Chapter 43:Night Owl

(Scarlett's POV) The soft crash of waves outside the mansion provided the perfect background melody after the conflict at the Council gathering. I’d eaten more than my fill earlier, thanks to Roman and Aiden’s insistence. The shrill buzz of my phone echoed through the quiet room. I groaned as a quick glance revealed her name lit up on the screen. Of course, Sophie wouldn’t let a day pass without trying to get under my skin. “Whatever this is, make it quick,” I answered, my tone a mix of boredom and irritation. “I have better things to do than listen to you drone on.” Her voice came sharp and mocking. “Well, aren’t we high and mighty tonight? Still licking your wounds from the Council? Or has the reality of Alexander abandoning you finally sunk in?” I leaned back into the plush chair with a smirk, her attempt to provoke me only amusing. “Abandoning me?” I repeated, drawing the words out as though they were foreign to me. “You do realize I publicly rejected Alexander, don’t you? Or