Page 81 of His Cruel Billionaire Scorecard

The conversation from the interview played in the background. The voices of Scarlett and Roman filtered through. It was an interview for both of them.

“Oh, Roman has always been a man of ambition and determination. I’m just lucky to be by his side, supporting him in his endeavors,” Scarlett said, grabbing his hand and squeezing it affectionately.

Roman’s response was noticeably more guarded and stiff. “Yes, Scarlett has been a great support. We make a good team.”

Olivia’s brow furrowed as she listened. Their words seemed rehearsed.

She shook her head, trying to push the thoughts aside. She didn’t want to dwell on the charade playing out on the TV screen.

“Look at their false charm and empty words,” Olivia muttered to herself.

Olivia grabbed the remote and switched the channel to find something more lighthearted. A baking competition show caught her attention, so she settled in, choosing to let the proper measurements of flour and how to properly apply butter fondant distract her.

As she drifted off to sleep on her couch, Sandy curled up beside her, purring softly, offering a sense of comfort and companionship.

Chapter 32

“Themanageroftheswans’ team wants to talk to you about a merchandise contract,” Scarlett said casually and slid into the car beside Roman. She chewed gum noisily, engrossed in her phone.

Roman, on the other hand, sat in the driver’s seat, his mind elsewhere. He grunted in response, his lack of interest evident.

Scarlett glanced up from her phone, her eyes searching. “Did you hear what I just said? This could be a big opportunity for us,” she said.

He knew that tone; it was that there was a desperate need for approval.

Roman sighed and ran a hand through his hair. “Yeah, sure, whatever,” he muttered dismissively, still lost in his thoughts.

Scarlett’s eyes narrowed with hurt and anger. She wanted Roman’s affection, his attention.

“Are you even listening to me, Roman? Why are you being so distant?” she snapped, her bangles clinking with the movement of her wrists.

Roman’s grip tightened on the steering wheel; his jaw clenched. The mention of his distance struck a nerve. He felt he was going insane slowly, Olivia. His mind was consumed by thoughts of her.

“It’s nothing,” he muttered. “Just work stuff.”

Scarlett scoffed, her irritation bubbling over. “Work stuff? That’s all you ever say. I can see right through you, Roman. You’re still thinking about her, aren’t you?”

He kept his gaze focused on the road, choosing to ignore her. She clenched her fists, frustration transforming into anger. “I can’t believe this,” she hissed, her voice filled with betrayal. “After everything I’ve done for you, this is how you repay me?”

Roman’s face hardened, his guilt mingling with his anger. “Everything? This isn’t about you, Scarlett.”

Scarlett shook her head, tears welling in her eyes. “I just want us to be together. I know I’m a bit forceful…but I wanted us to be together, don’t you see? This is all for us.”

The tension in the car escalated rapidly as Roman’s anger got the better of him. He sneered at Scarlett; his voice laced with sarcasm. “Oh, so you think you’ve done everything for me out of the goodness of your heart? Please, Scarlett, let’s not pretend you’re not a manipulative, self-centered, shallow woman.”

“How dare you!” she spat, her voice trembling with emotion.

Roman’s grip tightened on the steering wheel, his voice cool, “You can go ahead and do whatever you want.”

Scarlett’s voice quivered with desperation as she made one final attempt to salvage this.

“Roman, we should go out on a date, a grand public appearance at the Palazzo Theatre. It would generate more press for us and help restore our image.”

Roman remained silent, his eyes fixed on the road ahead. Scarlett shifted uncomfortably in her seat, the silence between them becoming unbearable.

“Roman, please,” she pleaded, her voice tinged with desperation. “We need to show the world that we’re still a power couple, that nothing can break us.”

Finally, Roman spoke, his voice cold and detached.

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