From Ashes to Queen: Now I Call the Shots novel Chapter 196

Chapter 196 A Trap at Midnight

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48 Pearls

As Scarlett and Taylor approached the living room entrance, they found an unusual number of servants still on duty. Several bodyguards stood at attention by the doors, their expressions serious and unreadable.

Taylor’s brows furrowed at once.

The last time the house had been this tense was when Grayson had insisted on staying with Chloe–an event that had ended with the matriarch enforcing house discipline.

Back then, Taylor had still been young, but he’d admired Grayson’s boldness and refusal to back down.

But tonight was supposed to be a celebration.

Why such a grim setup?

Anyone walking in might’ve thought someone in the family had committed an unforgivable crime.

“Did anyone know you were coming home tonight?” Taylor asked.

Scarlett hesitated, clearly thrown off by the atmosphere.

Taylor’s mind suddenly clicked.

He’d had a racing event today, and had already told the family he wouldn’t be home that night–he’d even planned to join his friends at the club after the race.

But his worry for Scarlett had overridden all that. He’d ditched everything to come pick her up.

From Scarlett’s expression, he could tell–she’d figured it out too.

This setup wasn’t for him.

It was for her.

Inside the living room, Aurora sat beside the old matriarch, face streaked with tears.

A few maids stood nearby, all looking exhausted and defeated.

The matriarch slowly rolled a jade bracelet in her hand, her expression cold and unreadable.

She said nothing.

The entire room felt chilly.

The very walls and marble floors seemed to radiate a quiet hostility.

“Madam,” Samson whispered at the door, “Ms. Scarlett and Mr. Taylor have arrived.”

The matriarch paused, her fingers stilling on the bracelet.

“Taylor’s back too?”

It sounded like a casual comment.

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Chapter 196 A Trap at Midnight

But Samson grew even more cautious.

+8 Pearls

“He went to pick up Ms. Scarlett. Said it was late and he didn’t feel safe letting her come home alone.”

From the side, Aurora’s eyes flashed with venomous resentment.

They’d only just reunited as siblings–how were they suddenly so close?

Putting on a perfect show, weren’t they?

The Lane family was always so sickeningly good at appearances.

“Very well. Let them in.”

As the words landed, Scarlett and Taylor stepped into the room.

It was clear even to a fool–this was no reward ceremony.

This was a trial.

Taylor instinctively stepped in front of Scarlett, shielding her.

He flashed a smile at the matriarch.

“Grandma, you’re still awake? Didn’t the doctor say you need to stick to a strict sleep schedule?”

The old woman gave a noncommittal hum, slowly leaning back against the couch.

“Couldn’t sleep. Then I heard you two were home, so I figured we should have a little talk.”

Taylor laughed lightly.

“Grandma, it’s so late. I’m about to pass out, and Scarlett’s been competing all day. Let’s chat tomorrow instead. I’ll even take you to church myself–deal?”

His hands stayed behind his back, quietly signaling Scarlett to slip away.

But before she could move, the matriarch coldly ordered the doors shut.

She wasn’t playing games anymore.

Her eyes landed directly on them.

“I heard something disturbing today. If it isn’t resolved, I fear I won’t sleep a wink.”

Before either of them could ask what she meant, she looked to the butler.

“Explain.”

Samson stepped forward, his voice carefully measured.

“This morning, the matriarch was scheduled to go out, but her car never arrived.”

“We later discovered that the garage door had been locked from the outside. Two drivers were trapped inside.”

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Chapter 196 A Trap at Midnight.

Scarlett’s eyes narrowed.

There really had been no car available this morning.

If Jasper hadn’t showit up, she might not have made it to the competition at all.

But this had nothing to do with her side of the family.

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