Chapter 2

Darkness. Then, a jolt.

Scarlett gasped, sitting bolt upright in her bed. The cheap blue dress was still laid out.

The calendar on her phone: the day of the Kentucky Derby Charity Gala.

She remembered everything. The humiliation, the motel, the crushing despair.

A rebirth. A chance.

This time, her hands didn' t shake as she fastened her mother' s locket.

At the gala, the air was thick with the same expensive perfume and underlying cruelty.

The Blackwood sons began their disgusting auction.

"One thousand for Miss Hayes!"

"Two thousand!"

Scarlett' s gaze was steady.

When Charlie Jr. made his bid, "Five thousand, and perhaps more than just a dance," the smirk was still there.

Scarlett met his eyes. "I choose Mr. Charles Blackwood Jr."

A murmur went through the crowd. The plotters exchanged amused, knowing glances. Brittany' s eyes narrowed.

But then Scarlett added, her voice clear and carrying, "However, as a traditional Southern woman, I would feel much more comfortable if any… understanding… between myself and Mr. Blackwood Jr. received the personal blessing of his esteemed father, Mr. Charles Blackwood Sr. It' s a matter of respect, you see."

Charlie Jr.' s smile faltered. This wasn' t in their script.

Brittany hissed under her breath. "What is she playing at?"

"Scarlett, that' s really not necessary," Charlie Jr. began, trying to guide her away.

"Oh, but it is, to me," Scarlett insisted, her demeanor one of sweet, old-fashioned propriety.

Just then, a hushed urgency spread through the gala. A senior Blackwood aide rushed to Charlie Jr.' s side.

"Mr. Charlie, it' s your father. He' s taken ill. Severe migraines, the doctors are baffled."

Charlie Jr. looked annoyed, then thoughtful. His father was everything. Scoring points was always good. And this girl… what harm could she do? She was probably just trying to seem important.

"Fine," he said, his voice clipped. "If you insist on this charade. We' ll go to the compound after this. But don' t expect him to be in any mood for… blessings."

Scarlett smiled faintly. "Of course. I only wish to offer my respects."