Chapter 412 Replacement
Jack sat on the living room couch, cradling a steaming cup of coffee. The rich aroma filled the room, but his thoughts were miles away from the drink. He looked at Scarlett, who sat across from him, her usual sharpness replaced by an uncharacteristic timidity.
Scarlett kept her head down, nervously twisting the hem of her shirt. Her eyes darted around, and even her breathing seemed cautious. Her movements were light, almost hesitant, a stark contrast to her usual assertive demeanor.
Jack frowned, irritation bubbling up inside him. They'd been married for decades, and even though their feelings had long since faded, he knew her aggressive personality inside and out. The Scarlett he knew was always direct, sometimes even harsh, never the timid figure she was now.
Even when they hit hard times, she was just broke, not changed in character.
"Scarlett, what's up with you today?" Jack set his cup down, his tone edged with impatience. "You usually have plenty to say. Why are you silent today?"
Scarlett flinched visibly, glancing up at him before quickly looking down again. Her voice was barely a whisper, "I'm fine, just a bit tired."
"Tired?" Jack scoffed, his eyes mocking. "You?"
Scarlett's fingers twisted tighter, her lips trembling as if she wanted to say something but didn't dare. Her eyes avoided Jack's, flitting around the room.
Jack's mind flashed back to the fake Scarlett from a few days ago. That impostor had tried to mimic Scarlett but was too young, too frivolous in her actions. Especially her body—Jack, who had shared a bed with Scarlett for years, could tell immediately it wasn't her. But this Scarlett, while age-appropriate, had a completely different personality.
Could this be another impostor?
Scarlett was no celebrity, so why did people keep pretending to be her?
Jack didn't mind. The more, the merrier, as far as he was concerned.
"Scarlett, are you hiding something from me?" Jack's tone grew harsher, his eyes probing. "I don't remember you ever being this scared and timid."
A flicker of struggle crossed Scarlett's eyes. She finally looked up at Jack, her voice choked with emotion, "Jack, I actually..."
Before she could finish, the sound of high heels echoed from the doorway, followed by Phoenix's voice, "Aunt Scarlett, Uncle Jack, I'm here to see you!"
Scarlett's body went rigid, her face turning pale. She quickly looked down, her fingers clutching her shirt as if trying to control her emotions.
Jack noticed her reaction, his confusion deepening. He turned to Phoenix, dressed in a stylish dress, a sweet smile on her face, carrying a bag of fruit. She carried herself with the poise and manners that made her the quintessential niece.
"Phoenix, how dare you show up here?" Jack stood up, his tone icy, his eyes filled with clear displeasure. His tone was frigid, chilling to the core.
Phoenix's smile stayed innocent as she walked in and placed the fruit on the coffee table, her movements light and graceful. "Uncle Jack, I saw Aunt Scarlett wasn't feeling well during the last livestream, so I came to check on her." She turned to Scarlett, "Aunt Scarlett, are you okay?"
Scarlett flinched again, as if struck by something, her voice barely audible, "I'm fine."
Jack felt a surge of disgust. He remembered how Phoenix had swindled almost all of Scarlett's money and left her in debt. They had only just managed to pay off the debts. As he saw Phoenix, his anger flared. His eyes were cold and sharp, directed straight at Phoenix.
"We don't have much space here. You should leave," Jack's tone was firm, his voice carrying an undeniable chill, subtly implying, "You're not welcome here."
Phoenix's smile faltered slightly but quickly returned to normal. Her eyes flicked to Scarlett, carrying a subtle threat. "Uncle Jack, I just wanted to check on Aunt Scarlett. If you're busy, I'll leave."
Phoenix found an excuse to stay.
Scarlett's body trembled, her eyes filled with fear. She quickly stood up, her voice shaking, "Phoenix, don't go. Stay for dinner."
Jack's brow furrowed, his eyes sharp as he looked at Scarlett. "Scarlett, how dare you!"
Scarlett lowered her head, avoiding Jack's gaze, her voice barely a whisper, "Jack, Phoenix rarely visits. Let her stay."
Phoenix's smile was bright, a hint of triumph in her tone, "Aunt Scarlett, you're so kind. I’d be happy to stay."
Jack's anger simmered, but he held back, not wanting to lose his composure. He sat back down, his eyes clearly showing his displeasure. He picked up his cup, the coffee now cold, but he drank it anyway, trying to quell his anger.
At the dinner table, Phoenix chatted and laughed with Scarlett as if nothing had ever happened between them. Her laughter was like a bell, but to Jack, it was grating.
"Aunt Scarlett, did you make this dish? It's delicious!" Phoenix said, picking up a piece of fried chicken, her smile innocent.
Scarlett responded weakly, her eyes never meeting Jack's, her fingers gripping the utensils tightly, her knuckles white. Her voice was as soft as a breeze, "Yes, I made it."
Jack watched with cold eyes, feeling increasingly irritated. He set down his utensils, his voice cold, "I'm done. You two enjoy."
Phoenix looked up, her smile innocent, "Uncle Jack, why did you eat so little? Don't you like the food?"
Jack gave her a cold look, his tone mocking, "Mind your own business."
After dinner, Phoenix stood up, smiling at Scarlett, "Aunt Scarlett, I heard there's a new dessert place nearby. How about we go try it?"
Scarlett's body stiffened, her eyes filled with fear. She looked at Phoenix, her voice trembling, "Phoenix, I'm really tired today. Maybe another time?"
Phoenix's smile remained sweet, but her eyes were cold and unyielding, "Aunt Scarlett, I rarely visit. Come with me."
Scarlett gazed at her with trepidation. "Phoenix, I really don't want to go out. Please, just let me be."
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