Chapter 51

“What’s with all the calls this early in the morning?” Cedric grumbled, rubbing his temples as he picked up his phone.

The voice on the other end stopped him in his tracks—it was Valda, clearly distraught.

“Cedric, what’s going on? None of us can get into the company! I can’t even get through to Scarlett!” she exclaimed, her voice laced with panic.

“Locked out?” Cedric repeated, his surprise turning into confusion. “Did anyone say why? What’s happening over there?”

“I don’t know,” Valda continued. “All I’ve heard is that something big happened, and Scarlett left the office in a bad mood. Cedric, you need to figure this out! We can’t just sit outside like this!”

“Alright, Mom,” Cedric said with a sigh, trying to calm her down. “I’ll handle it. Just go home for now.”

Hanging up, Cedric furrowed his brows, deep in thought.

As Cedric headed downstairs, he spotted Scarlett entering the living room.

“Lettie, what’s going on at the company? Why are you home so early?” he asked, his tone urgent. “My mom called. She’s outside the office with the others, and they’ve been locked out! She’s too old to be left standing around like this!”

Already irritated, Scarlett shot him a sharp look. “That’s the board’s decision, Cedric. There’s nothing I can do about it. Tell your family to leave; no one’s getting into the company today.”

“The board?” Cedric repeated, his voice rising. “But you’re the CEO! How can they just decide something like this without your input?”

He took a step toward the door. “I’m going to go talk to them—”

“You’re not going anywhere,” Scarlett interrupted firmly. “They made it clear—you’re not allowed inside the company.”

“That’s right,” Scarlett said, her tone cold.

Cedric’s expression shifted from shock to desperation. “No, Lettie, you can’t let them do this to me. You know how much my family has sacrificed for the company. They’ve worked hard for this, Lettie!”

Scarlett crossed her arms, her patience thinning. “Cedric, I’ve told you. It’s out of my hands. The board’s decision is final.”

“But, Scarlett,” Cedric pleaded, stepping closer, his tone growing more desperate, “I gave up everything for you. I’ve done so much for you, and now you’re just going to let this happen?”

Scarlett sighed deeply, massaging her temples. She was growing tired of his endless pleas. “Cedric, I’ve tried my best. This isn’t something I can fix right now.”

“But I can’t let my mom down like this!” Cedric protested.

“Lettie, please, if you care about me at all, you’ll help me figure this out. Otherwise, it feels like I’m just a pawn to you—something disposable.”

Scarlett froze, his words cutting deep. For a moment, guilt flickered in her expression.

Cedric pressed on, his tone softer now. “Lettie, I know I’ve pushed you, but it’s only because I care. Please remember the good things I’ve done for you. Don’t give up on me.”

Moved by his plea, Scarlett reached out and hugged him briefly. “Alright, Cedric,” she said quietly. “I’ll see what I can do.”