Chapter 112

Scarlett’s POV

"Why aren't you calling me 'Alex' anymore?" Alexander leaned forward, his fingertip gently tracing my lips.

The sensation was like an electric current, traveling from my lips throughout my body. I struggled to control my trembling.

This man will never outgrow these twisted games. I sighed internally.

I reluctantly called him "Alex," my voice so soft I could barely hear it myself.

Alexander raised an eyebrow, clearly dissatisfied with my halfhearted response. "So unwilling? Who upset you? Shouldn't I be the one who's annoyed?"

"No one," I replied, avoiding his eyes that seemed capable of seeing through everything.

I somewhat regretted my rashness tonight, approaching Edwin right under Alexander's watchful eye.

"What are you plotting now?" His fingers gripped my cheek, the pressure perfectly calibrated to the edge of pain.

"Every time you scheme, your eyes can't hide your secrets."

"Alex..." I paused, suddenly realizing he was unusually talkative tonight. Though he hadn't touched a drop of alcohol, he was acting as if intoxicated.

"Hmm?" He moved closer, and I could smell his distinctive masculine scent, mixed with something uniquely his.

"I'm tired," I said softly, unconsciously leaning into his embrace.

"Don't tease me. Don't you know I'm like a lighter?"

I looked at him, confused.

"One stroke and I ignite."

My heart skipped a beat, my cheeks burning hot. His suggestion was too obvious.

"Enough games. You'll sleep here tonight."

With that, Alexander stood and left the private room.

I remained frozen in place, only gradually rising from the sofa after regaining my senses.

What is he planning?

Leaving the private room, I found a shapely woman waiting outside.

She introduced herself as my escort to my accommodations. Along the way, her questions centered around Acacia.

"Regarding Miss Vaughn... how much does Miss Smith know?"

I became internally alert but didn't answer, following her cautiously.

My instincts told me this was Alexander's arrangement, though I couldn't decipher his purpose.

"Not familiar... actually, I know almost nothing about her."

"If that's the case, Miss Smith shouldn't be too curious," she replied, her tone suddenly turning cold.

She handed me the key card, briefly explaining this was Alexander's private suite, now for my use.

This only made me more confused about what Alexander intended.

Opening the door, I found the room decorated primarily in gray and blue, austere yet elegant, perfectly reflecting its owner's personality. The bathroom, walk-in closet, and sitting area were fully equipped, sufficient for long-term residence.

A complex emotion arose within me.

What does it mean that Alexander has given me his private space? Is he elevating my status? Or binding me more tightly to him?

After a brief inspection of the room, I lay on the soft bed and almost immediately fell into deep sleep.

In my dreams, I still felt Alexander's presence surrounding me.

The harsh ring of the telephone jolted me awake. It was Richard.

This early? I glanced at the bedside clock and realized it was already noon.

"You'll visit Lillian at Phoenix Hospital this afternoon in my place."

I suddenly remembered—because of that sleepover party incident, Lillian had attempted suicide.

"Of course, I'll go after lunch. Mr. Gray, about—" I tried to inquire about his whereabouts.

"Stay at the Gray residence for now. Don't go out unless absolutely necessary. Understand?"

Richard's tone was unusually serious, sending a chill through me.

Before I could ask more, he hung up, leaving me alone with my uneasy speculations.

I rose from the bed, taking a deep breath.

Don't panic, Scarlett. Whatever danger there is, you've faced worse.

I reminded myself, but the sense of unease wouldn't dissipate.

After leaving Velvet Mirage, I headed straight to Silverlight's most luxurious shopping center.

With each step, my thoughts wandered through Lillian's suicide attempt and the intricate relationship network between the Gray family, Harber Group, and Blair family.

Lillian's suicide... I truly hadn't anticipated that.

When Camila invited me to that so-called "sleepover party," I knew Sandra would use it to humiliate me. I refused to be slaughtered like a helpless lamb, which is why I deliberately mentioned it to Alexander.

I just wanted to teach Sandra a lesson, nothing more.

I never expected Alexander would inform Casey and George about the matter.

Did he know what chain reaction this would cause? Or was that precisely what he wanted?

I analyzed the relationships between these three major families. Currently, the Harber Group was in an unstable position, relying on the Blair family's political influence and the Gray family's financial support.

Richard appeared generous on the surface but was cold-blooded inside. He certainly wouldn't want to see the Gray family and Harber Group growing too close.

Approaching the Tiffany counter, a pair of simple yet elegant platinum couple rings caught my eye. The design was understated yet tasteful, emanating a sense of eternal promise.

I walked into the store involuntarily, driven by an inexplicable impulse.

The sales consultant gracefully removed the matching rings from the display case.

"Would you like to try them on? This is a limited series from our chief designer. If you like them, we can engrave your and your partner's names inside the bands for free."

Typical sales tactic, I thought to myself, yet I couldn't resist the allure of these rings.

I imagined someday taking Yvette away to start a new life.

Perhaps I would meet a gentle, caring man, someone not as dangerous and complex as Alexander.

Alexander... Why did I think of him again?

Scarlett? He's your target, not your future.

"Miss, you can try it on if you'd like." The consultant's voice brought me back to reality.

"Could I buy just the women's ring?" I set down the men's band, noting the consultant's slightly awkward expression.

Buy a men's ring? For whom? Alexander? I laughed at myself.

There's only exploitation between us, not genuine feelings.

"I'm sorry, but this is a limited couple's set that we don't sell separately. Perhaps you might consider other collections?"

She presented a catalog showing various exquisite single rings, but none stirred me like the matching pair before me.

After brief hesitation, I made my decision: "Please wrap them for me."

"You don't need to verify the size of the men's ring?"

"No need."