Scarlett was still holding the envelope as the words didn't shake her
She read the line once again and then put the paper back inside the envelope and dropped it into the drawer.
The next morning, she didn't come down for breakfast. She didn't even ask for the day's schedules.
She was quieter, sharper, and distant.
The staff members noticed as they murmured amongst themselves.
Madam Tracy noticed first though
"My lady, your breakfast is …."
"I'll eat later", Scarlett said as she didn't allow Madam Tracy to conclude her statement
Jude was already sitting at the dining table, when she finally walked in much later than she would on a normal day
He lifted his eyes immediately and noticed something about her attitude
"You are late", he said
Scarlett didn't look at him as she took her seat
"Oh! You didn't tell me there was a time stamp"
"What's the problem? You have been acting rather odd since last night", he said as he looked at her
"Then I guess you've been jobless to notice", she said as she picked up her cup
She didn't give him another opportunity to go on with the conversation
Jude leaned back slightly into his seat as he looked at her and didn't say anything
Violet was watching from afar
"Hmmmn…. I love what's going on ", she smiled
By afternoon everyone noticed how distant Scarlett had been since last night but nobody dared to question her
Betty was standing at the doorway as she watched Scarlett across the living room reading a book
"Isn't it interesting?"
Betty didn't turn to know whose voice it was as Violet walked up beside her
"What is interesting?", Betty asked
Violet's eyes followed Betty's eyes and landed on Scarlett in the living room
"Isn't it interesting how quickly she is settling in and adapting?, Violet said
Betty didn't turn "She is pretending very well"
"Is she now?", Violet said as she chuckled softly
Betty finally turned to look at her as Violet also turned and their eyes met
"Or maybe she is not pretending at all", she continued quietly
Betty looked at Scarlett again
"I don't care if she is pretending or not. I know that she won't last here", Betty said
"That confidence is exactly why she might last here", Violet smiled faintly
Scarlett could feel eyes on her but she didn't look around
She kept reading the book she was holding as she was in no mood to engage
Later in the evening, Jude was in his office going through investors' documents when the door opened without a knock
Scarlett didn't hesitate as she stepped in
Jude was shocked as he looked up immediately
"I guess when you were coming you came in through something and it's called a door? There's a reason why doors exist", he said
Scarlett ignored him
"I want a copy of the contract"
"The contract? But you already have a copy", he said as it caught him unawares
"No. I mean the full contract", she said without smiling
"I have the version you want me to see and not the full contract", she continued calmly
Jude didn't answer immediately as he leaned back slightly
"What makes you think there's more to the version you have?"
"Because there's always more with the Maguire family especially with you" she said sharply
Jude looked at her for a few seconds and then reached for a file on his desk with the title "The CONTRACT"
He slid it across to her
Scarlett walked forward and picked it up
She opened it as she looked through the pages and then stopped on a clause
Her face didn't change but Jude noticed something wasn't right
"Did you find something you don't know about?", he asked
Scarlett didn't answer him immediately as she closed the file slowly
"You tied performance to permanence? Meaning if I perform well in these ten years, you would let me remain as Mrs Maguire?", she asked with a faint smile
Jude didn't deny it, nor did he agree
"When you signed the contract, I thought you went through all the clauses?"
"Yes, I did or I guess I did", she said calmly
"Next time sign contracts with a clear mind", Jude said
"My mind was very clear that night. Well, the clause also stated that it was my choice to make"
Jude looked at her
"Well, yes it is stated that way. Meaning, you may decide to remain as Mrs Maguire after I have agreed to it or not. So, the ball is still in your court", he said quietly
"Very well noted", she said with a faint smile
She dropped the file on the table and turned as she was about to leave
Jude's voice stopped her
"I remember you also asked for distance and I can see that you are already creating the distance", he said quietly
Scarlett didn't turn back
"Distance is maintained and not created", she replied softly and then walked out
You could hear the silence of the night as it fell
Scarlett stood on her balcony, looking at the city lights and admiring the stars in the sky
A soft knock came on her door once
"Come in" she said
The door opened slowly as Betty stepped in
Scarlett stepped inside her room as she went towards her window
"I've been very patient with you", Betty said directly
Scarlett turned slowly towards her
"Then I guess you have been wasting your time", she said
Betty didn't react as she stepped further into the room
"I don't like you at all", she said plainly
Scarlett wasn't shocked
"That makes the two of us because I don't like you either. I wonder why a personal assistant would have access to her boss's house at this time of night and also come into the house uninvited. So, I don't like you too", she said without blinking
Betty couldn't believe her ears
"Do you think this is a game?"
Scarlett's expression didn't change
"No, I don't think this is a game and that's why I am on top. I am definitely winning", she said
Betty came closer with some intensity
"You don't belong here"
Scarlett didn't move back
"And you think you belong here?" she asked
Betty didn't answer because she wasn't expecting that
"Yet I am the one everybody is watching. I am the one everybody is interested in", she continued
Betty folded her fist in anger
But she let out a faint smile
"That's good", she said softly
Scarlett looked stunned as she wondered what she meant by 'Good'.
Betty leaned in slightly
"Because when everyone is watching you….they won't see what's about to happen to you", she continued with a smile
Scarlett didn't move because she wasn't afraid
A loud crash echoed across the mansion from downstairs
Betty and Scarlett turned instantly towards the door as another sound followed
Jude's voice was very loud
"Who let him in?"
Scarlett's eyes searched