Chapter 16

Scarlett was completely in Cedric’s grip now, to the point where she could tolerate even this behavior. But how would the staff view them going forward once this door was opened?

Grace clenched her fists tightly as she watched Cedric’s smug expression. Her chest rose and fell sharply with suppressed anger.

Outside the office, Cedric caught up to her.

“Don’t forget what Lettie said, get everything sorted out. Not one of my relatives can be left out!”

With that, Cedric strutted off, exuding the confidence of someone who considered the Payne Group his personal empire.

Grace was left speechless. She had come here to drop off a few files and somehow ended up saddled with this absurd task.

Back in the office, Scarlett’s gaze lingered on Cedric’s retreating figure. The man who had once felt so familiar to her now seemed almost like a stranger.

A faint smile tugged at her lips, but it didn’t reach her eyes. She closed them quietly, shutting out a storm of emotions. Maybe she had just been too tired lately.

Eventually, Cedric’s relatives were placed in low-level, inconsequential positions. Yet, even in these roles, the perks and benefits they received far exceeded what they could find elsewhere.

Some of them were outright delighted, basking in their newfound privileges, even beginning to sing Cedric’s praises.

That evening, the relatives gathered at the villa.

“Cedric is incredible! Just one word from him, and we’re all in!”

“I noticed that Ms. Payne listens to you a lot, why not talk to her about giving us promotions? We’ve got more relatives back home who’d love to work here too!” Their faces lit up with greed, their eyes gleaming with excitement. It was clear they couldn’t wait to bring every single one of their kin into the company.

Douglas and Valda were practically glowing with satisfaction.

“Now, now. Don’t be in such a rush. We’ve just managed to get a few of you in; there aren’t that many positions available.

Let’s let everyone settle in first. After that, we can talk about bringing in more people. Isn’t that right, Cedric?”

Douglas adopted the tone of a family patriarch, while Cedric nodded along eagerly.

“Exactly. As long as I have a word with Lettie, we can arrange for another batch of people to join later.”

His face radiated satisfaction as he soaked in the attention, looking every bit like a king surrounded by his court.

As soon as Scarlett opened the door, she was met with the chaotic mess inside the villa. Her brows furrowed slightly as her eyes swept over the scene.

Half-eaten takeout containers were strewn across the table, and on the couch, Cedric lay sprawled out, fast asleep under a thin blanket.

The sound of footsteps stirred him slowly. Cedric opened his eyes, blinking cautiously.

“Lettie, you’re back. My parents just left; I was waiting for you to come home, but I must’ve dozed off.”

He tried to stand, but his leg buckled, and he fell back onto the couch with a thud. Scarlett quickly moved to his side and helped him up.

“It’s my fault, I’ve been so busy with work that I couldn’t meet your parents. Let me call someone to clean up. You should get some rest.” Her voice was gentle, like a breath barely disturbing the air.

A faint glint of smugness flickered in Cedric’s eyes.

“Lettie, thank you,” he said, reaching out for her hand.

But before he could touch her, Scarlett rose to her feet. “It’s late. Get some rest. I have a meeting back at the office.”

She didn’t wait for his response. Turning on her heel, Scarlett walked out, leaving only her retreating figure behind. The smile on Cedric’s face faltered, and a shadow of discontent darkened his expression.

Later that night, Leroy stepped out of the operating room, his face pale with exhaustion. It was the third surgery he’d performed that day.

Zara approached him, holding out a towel.

“My son, you need to rest. You’ve been working at this pace for days now. Your body won’t hold up much longer.”

She hesitated, as if she wanted to say more but thought better of it.

Leroy accepted the towel. The operating room was his only refuge, a space where he could drown out the noise and chaos of his personal life. “Thank you. You’ve been working alongside me these past few days. You must be tired too.”