Page 77 of His Cruel Billionaire Scorecard

Walking allowed him to think, unravel the intricacies of his emotions, and find clarity amidst the turmoil. Scarlett wanted to meet him the next day. There was nothing he could do to avoid that.

The city seemed to grow quieter as he ventured deeper into the night. Roman’s footsteps echoed on the deserted sidewalks; his mind consumed by the weight of the decisions he had to make. And of Olivia. He couldn’t escape the nagging feeling that his life was spiraling out of control, and it frustrated him to no end.

Chapter 30

“ItoldyouI’dwork it out, didn’t I?”

Roman sat across the table from Scarlett, his expression guarded. True to her word, she had managed to secure clients for him, and he couldn’t deny her effectiveness in that regard. However, her presence still grated him.

He adjusted himself in his seat again. He was on edge.

“So, Scarlett, who’s the latest client you’ve brought to the table?” Roman asked.

Scarlett leaned back in her chair, a self-satisfied smile playing on her lips. “Ah, Roman, you won’t believe the opportunity that has presented itself. It seems our dear friend Marcus has a prospective client, and I managed to get information on it before he even had a chance to approach them.”

Roman raised an eyebrow, intrigued despite himself. “And what is this information you have?”

Scarlett leaned in closer, eyes gleaming. “Let’s just say it’s a lucrative deal in the real estate industry. They’re looking for a partnership. A potential game-changer for your company. With my connections and your expertise, we could make it a reality.”

Curiosity and caution sang a tune of wariness from afar, but Roman couldn’t deny the appeal of such a deal.

“And how does your boyfriend feel about all this? Or your ex-boyfriend? I gotta admire your dedication to one-upping everyone. How do you sleep at night?” Roman asked sarcastically.

Scarlett’s expression hardened, and her eyes narrowed. “I don’t see why that’s any of your concern, Roman. This isn’t about him or us. This is about what we can achieve together.”

A flicker of annoyance flashed across Roman’s face as he replied, “You seem to be forgetting that I ended things between us a long time ago. I have no desire to revisit that chapter of my life.”

Scarlett’s anger was palpable, her voice sharp as she retorted, “Well, maybe I want to get back with you. Maybe I think we work well together. Instead of that Olivia girl who can’t even understand your world.”

Roman’s patience wore thin, his voice colder now. “This isn’t about Olivia. It’s about trust, Scarlett. And right now, I find it difficult to trust you. Your methods, your motives—everything is clouded by your agenda.”

“You’re making a mistake, Roman. I’ve always been there for you, finding opportunities, and bringing clients. Don’t let your emotions blind you to what we can accomplish together. You’ll understand, sooner or later. We work well together. You said it.”

Scarlett’s words hung in the air.

“Scarlett, you crossed a line,” he said firmly. “Blackmail is not the foundation for any kind of relationship.”

“Well, Roman, sometimes people have to do what they have to do to get what they want. And what I want is you.”

Roman shook his head, admiring her commitment to this delusion. “I’ve made it clear, Scarlett. Our past is behind us. I’m not in love with you, and I never will be.”

Scarlett’s voice turned sharp, her anger rising. She slammed her fist against the table. “Do you think you can just throw me away after everything we’ve been through?? I’ve stood by your side, I’ve protected you, and this is how you repay me?”

Roman’s jaw tightened; his voice steady but firm. “What you did, Scarlett, keeping and using those pictures, that’s not protection. That’s manipulation.”

Scarlett’s expression shifted from anger to desperation. “But we can make it work, Roman. We were good together. We can have it all.”

“No, Scarlett. We can’t. We won’t. What we had was based on superficiality and shared desires for power. It wasn’t real. I’ve moved on, and you need to do the same. I’ll play along with you, for now.”

He couldn’t believe he once thought the world of the woman sitting across from him.

“There was a time I would have died for you.”

Roman meant it.

“But I was misguided, young, hotheaded and foolish.”

Scarlett’s eyes welled with tears, her voice breaking. “I did it because I thought we had something special. I thought you still cared about me.”

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