowed it, no media outlet in Los Angeles would have dared to publish stories like that. And now he turns around and claims it’s all fake? I almost laughed—bitterly. Did he think I’d just swallow that kind of contradictory nonsense? Maybe—just maybe—before I saw Amelia’s pregnancy report, I might’ve believed him. But I did see it. Plain as day. That report still burns in the back of my mind, a constant reminder: Everett Robinson had already crossed the line. Why would I—Scarlett Taylor—tie myself to someone already so compromised? What did he think I was? A trash bin for his used-up feelings? Even without Amelia in the picture, even without that damn report, the cracks between Everett and me had always been there. From the very beginning, our relationship was never balanced. And now he suddenly realizes he screwed up—only because I walked away? He doesn’