My Accidental Billionaire Husband (Katia and Julian) novel Chapter 417

Punishment

The moment His Excellency spoke, both Mr. Houston and Mr. Lincoln nearly buckled at the knees.

The color drained from their faces.

Meanwhile, Cara and Elisa stood frozen in place like terrified statues, not daring to move a muscle.

After all, this entire disaster had started because of them.

Originally, they had only wanted to publicly humiliate Scarlett by ripping her dress apart.

Who could have imagined things would spiral this badly?

In the eyes of the two family heads, His Excellency’s anger was most likely because tonight was Hilary’s coming-of-age banquet, yet Cara and Elisa had chosen this exact moment to cause a scene.

And at the center of it all… was Scarlett.

If they wanted to salvage the situation, they could only start with her.

The two patriarchs exchanged a glance. One look was enough.

“Miss Scarlett,” Mr. Houston said first, lowering his pride without hesitation, “we sincerely apologize. We failed to discipline our daughters properly.”

Mr. Lincoln also stepped forward and bowed slightly. “We hope you can forgive them.”

Scarlett watched the two men quietly.

No wonder they were able to stand at the top of Lystra’s elite circle.

Men like them knew exactly when to bend and when to stand tall.

That alone separated them from ordinary people.

“Dad, she-”

“Cara.” Mr. Houston’s cold voice instantly cut her off. “Apologize. Now.”

Faced with the warning in her father’s eyes, Cara could only grit her teeth and step forward unwillingly.

“I’m sorry, Miss Hayes.”

Elisa quickly followed behind her.

“We apologize for what happened earlier.”

His Excellency then turned toward Scarlett.

“They offended you. How you wish to handle this matter is entirely up to you.”

The surrounding guests were stunned.

Was His Excellency seriously handing the matter over to Scarlett?

The level of favor he showed her was almost unbelievable.

Scarlett lowered her gaze briefly.

Clearly, he had no intention of exposing her identity tonight.

Good.

+15 Bonus

She preferred keeping a low profile.

“Since they’ve apologized,” Scarlett said calmly, “I won’t pursue it further.”

Relief flashed across the faces of the Houston and Lincoln families.

“But…” Scarlett continued lazily, “I’m giving your families face by letting this go. That doesn’t mean there’s no punishment.”

She glanced at Cara and Elisa.

“Until the banquet ends, the two of you will stay by my side.”

“Whatever I ask for, you’ll do it.”

The two girls’ eyes widened instantly.

They had been pampered like princesses their entire lives.

People served them.

Not the other way around.

Yet before they could object-

“You heard Miss Scarlett,” Mr. Lincoln said sharply. “Do as you’re told.”

“What?!” Cara exploded. “Dad, absolutely not!”

Mr. Houston’s face darkened.

“If you refuse, then from today onward, you are no longer my daughter.”

The threat immediately turned Cara pale.

In the end, both girls could only stand beside Scarlett unwillingly like personal attendants.

Scarlett sat by the pool with Theo, feeding him dessert.

“Mommy, I want juice,” Theo said sweetly.

Without even lifting her head, Scarlett said casually, “Cara. Go get it.”

Cara nearly twisted her nails into her palms from anger, but she still turned and left.

The evening breeze grew colder as night settled over the outdoor pool.

Scarlett glanced toward Elisa.

“Bring Theo a jacket.”

Hilary stared at Scarlett with sparkling eyes before giving her an exaggerated thumbs-up.

“You have no idea how satisfying this is,” she whispered excitedly. “Those two have been my enemies since forever. They used to make my life miserable all the time.”

“And honestly? I’ve never really won against them before.”

“This is the first time I’ve ever seen them suffer like this.”

“You’re incredible.”

Scarlett handed Theo another snack before turning toward Hilary, her expression becoming more serious.

PUTHET

“Sometimes, choosing not to argue doesn’t mean you should let people walk all over you.”

“Don’t forget who you are.”

“You’re not just a princess anymore. You’re part of the military now.”

“And soldiers aren’t raised to be bullied.”

Hilary blinked.

For some reason, Scarlett suddenly sounded exactly like a strict mentor lecturing a student.

“But what am I supposed to do?” Hilary muttered. “I can’t outtalk them like you do.”

“Then stop talking.”

Scarlett’s lips curved faintly.

“Use your fists.”

Hilary choked.

“But if I hit them, they’ll complain to their families! It’s not like I haven’t fought them before.”

Scarlett looked utterly unconcerned.

“Then you simply haven’t hit them hard enough.”

“Bullies only stop once they realize you’re not someone they can push around.”

Hilary stared at her in shock.

That… actually made sense.