Awakened Housewife Ignore Betrayer's Begs (Scarlett) novel Chapter 146

Chapter 146 The Frozen Account

After a heavy, meaningful sigh, Melinda finally confessed, “Scarlett, when I passed by the gynecology ward earlier today, I think I saw Vincent there.”

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Scarlett paused only briefly in her movements, but responded with remarkable calmness, “I see. Thank for telling me.”

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Melinda couldn’t contain herself any longer, the words tumbling out in an angry rush. “But he wasn’t alone! He was with a woman, and they looked extremely close, walking arm in arm. They were laughing and chatting intimately, completely absorbed in each other like a proper couple in love.”

Scarlett immediately knew exactly who the woman must be, yet maintained her composed facade, not allowing even a flicker of emotion to show on her face. “Thank you. I understand the situation completely.”

Noting Scarlett’s detached reaction, Melinda couldn’t help pressing further, her voice filled with concern. “Scarlett, are you truly alright with this?”

Scarlett replied evenly, as if discussing the weather, “Her name is Sabrina Winters. She’s the woman Vincent has loved most for years, long before I entered the picture. Melinda, the real loser in any relationship is always the one who isn’t loved.”

Melinda grew increasingly frustrated on Scarlett’s behalf. “But regardless of history, you’re his legal wife! That woman, behaving so familiarly with a married man-how is she any different from a homewrecker? She should know her place!”

Scarlett let out a bitter laugh that held no humor. “To be perfectly honest, in Vincent’s eyes, I’m probably the actual third wheel here.”

Melinda suddenly felt a wave of helplessness wash over her. She didn’t know what else to say that wouldn’t cause Scarlett more pain.

After a prolonged silence filled with unspoken sympathy, she finally changed the subject to something safer. “How’s your health been since… everything? Have you fully recovered now, both physically and emotionally?”

Scarlett managed a faint, unconvincing smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “Yes, I’m doing quite well now. Don’t worry about me.”

Melinda finally relaxed slightly. “Good. If you ever hurt yourself again over a man who doesn’t appreciate you, it simply wouldn’t be worth it.”

Scarlett merely offered another faint, strained smile and said nothing more, the silence speaking louder than words.

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Chapter 146 The Frozen Account

Finisfied

After lunch, Scarlett ensured Vanessa took her prescribed afternoon nap, tucking her in with careful hands. Once Vanessa woke up refreshed, she took her to the neighborhood playground for some much-needed outdoor time and sunshine.

Around five o’clock, Melinda called to announce she was nearly at their prearranged meeting point.

Scarlett promptly dropped Vanessa back home with Lily, changed into fresh clothes quickly, and headed out the door without delay.

She picked up Melinda from the bustling train station and took her to an upscale restaurant for an early dinner.

Throughout the meal, Melinda continued venting about Vincent’s behavior. Scarlett simply listened with a quiet, fixed smile, clearly disengaged from the topic and merely humoring her friend.

After dinner, they went shopping together at an elegant department store.

Scarlett helped Melinda select two professional outfits for her conference, offering thoughtful advice, but somehow found herself drifting almost unconsciously toward the children’s section, drawn by some deep maternal pull.

All those tiny dresses and little tops on miniature hangers were so adorable she couldn’t resist browsing through them, her fingers gently touching the delicate fabrics.

Even though Vanessa currently seemed to despise her, Scarlett’s maternal instincts still drew her irresistibly toward the beautiful children’s clothing, imagining how sweet Vanessa would look in them.

Once properly inside the section, surrounded by miniature fashion, she selected numerous outfits for Vanessa, holding each piece up critically before adding it to her growing pile.

Watching Scarlett’s focused selection process, Melinda couldn’t help commenting with a sigh, “You’re so completely devoted to your daughter. Maybe you should redirect some of that energy toward yourself occasionally.”

Scarlett smiled softly, a genuine expression of maternal love. “This might be a one-time opportunity to do this for her. Who knows when I’ll get to shop for her like this again if things continue as they are?”

Unable to argue with that sad reality, Melinda simply accompanied her patiently through the aisles, occasionally holding up an outfit for approval.

After filling several luxurious shopping bags with their selections, Scarlett finally announced she was ready to check out, looking satisfied with her purchases.

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The sales clerk tallied the items meticulously and announced with a professional smile, “That will be eighty-eight thousand dollars altogether, Ma’am.”

Scarlett froze momentarily at the amount but didn’t question it aloud, having grown accustomed to the prices in this exclusive boutique.

She knew this particular children’s section carried exclusively luxury brands-excellent quality but notoriously expensive, catering to the city’s wealthiest families.

Back when she and Vanessa had been closer, she’d shopped here frequently for special occasions. Sometimes spending a few thousand on a single outfit, sometimes over ten thousand per visit when she got carried away.

Price had never been an issue before, not with Vincent’s generous allowances.

Moreover, Vincent had provided her with a dedicated bank card specifically for Vanessa’s expenses and transferred substantial funds into it monthly without fail.

Initially, careful with money, she’d checked the balance regularly, but Vincent’s transfers were always more than generous-sometimes reaching a million dollars, far exceeding what she could possibly spend on children’s clothing and toys.

Eventually, grown accustomed to the abundance, she’d stopped monitoring the balance altogether, trusting the funds would always be there.

Melinda was startled by the total but then reasoned silently. Well, she is Vincent’s wife after all, and this is their only child. Of course they’d use only premium products.

Scarlett retrieved her black card from her purse and handed it to the clerk with practiced ease. “The PIN is 990824,” she provided automatically.

The clerk swiped the card through the payment terminal with a smooth motion, but the machine emitted an abrupt, jarring beep that echoed in the quiet boutique. “Transaction declined. Please try alternative payment method.”

Hearing the unexpected alert, Scarlett stood completely stunned, her hand still extended where she’d offered the card.

The clerk recognized Scarlett as a regular VIP customer familiar with her substantial spending patterns, yet the card had genuinely failed. She appeared equally surprised and slightly embarrassed.

Melinda looked completely bewildered, glancing between her friend and the declined card. “What’s happening? Is there some mistake?”

The clerk inspected the card again carefully and explained to Scarlett in a hushed, apologetic

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Chapter 146 The Frozen Account

tone, “Ms. Theron, your card appears to have been frozen or suspended.”

Scarlett frowned in genuine confusion. “How is that possible?”

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The clerk double-checked the terminal display and confirmed with growing discomfort, “Ms. Theron, the card has definitely been frozen by the issuing bank.”

Scarlett remained motionless, shocked into silence for a long moment before finally instructing the clerk in a strained voice, “Could you please hold these items for me for a short while? I need to make an urgent phone call to sort this out.”

With that, she grabbed Melinda’s arm firmly and hurried out of the children’s section.

Once they reached the relative privacy of the emergency stairwell, Scarlett didn’t hesitate-she immediately dialed Vincent’s number with trembling fingers.

She had anticipated difficulty reaching him, but to her complete surprise, he answered instantly on the second ring.

“What’s wrong? Has Vanessa fallen ill again?” Vincent’s voice carried immediate, genuine concern the moment the call connected.

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Awakened Housewife Ignore Betrayer’s Begs

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