From Ashes to Queen: Now I Call the Shots novel Chapter 166

From Ashes to Queen: Now I Call the Shots

Chapter 166 Reckoning

“If any of you step out of line while serving the Lane family–if you dare do anything to harm us—don’t blame me for being merciless,” Taylor said coldly, his words echoing like a knife slicing through bone.

Just then, Stanley stepped forward without hesitation.

“I’ll do it. I’ll work as a servant and do my part–anything to make Scarlett happy.”

Everyone turned to look at him.

So quick to surrender? Willing to be a servant just like that?

How pathetic.

Owen’s tone remained calm, but firm. “As long as you behave and fulfill your duties, the Lane family won’t stoop to your level by exploiting your worth.”

The last trace of color drained from the Joyner family’s faces.

The Lane family wasn’t just retaliating–they were doing it openly, righteously, and without giving them any chance to resist.

It was over.

They had just reached the pinnacle of power in Trenwyn… and now they were being dragged into the dirt, disgraced before everyone.

They glanced around the room. No one stepped forward to help them. Not one.

So this is what it felt like–to be utterly alone in a crowd.

And to think Scarlett lived like this for six whole years in the Joyner household–isolated, unloved.

“We only have what we do today because of Scarlett.”

“And we lost her. We destroyed the best thing we ever had.”

Oliver murmured the words, his hand clutching his chest as if trying to hold his shattered heart together.

That girl, who had planned and sacrificed so much for their family, had been crushed beneath their boots- and finally left.

Now, he felt as though his veins were running cold, ice seeping through every part of him.

Scarlett, I know I was wrong. I really… I’m sorry.

This punishment, this humiliation–it was what he deserved.

“I’ll sign,” he said, voice thick with sorrow and regret.

“Good,” Owen responded.

An assistant brought over the contract. Without hesitation, Oliver signed it. He didn’t even glance at the

contents.

Chapter 166 Reckoning

Franklin’s expression grew darker by the second.

But he didn’t stop him.

After Oliver signed. Franklin clenched his jaw and spoke again.

“Well then, since my eldest son has already signed, he alone should stay behind to repay the debt. The Lane family is a prestigious house–surely you wouldn’t stoop so low as to force the rest of us into servitude?”

Oliver froze.

His eyes widened as he turned back, stunned.

Franklin avoided his gaze.

Martha looked away, silent.

His other two brothers were too shocked to react.

So that was it.

Even now, no one in this family truly cared for him. Not one.

The only person who had ever prioritized him, fought for him, and protected him… was Scarlett.

And he had lost her.

She was gone–and her revenge had cut him to the bone.

He looked toward her, eyes bloodshot, hoping–pleading–for even a single glance.

But Scarlett didn’t even look at him.

To her, he no longer existed.

Scarlett herself was slightly stunned.

She had always thought the Joyners were a united front. That no matter what, they would protect their own.

Like when Rebecca got into trouble–Oliver took the blame, Stanley ran around fixing it, Eugene stabilized her emotions.

-But now? They were turning on each other.

And for the first time, Scarlett saw them for what they truly were: selfish, self–serving, and utterly devoid of genuine love.

All those feelings she had once poured into them were wasted.

Owen was equally disgusted.

Franklin was willing to sacrifice his own son to save himself–a despicable act of self–preservation.

It was clear what he was thinking: if Oliver signed and paid with his labor, the Lane family wouldn’t come after the rest. One sacrifice to save the whole.

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