You All Gonna Pay For My Mother's Death

"Scarlet Young!"

The shout hit me square in the ears the moment I stepped into my father's office, even before I could fully close the door. My father, David Young, was already glaring at me from behind his mahogany desk. His hands were gripping a stack of documents that seemed far more interesting than I was.

"What do you want, coming here again? What pressing business do you have that you'd dare interrupt my work?!"

No smile, no warm welcome from the person who was supposed to be my parent. I stopped right in the middle of the room. My eyes scanned the lavish office. "Relax, Dad," I said, walking closer, stopping a few feet from his desk. My gaze was steady, piercing his dominant expression. "I won't be long. Just want a little chat with you."

Dad snorted, like an agitated bull. "I don't have time for your pointless chatter. What's your problem? Spit it out, I've got work to do!"

I knew his game. He always belittled me, as if I were just a whining child. I let a small smirk play on my lips. Then, without being asked, I pulled up a chair in front of him and casually dropped into it. I crossed my legs. My elbow rested on the chair's back, and my other hand deliberately held my phone. Dad stared at my legs, then back at my eyes, his disgusted expression not hidden in the least.

"Since when have we ever had a decent conversation? Don't make me laugh, Scarlet."

"Maybe never. But today will be different." I gave a thin smile. "Because this time, our conversation is very important."

He set his pen down. "Say it quickly, don't waste my time."

I let out a sigh, feigning boredom. "Alright, if you want to speed things up." I swiped the phone screen, opening a video file. "Dad likes looking at the past, right? I have something you might enjoy."

I turned my phone so the screen faced him. The video began to play. Dad furrowed his brows, trying to understand what was happening.

The video was a recording taken 15 years ago, with my phone. I was hiding behind a pillar, as my father fought with my mother, defending his mistress. My father slapped and choked my mother by the staircase. In a fit of rage, he punched her, causing her to faint and fall from the third floor of the house. My father is an influential man. His wealth brought him close to several important institutions. My mother's death was considered an ordinary accident. But I was a witness to that event. My mother once told me not to interfere in their arguments. I just needed to hide and record everything secretly.

Dad froze. His hands, which had been resting on the documents, slowly clenched. His eyes were glued to the screen, his face drained of all color. Dad's hand slammed down on the desk.

"What is this?!" His voice thundered.

I pulled my phone back. "Why? Surprised?" I could see the veins bulging in his neck.

"Where did you get this?!" Dad stood up, his body tense.

"That's not the important question. The important question is, why do I have this video now."

Instantly, Dad reached out. His hand was rough, veins prominent. He shot forward, grabbed my wrist, and ripped the phone from my grasp. With a brutal jerk, he slammed my phone onto his desk. My phone screen spiderwebbed into a thousand cracks, shattering to pieces.

"Don't you dare play games with me, Scarlet!" He stared at me, his eyes burning red. "Are you tired of being alive?"

"Then try it," I retorted coldly. I met his gaze, unblinking. "Just kill me."

His face hardened, momentarily startled by my blatant challenge. Then, a cruel smirk twisted his lips. "Don't underestimate me, Ice. You know I can do it. And no one would ever know."

"Oh, they'd know alright." I leaned back in the chair, my gaze still calm. This was the moment I'd been waiting for. I reached into my blazer pocket, pulling out a small recording device that had been capturing our entire conversation. I placed it on the desk, right next to my demolished phone. "I didn't come here unprepared. Did you think I was that stupid?"

He stared at the recorder, then back at me.

"Before I came in, I'd already coordinated with my colleague." I explained. "She has a copy of the video you just destroyed. And she has clear instructions."

Dad swallowed hard. His face shifted from rage to alarm.

"If I don't walk out of this office alive and well within the hour, all that evidence will be spread far and wide. Including the video of Mom's murder." I added, my tone cutting. "Everyone will know who killed Mom. And who's going to end up in prison for life."

Dad's eyes widened. His face was ghostly pale. Fear emerged in his eyes, replacing his surging anger. His hands trembled subtly.

"What do you want, Scarlet?" he asked.

I smiled in satisfaction. "It's simple. I want my inheritance. Mom's company shares. All the parts that rightfully belonged to her. I want Mom's name listed as a co-founder, and I, as her sole heir, will take over all her rights and responsibilities."

Dad glared again. "No way!" He pointed at me, his rage spiking once more. "That's part of the company's assets! That's part of my empire!"

"Empire?" I let out a small, mocking laugh. "Without Mom, you're nothing, Dad. Everyone knows that. Mom built this company with you. She was the brains. She owned most of the initial shares. So, my inheritance isn't just an asset. It's my right. And now, I want it back."

"I'll never give it to you!" he yelled, his eyes filled with pure hatred. "I'll kill you!"

I sighed, once again as if he were a petulant child. "I just told you. If I die, everything comes out. The video of Mom's murder. Everything will become public consumption. And I'm sure the board members, the investors, won't like that news. The company will be ruined. Your name will be dragged through the mud for generations. Even your other kids will bear the shame."

I pulled out my second phone, which I'd kept hidden. Its screen lit up. I pretended to dial a number. "Should I call my colleague now? Tell her I'm not coming home and she can release everything she has?" I looked at the clock on the wall. "Looks like we don't have much time, Dad."

Dad stared at the phone in my hand, then shifted his gaze to my eyes. His breathing was heavy. He understood. He knew I wasn't playing around.

"Fine," he choked out the word through gritted teeth, his voice hoarse and barely audible. "You win, Scarlet. I'll give you the shares. But don't expect me to let you breathe easy after this."

I grinned with satisfaction. "That's a good promise, Dad. I'll be waiting." I stood up from the chair, turning my body. There was no more conversation to be had.

"Then," I said, walking towards the door, "handle all the paperwork. I'll send my lawyer to make sure everything is in order." I reached the threshold, opening the door.

Before stepping out, I proudly flicked my long, dark hair, throwing one last glance at Dad, who was still sitting stiffly behind his desk, his eyes filled with venom.

First mission, accomplished. Now, the real revenge begins.