Chapter 7

Without a word, Jackson pulled out his phone and dialed the police.

Scarlett’s mother saw no one was giving in to her demands, so she threw herself on the ground again, screaming and kicking, her cries filling the air.

The same nonsense again:

Abandoned after an engagement.

Cheap family refusing to pay the settlement.

At this point, Aunt Linda appeared, looking embarrassed, and whispered an explanation to Jackson.

“Scarlett’s mom dragged me here first thing this morning, insisting you two were engaged. She even quit her job to move back home.”

I could feel the question marks swirling around my head.

Jackson sent a long text message to someone, then turned to me. “I’ve got a friend looking into who this Scarlett Rayner really is.”

Just then, the police arrived.

Scarlett’s mom immediately lunged at one of the officers—Officer Amanda Fields—crying and wailing the same ridiculous story she’d been spinning all day.

The senior officer, Sergeant Michael Gray, stepped in, his voice firm. “Let go.”

Instantly, Scarlett’s mother released Officer Fields, like a mouse caught by a cat.

After speaking with everyone involved, Sergeant Gray turned to Scarlett and sighed.

“Marriage is a mutual decision. They don’t even know you, so showing up here demanding a wedding isn’t right. It’s best if you head home before this situation escalates further.”

Scarlett’s face was drenched in tears, but her mother wasn’t about to let go that easily.

“How are we the ones causing a scene? My daughter’s reputation has been dragged through the mud! Shouldn’t they at least pay for the emotional damage?”

Jackson clenched his fists, the veins on his hand bulging as he raised his voice. “Say ‘compensation’ one more time, I dare you.”

Scarlett’s mother screamed and charged toward us, her eyes wild, ready to attack.