Chapter 162: What Was That Look In His Eyes?

Christopher's mind raced as he heard Isabella's resentful thoughts again. He finally understood: Javier hadn't given up on Scarlett; his failed marriage proposal had led to blackmail. Javier had distributed the compromising photos and likely made further threats, terrifying Scarlett into attempting to pay him off—only to find herself penniless. Christopher was furious; if looks could kill, Javier would be dead many times over. Yet Javier seemed oblivious, his eyes vacant.

"What happened?" Danielle asked Freya urgently.

Freya sighed, her gaze worried as she looked at Scarlett on the bed. "We don't know much. She missed rehearsal. Her mother contacted us about an accident. Her mother and uncle acted suspiciously; we suspect they're involved," Freya said disdainfully.

Danielle sighed. "She was so strong. What could make her lose hope like this?"

Javier finally reacted, looking at the unconscious Scarlett with distress. Isabella's thoughts raged: "Damn it! Is he blaming Scarlett for her low tolerance? Is he annoyed that her suicide attempt delayed his debt repayment? What's that look in his eyes? Resentment?"

Before Isabella could react, Christopher stepped toward Javier, seemingly to greet him, but stumbled and fell. Instinctively, he reached out, accidentally knocking Javier from his chair. Javier crashed into a wall, his wrist swelling and reddening.

"Are you alright?" Christopher asked, panicked, but unintentionally aggravated the injury. Javier cried out in pain.

The chaotic scene stunned everyone. Freya and Danielle rushed to help. Danielle was speechless; the mishap was so absurd it seemed impossible. She wouldn't suspect Christopher of malice, given their past. Freya, heartbroken for her son, was too preoccupied to notice. Only Isabella, silently giving Christopher a mental thumbs-up, found the situation amusing. She reveled in Javier's misfortune. Christopher, feeling a sense of justice served, arranged for a doctor to treat Javier's injuries.

Sienna and Bartholomeo arrived, attempting to clear the room, likely worried about Scarlett waking and exposing matters that could damage their reputations. Scarlett awoke.

Danielle noticed first. "Scarlett? Are you feeling better?"

Freya rushed to her side, filled with concern. Scarlett's confusion cleared as she saw her mother and Bartholomeo approaching. Their concern seemed forced.

"You silly girl! Why would you do this? If you left, how would I live?" Sienna cried.

"Exactly! We're family. What's the big deal?" Bartholomeo added.

Scarlett's memory returned, her pupils constricting, her eyes reddening. She sat up, her gaze fixed on them, her hatred palpable even to Christopher. Isabella lamented mentally.

Compared to the blackmail, Scarlett seemed to despise her own family more. She hadn't known Javier was behind it, and the betrayal by her own kin had been devastating.

Sienna and Bartholomeo, unnerved by Scarlett's expression, lost their composure. Sienna reached for Scarlett, but Scarlett grabbed something from the bedside table and threw it at them.

"I don't have a family like you! You only see me as a cash cow!"

They dodged, but still got hit. Sienna scolded, "How could you hit your uncle?"

"I almost died," Scarlett said sadly.

"You were obsessed with money!" Sienna retorted, still believing Scarlett's attempt was solely about the missing funds.

Scarlett's expression was blank, until it gradually turned cold. She scoffed, self-deprecatingly. "I was foolish. But I'm awake now. I'll get back all the money you took! I won't back down. If you don't return it, I'll call the police and sue you!"

Silence fell.

"Rebellious girl! I'll disown you!" Sienna threatened.

"Then prepare the disownment papers. I'll sign them," Scarlett replied impassively.