Awakened Housewife Ignore Betrayer's Begs (Scarlett) novel Chapter 25

Chapter 25 Xavier’s Protection

Finished

When Xavier stood up, Vincent’s gaze flicked to Scarlett as she walked in-but she didn’t so much as glance his way. Her eyes were fixed solely on the elder, warm and attentive.

Xavier took Scarlett’s hand and led her toward the couch. As they walked, he shot Vincent a sharp look, his voice leaving no room for argument. “Your wife hasn’t eaten yet. Head to the kitchen and bring out the food we saved for her.”

It was an order, plain and simple. Vincent had no interest in picking a fight with Xavier- especially over something as trivial as fetching food. He nodded, set his phone down on the armrest, and stood up.

As he passed the table, he reached over and tugged gently on Vanessa’s hat. “Come with me.”

Vanessa spun around, her face scrunched up in annoyance at Vincent—but with Xavier watching, she didn’t dare throw a fit. Reluctantly, she pushed herself out of her chair, mumbled a half-hearted “Fine,” and trailed after him toward the kitchen.

Scarlett watched the two of them-Vincent’s broad shoulders, Vanessa’s tiny, slumping figure- heading to get her food, and it was obvious neither was happy about it. She didn’t want to stir up more awkwardness, so she spoke up, “I can go get it myself, really.”

She started to stand, but Xavier tightened his grip on her hand and guided her back down into a chair at the dining table. He lifted his cane slightly, waving it for emphasis as he lectured, “Sit right there. We brought you into this family to be taken care of, not to wait on everyone else. Vincent and Vanessa have two hands and two feet, don’t they? What’s the harm in them waiting on you for once? You’ve done more than enough for this family-you gave birth to Vanessa, for heaven’s sake! That makes you a hero around here. Men need to be told what to do, Scarlett. If you don’t stand up to him today, he’ll walk all over you tomorrow.”

Scarlett’s heart warmed at his words, a soft ache spreading through her chest. All these years, Xavier had always been kind to her-genuinely kind, not the fake politeness the rest of the Stewart family offered. When she’d had Vanessa, Xavier’d handed her a jewelry box full of pieces worth a fortune and a bank card with no limit, just saying, “For my great- granddaughter… and her mom.” He was the only one in this family who treated her like a person, not a placeholder. If it weren’t for his kindness, she would’ve never agreed to come back tonight-not to deal with Vincent’s coldness or Vanessa’s resentment.

Her eyes stung, but she managed a smile. “I know, Grandpa. Thank you.”

Just then, Vincent and Vanessa emerged from the kitchen, carrying plates of food. The spread was rich-braised pork, garlic shrimp, sticky ribs-all of Scarlett’s favorite dishes. Vanessa set a bowl of rice down in front of Scarlett, then turned on her heel and darted back to the couch to play with her cards, like being near Scarlett was a chore,

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Chapter 25 Xavier’s Protection

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Vincent handed Scarlett a fork, said nothing, and turned to leave-but Xavier’s voice stopped him. “Vincent. Where do you think you’re going?”

Vincent looked up, confused, his brow furrowed. “Grandpa? What’s wrong?”

Xavier raised his cane, a mock-threatening gesture-he never actually hit anyone-and snapped, “Don’t you know you’re supposed to sit and eat with your wife?”

Vincent glanced at Scarlett, his expression uncertain. But she didn’t meet his eyes, her voice cool and distant. “Grandpa, it’s okay. I can eat alone. He doesn’t need to stay.”

Her coldness caught Vincent off guard. For a split second, he found himself thinking of how she used to be-how, no matter where they were, home or out, she’d stick close to him, asking if he wanted seconds, if he needed a drink, if he felt like stopping for fruit on the way back. Now? She was the complete opposite. It was like he was looking at a stranger. A twinge of unease settled in his chest, but he brushed it off. It was just awkwardness, he told himself-nothing

more.

Since Scarlett didn’t want him there, he wasn’t going to force it. He stood there for a moment, then shrugged. “Alright. Let me know if you need anything.”

Xavier watched their exchange, a heavy sigh escaping him. Five years. They’d been married five years, and their relationship hadn’t gotten any better-if anything, it was falling apart at the seams. He’d tried playing matchmaker a hundred times, nudging them to talk, forcing them to spend time together, but nothing worked. At this point, he wasn’t sure there was anything more he could do.

After dinner, Scarlett tried to clear the dishes and wash them herself, but Xavier wouldn’t let her. He called the maid over and told her to take care of it, then ushered everyone into the living room. The atmosphere there was thick with awkward silence.

Vanessa sat on the floor, playing with her cards, chattering occasionally to Xavier or Vincent— but she acted like Scarlett wasn’t even in the room. Scarlett, in turn, only spoke to Xavier, her attention never straying to Vincent or Vanessa. Vincent didn’t say much at all; he just sat on the couch, his phone in his hand, typing away.

Scarlett knew exactly who he was texting-Sabrina. She could picture it-him apologizing for not spending the night with her, making plans for tomorrow, maybe even sending a silly meme to make her laugh. The thought didn’t hurt as much as it used to; it just felt… empty.

Xavier had wanted to try mediating again, to nudge them into talking, but it was getting late and he was tired. He pushed himself up from his chair, his joints creaking, and said, “I’m off to bed. You all should stay the night-there’s plenty of rooms.”

Vincent stood up first, stepping forward. “Grandpa, let me walk you to your room.”

Xavier softened at the gesture-Vincent might be bad at marriage, but he was always respectful

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Chapter 25 Xavier’s Protection

to his elders. He nodded. “Alright. Come on, then.”

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M

Just as Vincent was helping Xavier steady himself, Scarlett spoke up, “Grandpa?”

Xavier turned around, his eyes gentle. “What is it, dear?”

Scarlett took a breath, her voice calm. “I have to work at the hospital tomorrow, so I should head home tonight. I’m worried about-”

She didn’t get to finish. Xavier cut her off, his tone playful but laced with fake disappointment. “Oh, fine. Go on, then. I’m just an old man, after all—every day could be my last. All I want is to have my family around me, but now everyone’s got a million excuses to leave. Guess I’m just useless now, huh?”

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