Chapter 9

Author's POV "Scarlett, you promised to buy me that designer bag I've been eyeing," Sophie Smith said sweetly. She was Ethan Sterling's cousin, his uncle's daughter, who had been basking in the family's newfound status ever since Ethan's mother married into the wealthy Sterling clan. Scarlett had spent considerable time and money cultivating relationships with Ethan's extended family, particularly using gifts to win over Sophie and solidify her own position. Despite her disgust at the girl's obvious greed, she plastered on her most generous smile. "Of course, darling. Bags, clothes, jewelry—anything that catches your eye today is yours," Scarlett promised, her voice dripping with false sweetness. While money wasn't an issue for her, she privately despised Sophie's materialistic nature. If she didn't need to maintain appearances with Ethan's family, she wouldn't spare this girl a second glance. After the humiliation she'd suffered at Victoria's hands a few days ago, Scarlett had suggest