Out of Control: Into Your Everything-Chapter 101: Met You

Scarlett Shaw thought, maybe there isn’t a hidden illness, but there’s definitely a personality defect.

Anyone who could put up with Julian Ford was either extremely thick-skinned or had a masochistic streak—normal people wouldn’t stand a chance.

Of course, with those words, she was throwing herself under the bus too.

"I also heard something—Roman Lawson was demoted. In their company, the overseas executive president role was basically his for the taking, but after a trip to Bryland, he came back and could only be a regional manager in-country."

"I asked around afterward. Their higher-ups always wanted to work with Veridian, but Roman Lawson intentionally kept us in the dark. My guess? He had his eyes on you."

At that, Skyler Miller let out a long sigh of relief, and said:

"Good thing President Ford took action that day. Otherwise, Roman Lawson definitely would have pulled some scumbag move."

"People like him deserve their comeuppance."

Scarlett agreed.

As for Roman’s demotion, she figured it was probably Julian Ford’s doing too.

After all, Roman pulled that crap on Julian, and with Julian’s vengeful streak, there’s no way he’d let Roman off easy.

"Scarlett, this is the investment proposal President Ford needs to review tomorrow. Take it up to Assistant Carson."

Skyler Miller pointed to the stack of printed documents on the desk, giving Scarlett a meaningful smile as she looked at her.

Scarlett nodded, grabbed the files, and headed upstairs.

Lily noticed Skyler’s enigmatic smile and secretly messaged: Skyler, why do you keep smiling at Scarlett like a doting aunt lately?

Skyler: Scarlett has a boyfriend now.

Lily: Seriously? Who is it? Assistant Carson?

Skyler cryptically replied: You’ll know when Scarlett makes it public. Secret for now.

Scarlett took the files upstairs, walked to the assistant’s office, and knocked on the door. Aaron Carson looked up from his desk; seeing her, he smiled with the warmth of someone who hadn’t seen an old friend in a while, and took the files from her.

The assistant’s office was right next to the president’s office; Scarlett subconsciously glanced at the president’s door.

"President Ford hasn’t been in the office these past few days."

Aaron said quietly.

Scarlett was puzzled. "Aren’t you his assistant? Why aren’t you with him?"

Aaron just smiled, saying nothing.

Scarlett instantly understood. Aaron was Julian Ford’s assistant, but only for work. If Aaron wasn’t with him, that meant Julian was off dealing with personal matters.

As for what those personal affairs were, they had nothing to do with her.

Scarlett turned to leave.

Just as she reached the elevator, the doors slid open, and Julian Ford appeared before her in a tailored suit, their eyes meeting.

It was the first time Scarlett had run into Julian face-to-face since coming back from Bryland.

That exquisite combination of Western bone structure and Eastern features—one of those top-tier handsome faces—after two weeks apart, Scarlett was once again privately stunned.

But, in the end, this was a man who had personally crushed her before.

Her heartstrings might tremble, ripples everywhere, but Scarlett had learned to keep her composure.

She looked away, her tone polite and distant: "President Ford."

Julian glanced down, sizing her up.

Scarlett wore office attire: white blouse, black pencil skirt, a slim waist perfectly highlighted. She kept her gaze lowered, long eyelashes casting shadows over her lids, making her look soft and gentle. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢

Julian gave a noncommittal "Mm," cool and unruffled, his presence drifting away in an instant.

Absolutely no lingering warmth or flirtation.

Scarlett’s lashes trembled as she stepped into the elevator.

The vibe between them wasn’t quite total strangers, but the keep-to-your-own-lane message couldn’t be clearer.

The elevator descended.

Her heart fell with it, bottomlessly uncertain.

"Scarlett?"

Skyler called her a few times before Scarlett snapped back, "Skyler, did you need something?"

"The company health check is about to expire for this year. I haven’t gone yet—what about you?"

Scarlett: "I haven’t gone either."

Skyler: "Tomorrow’s Saturday. Let’s go together, get it over with."

Scarlett: "Okay."

The next day, Scarlett and Skyler went for their company-mandated physical at the best hospital in Capitoline—Veridian was always generous with employees. After her final test, Scarlett came out and caught a glimpse of Josiah Sutton in a white doctor’s coat, standing outside neurology.

With his gold-rimmed glasses, gentle and refined features, Josiah looked especially uptight, eyebrows furrowed deep.

Scarlett had dealt with Josiah before, but they weren’t exactly close.

And right now, Josiah clearly hadn’t noticed her; he seemed in a foul mood and definitely not up for company.

Scarlett averted her gaze and was about to head downstairs to wait for Skyler outside ultrasonography when she saw Julian Ford, long legs moving at a relaxed pace, expression indifferent, walk out of neurology and stop in front of Josiah. The two of them seemed to be talking.

Josiah’s face grew even more tense.

Julian’s expression didn’t change—the same old calm as ever.

Scarlett was too far away to catch what they were saying.

Still, whether it was curiosity or something deeper, she found herself inching closer.

But eavesdropping was a no-go—Julian’s gaze had already found her.

Following Julian’s look, Josiah turned and saw Scarlett, raising his brows in faint surprise.

Scarlett felt a little guilty, pretended not to see their stares, spun on her heel, and left.

"Stop."

Scarlett didn’t stop.

Outside of work, she didn’t have to jump at Julian Ford’s commands.

Especially right now, with her thoughts out of order—seeing him messed her up—so running didn’t just help, it was the smart play.

Julian caught up with her at the escalator, grabbing her coat hood with practiced ease to pull her a step closer.

Someone was passing by, so Scarlett had no choice but to follow his movement.

But as soon as she was near Julian’s cold presence, she quickly stepped aside, putting some distance between them.

Julian remained calm as ever, looked at her and said, "Saw a ghost? Why’re you running off?"

Scarlett huffed, "Yeah, saw you."

Julian stared at her for two seconds, then asked, "Why are you at the hospital? Not feeling well?"

"Company checkup." Scarlett replied honestly.

"Any issues?"

Julian’s cool question sounded almost like concern, making Scarlett’s feelings waver unexpectedly.

Even knowing he might just be making conversation, the warmth and excitement spread uncontrollably, and she couldn’t help but say, "Yeah."

Julian’s gaze darkened slightly.

Scarlett: "I developed a new nodule this year. Julian Ford, I swear it’s because of you, all the stress."

It sounded like a complaint, but her tone was light, clear black almond eyes sparkling with vitality.

Julian looked into her eyes, lips quirking up before he even realized it.

Scarlett didn’t notice, only feeling that Julian seemed a little off today.

She’d just openly picked a fight with him, and he wasn’t even a little angry—had he changed his stripes?

Julian only asked coolly, "You done with the tests?"

Scarlett: "Mm."

Julian: "Then let’s go."

He motioned for her to follow him, like it was a given she wouldn’t refuse.