The Villain's Redemption

Scarlette is already expecting to be a part of the top three.

In her last life, the software that she is developing right now — the one that she acquired — won this competition. It was a landslide win.

She saw it in the news and even felt pretty proud that the winner was someone that she used to know.

That was the reason she did her best to ' acquire' the software from that man. Despite expecting it, Scarlette still did her best to act like she was surprised when the name of her company was called. She even had her fake tears ready!

Confident that she would nail the presentation, Scarlette walked towards the stage with a gentle smile on her face. Honestly, she was excited about everything.

True, she knew that this would happen, but being recognized is just different. It made her feel validated.

She did a lot of stuff to have this life.

She wasn't planning to stop now!

Scarlette immediately gave a confident speech. Sadly, just as she was about to finish her speech, a voice interrupted her.

"This software is just similar to the one that Rouse Tech released a few minutes ago!"

Scarlette's face immediately turned ugly. "What are you talking about?

"The software is like a cheap version of Rouse Tech's Ultima!"

"What?"

"What is he talking about?"

When the crowd heard this, they immediately started checking their phones and reading the latest tech news.

"Huh?"

"Isn't this… the same?"

Seeing their reaction, Scarlette panicked. Rouse Tech released something similar to hers? She looked at Grant and Amanda, who stood a few meters away from her before she grabbed her colleague's phone.

The news has been released about twenty minutes ago.

"Miss Scarlette… what is going on here?"

Scarlette's eyes grew wide. She ignored her coworker's question and continued reading. It seems that Rouse Tech made it look like Ultima is a secret project that was released to celebrate the new CEO of the company.

"Miss, this software…"

"Miss… the boss is calling…"

Scarlette gritted her teeth. No matter what, she needed to win tonight. She glared at Grant who was now talking to Amanda. He wasn't even paying attention to her!

"I heard…"

"She used to work in Rouse Tech?"

"Oh! Did you hear about the security breach a couple of weeks ago?"

"Oh wow! You mean to say that she…"

Slowly, the surrounding murmurs become too obvious for her to ignore them. Sadly, Scarlette could only curse inwardly.

….

At the same time, Sienna was enjoying some wine while watching Scarlette's reaction. Scarlette wanted everyone to recognize her talent. And since Sienna wasn't too evil, she would give Scarlette what she wanted.

People would slowly recognize Sienna's talents… in plagiarizing content.

Isn't that great?

Since the woman wanted to be famous, then… why not let her be famous?

She smirked before sipping her wine.

"You look amused?"

She didn't need to turn around to know the identity of the person who walked inside the room without even informing her.

"I was. Until I heard your voice."

She heard someone sit on the vacant chair next to her.

"Why are you here, John?" she asked.

"You looked displeased?"

Sienna lifted an eyebrow. Then she snorted. "Maybe that's because I don't like you?"

"What's not to like?"

Sienna said nothing. This man is a sociopath. Everything about him is unlikable.

"So, it finally started huh," John said as she looked at the huge live screen in front of them.

"How did you find me?" Sienna asked. This place was an office inside a private club.

"Not telling."

"…" Sienna rolled her eyes inwardly.

"So, you had a fight with your baby brother?"

"That is none of your business."

"True." John snorted. "But I am a nosy person."

She glared at him before turning her attention towards the screen. Talking to someone like this man would be a waste of her time.

"So, did he finally confess?"

Irritated, Sienna finished her wine. "I would really appreciate it if you don't comment about my family."

"Family? That guy liked his sister. That's some weird family sh*t you got there."

Sienna pursed her lips. Grant… had been avoiding her since he heard the truth from his father. Of course, she wouldn't blame him. Some people are just meant to have a weaker emotional quotient than others. Still, she started wondering about the original plot.

She wondered if the truth about her parentage would be enough to push Grant towards Amanda?

"Opps… look at that? She's calling me. Do you think I should answer her?"

Sienna didn't say a word.

"Alright… I will." John cleared his throat. "Hey… Scar… Hey! Hey! Why are you shouting? What happened?"

Sienna continued watching the screen. Even if John didn't put it on the loudspeaker, Sienna could still hear Scarlette's voice as she was yelling on the other line.

"Sienna? Of course… In fact, I am with her now… hey… you say something."

Sienna looked at John. "What the hell do you want me to say?"

"See? She's here… yes… I don't think she planned this. To be honest, this woman is slowly losing her… wits. She's turning crazy. That's the only way I didn't kill her yet. What acting? Huh? I don't think she's capable of that… Alright… I will help you. Of course. I will be here… Alright… I will see you at the club."

Then he ended the call.

Sienna felt the man's gaze turn to her.

"What?" she asked.

"You look beautiful. When you smile."

"Creep."

John chuckled. Slowly, his low laughter turned into a weird giggle that reminded her of someone's laughter in a serial killer-thriller movie. She cringed.

"It's my turn now," John said. "Do you want to come with me? Why not enjoy the show in the front seat?"

"No, thank you. Anyway, I forgot to warn you. You won't be able to meet her in a few hours."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

Instead of answering, she gestured towards the screen.

"Police…" she said.

"Did you really think plagiarizing something that was already patented and trademarked is a small, simple offense?" Sienna smirked when she saw John's reaction. "Actually, it was not that big of an offense." Then she turned her gaze towards the screen.. "But… murder is."