From Ashes to Queen: Now I Call the Shots novel Chapter 136

Chapter 136 Shattered Illusions

aja

Her cold smile was like a blade, slicing through the illusion of family harmony she once desperately clung to–exposing the cracks in the Joyner family’s perfect facade.

Scarlett walked out of the police station. The sun was warm today, the breeze gentle. Wind lifted her long hair, strands brushing against her neck in soft curls, making her already slender neck appear event more graceful and pale.

“Mr. Fletcher, I hope today’s little drama didn’t bore you.

Truthfully, Taylor wouldn’t have understood either way.

Scarlet didn’t care whether the Joyner family would regret losing her. She didn’t care to see their humiliation or pain.

When she gave her heart, she gave it all.

And now that she had chosen to leave, she had taken it all back.

She and the Joyner family–there was nothing left between them.

Their remorse meant nothing to her now.

Jasper looked down at her. His eyes–still holding a faint mistiness–blinked quietly. They were a deep amber, soft and approachable at first glance.

But beneath that warmth was something untouchable. Cold and distant by nature.

In the sunlight, her waist–length hair shimmered with a seaweed–like gloss that made people want to stare. Bare–faced and effortlessly beautiful.

“Look at more greenery,” Jasper said calmly.

Scarlett blinked, puzzled. “What?”

“That little drama just now–loud enough to hurt your eyes. Helps with eye strain.”

Scarlett burst out laughing. The frustration she’d carried moments ago melted away.

God, this man had a way with words.

Without a single curse, he’d called the Joyner family trash.

She gave him a thumbs–up. “Mr. Fletcher, your wisdom is truly unmatched. I’m learning from the best.”

Jasper didn’t usually tolerate flattery. Most people around him were doers, not talkers.

Scarlett’s compliment was so obvious, it couldn’t be ignored.

But instead of being annoyed, the corner of his eyes lifted slightly.

A quiet laugh slipped out through his nose.

His black pupils shimmered with a clear, soft light as he turned to look at her again.

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Chantar 13h shattered illusions

He always canied that cool, alpine presence–like snow on pitie branches Being near him made it easier to breathe, easier to smile.

And for some reason, when his gaze landed on her now, it sparked a flutter in her chest.

Her mouth felt dry.

“As a teacher, this is my job,” Jasper added, retracting his gaze. Oddly enough, he found himself continuing the conversation.

And though his thoughts were churning, his expression remained stoic as ever.

Scarlett glanced up at him again. She was used to his frosty exterior by now, so nothing seemed out of place.

“Mr. Fletcher, I’ll be leaving for Jandale tomorrow.”

“Send me the location of your lab once you’re settled.”

The drama was over–it was time to talk business.

They had a contract. She was to conduct research. Whether she’d be used as a test subject or a technician was up to Jasper.

But she would uphold her end of the deal.

Now that the arsonist had been caught, her ties to Trenwyn were severed. She could fully commit to her work.

Jasper took out his phone and typed something. A moment later, the lab’s location appeared in Scarlett’s inbox.

“All right,” she said. “Just let me know ahead of time when you need me.”

As soon as the words left her lips, Jasper suddenly reached out his hand.

Scarlett blinked. Was he… trying to pinky swear?

Really?

From someone as composed as Mr. Fletcher?

Well, if he wanted to, she didn’t mind…

She started to lift her hand too-

“Your phone.”

“Huh?”

Flustered, she quickly withdrew her hand and handed him her phone instead.

Jasper pressed her phone against his and tapped a few times. A moment later, he returned it to her.

“I installed a small program. We can contact each other directly.”

Scarlett’s eyes lit up. “You bypassed all the messaging apps?”

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