I Took Off The Dress And Took Back My Life Chapter 08

I Took Off The Dress And Took Back My Life Chapter 08

“Ms. Vance, the investigation into Scarlett’s 

background is complete.” 

Clarence Vance, handed the report to me. 

“Scarlett Rose, twenty–eight years old. Resigned from the Bureau of Urban Planning last year. The reason for her resignation was the alleged use of her position to provide undisclosed redevelopment information to associated parties; the department asked her 

to leave voluntarily to maintain 

appearances.” 

“What kind of information?” 

“Planning information for urban renewal 

plots. During her tenure, she leaked 

undisclosed redevelopment scopes to at least 

three middlemen, who then acquired multiple properties slated for demolition at 

low prices.” 

I flipped to the second page. 

Clarence continued: “Three months after her 

resignation, she appeared in Julian Sterling’s 

social circle. The first contact was a startup 

salon; the participant list was public and included Julian’s company address.” 

“The company address is near my loft.” 

“Correct. She followed that lead to find you 

and researched your property information. 

The land nature and surrounding planning 

of that loft were projects she had studied 

while at the Bureau.” 

I closed the report. 

“She approached Julian from the very beginning specifically for my loft.” 

“The current chain of evidence points to that conclusion. Her brother’s gambling debts are real, but the timeline is completely different from what she claimed. Jax Rose has owed the casino money for nearly two 

years and has been under constant 

collection. After her resignation, she 

originally wanted to turn things around by selling redevelopment info, but she was 

caught. With no other way out, she set her 

sights on personal property that would be 

easy to manipulate.” 

“Is there enough evidence to sue?” 

“Forgery, conspiracy to commit loan fraud, 

illegal occupation of a residence, and 

profiting from internal information–it’s 

enough.” 

I nodded. 

“Go.” 

Scarlett obviously hadn’t expected things to 

reach this point. That afternoon, she sent a 

message, her tone completely stripped of its previous grievance and weakness. 

[Audrey, I advise you to stop while you’re 

ahead. Julian doesn’t know the inside story 

about the loft; as long as I speak up, he’ll 

stand by my side. Believe it?] 

I replied with one word. 

[No.] 

I sent the screenshot of the chat to Clarence. 

Early the next morning, Scarlett posted a long essay on social media-“I am being coerced, intimidated, and even legally threatened by my ex–boyfriend’s fiancée,” playing the victim to the fullest, 

accompanied by a selfie of her crying with 

red eyes. 

The comment section still stood united with 

her. 

I didn’t respond. Clarence responded for me. 

A lawyer’s letter reached Scarlett’s hands that afternoon, listing six charges including forging documents, illegal occupation of a residence, and contract fraud. 

At the same time, it was CC’d to every friend who had supported her under her long post. 

Clarence also added a line: If any false statements cause reputational damage, separate legal action will be pursued. 

That night, Scarlett deleted that post. 

Julian came. He wasn’t looking for Scarlett; 

he was looking for me. 

He had lost a significant amount of weight, 

his cheeks sunken in. 

“Audrey, I know everything about Scarlett 

now. She approached me from the beginning for your loft.” 

“Mhm.” 

“I don’t ask for your forgiveness. But can you let me help you? Help you recover the money, help you with the legal process-” 

“No need.” 

I looked at him. Suddenly, I felt tired. 

“Julian, if you really want to help me, go to the bank and clean up your own mess. Take the consequences for the forgery yourself, and don’t drag anyone else down with you.” 

He nodded slowly. 

“Audrey, in the past… you really loved me, didn’t you?” 

“What do you think?” 

He gave a bitter smile. 

“I think you did. But I don’t deserve it.” 

This was the first time he had said those 

words. 

It was too late. 

“You should go.” 

He took two steps and turned back. 

“Audrey, if one day you can forgive me-” 

“That day will never come. Goodbye.”