Chapter 115

Scarlett’s POV

Glancing at the caller ID, her expression immediately turned serious.

"I'm sorry, I need to take this call."

She moved aside to answer, tension evident in her demeanor.

After the call ended, she looked at me apologetically. "Miss Smith, I can't take you back now. There's an urgent matter I need to handle."

"It's fine. I've already taken up too much of your time. Go ahead with your business; I can get back on my own."

I stood up, suppressing the pain, needing to complete Richard's assigned task quickly.

As I was leaving, Violet handed me a package of pills—the morning-after pills. I accepted them gratefully.

She suddenly called after me: "Miss Smith... today is Alexander's birthday, and also the anniversary of his mother's death. If you're returning to Gray Manor, please be careful."

"Thank you." My impression of her improved considerably. She must have originally been a kind-hearted girl, though I couldn't fathom how she ended up as Alexander's mistress.

Shaking my head, I realized I could barely take care of myself, let alone worry about others.

By the time I delivered the gifts to the hospital and returned to Gray Manor, it was evening.

Upon entering the hall, I saw Tom standing at the foot of the stairs, his expression serious, as if he'd been waiting specifically for me.

"Miss Smith, where have you been all day? Why are you only returning now?" Tom's tone was accusatory, his sharp gaze scanning me from head to toe.

"Beauty salon," I replied calmly.

Tom faltered, seemingly not expecting such a direct answer.

He couldn't dispute it—he had no evidence I was lying.

"Where is Richard?" I asked coolly.

"Upstairs."

I ignored him and headed directly for the stairs.

Each step brought pain, but I couldn't show any signs of discomfort that might arouse Tom's suspicions.

I had barely taken a few steps when Tom called after me: "Today is the anniversary of Mr. Gray's mother's death. Miss Smith, you'd better mind your behavior, lest..."

I stopped in my tracks. Even without turning to see his expression, I knew it must be one of malicious schadenfreude.

Standing outside Richard Gray's study, I was about to knock when I heard voices coming from inside.

"I'm surprised that my busy uncle still remembers what day it is today."

It was Alexander. He had returned earlier than expected.

His voice carried an unmistakable sarcasm, a tone I knew all too well.

Bang! A loud noise came through the crack in the door, followed by a brief silence.

"Alexander, it's been so long. Why can't you just let bygones be bygones? Besides, Ralph..."

Ralph. Richard had mentioned this name during his last moment of weakness. Who could this person be?

Richard's voice sounded both annoyed and resigned. The composure he typically displayed to others had completely vanished.

"Besides what?"

Alexander's voice was cold and hard, entirely different from his usually nonchalant demeanor.

This uncle and nephew seemed to be complete opposites of their public personas when alone together.

"Uncle, we're family, that's true. But even brothers need to settle accounts clearly. Do you think my mother's life can just be written off like that?"

His mother's life? My heart skipped a beat. This must be one of the Gray family's closely guarded secrets.

I knew Alexander's parents had long passed away, with various rumors circulating about their deaths. But now, with a direct accusation from someone involved, it seemed this matter was almost certainly true.

I clenched my fists tightly, my nails digging deep into my palms, but I barely felt the pain.

The secrets of the Gray family were clearly much darker than I had imagined.

At that moment, footsteps sounded from inside the study, suggesting someone had lost their patience.

"Come to think of it, I should thank you. If you hadn't personally gone to Silverpeak City last time, Vernon's territory wouldn't have expanded to its current extent."

Silverpeak City? Vernon Phillips? These names and places were not unfamiliar to me.

Vernon was a key figure in the Colombian underworld, and Silverpeak City was an important arena for international financial power plays.

But why would Richard Gray, such a prominent business magnate, be connected with someone like Vernon?

My mind raced, trying to piece together these fragments of information.

Suddenly, another loud noise came from inside, the vibration traveling throughout the corridor.

I stepped back abruptly, covering my mouth to prevent making any sound.

"Alexander, do you really think someone like Vernon could shake my power base?"

Richard's voice was distorted with anger, the words seemingly forced through gritted teeth.

"Oh, I forgot..." Alexander's tone was ice-cold. "You have a capable helper. Mexico, Colombia... Uncle, your influence is beyond my reach. But I still have something to tell you."

Mexico? Colombia? Cold sweat beaded on my forehead.

These countries were closely associated with drug trafficking. Could Richard possibly be involved with these underground forces?

I knew he possessed drugs used to control women, but was he also trafficking narcotics?

I heard footsteps moving toward the door—someone was coming out.

I tried to hide, but my reaction was too slow.

The moment the door opened, Alexander and I locked eyes.

My heart instantly jumped to my throat. He had discovered my eavesdropping.

His blue eyes sparkled with dangerous light as he smiled and silently mouthed something to me.

I quickly pressed myself against the cold wall nearby, not daring to make a sound.

"Uncle, those who do evil will reap what they sow. Tell him to be careful."

Alexander spoke coldly to Richard inside the study.

Who was this "him"? Ralph or Vernon?

My mind was filled with questions. Even after hearing so much, I couldn't piece together the complete picture.

I watched as Alexander walked away, leaning on his cane. With his military background, his gait remained steady and powerful.

Taking a deep breath, I tried to calm my racing heart.

Then I turned and walked into the study.

My arms involuntarily rested on his shoulders as I leaned in to whisper in his ear, "Don't, it really hurts."

My plea seemed to penetrate the haze of desire that enveloped him. Alexander pulled back slightly, his blue eyes scrutinizing mine.

"Really?" he asked, stopping his movements.

"Yes," I sobbed softly, tears falling onto his shoulder. "Violet said that area is torn... it probably won't be possible for a few days."

The softer my voice became, the more wickedly Alexander smiled, but I could feel his hand on my chest relaxing, now squeezing with moderate pressure.

Finally, he carried me to the bed, his movements gentler. In the dim light, I carefully adjusted my position on his lap.

"Then next time, I'll be gentler?" he suggested, his fingers idly tracing patterns on my arm.

I didn't respond immediately, my mind worried about Richard's earlier warning. If my movements were restricted to the manor, then Acacia's matter would have to be delayed.

"What are you thinking about?" Alexander's voice interrupted my thoughts.

I looked up at him. "Thinking about how to make you happy," I murmured, nuzzling his thigh with my cheek.

Alexander's body instantly stiffened. "You know what I want to do, yet you still dare to tease?"

"I can use..." I hesitated as I spoke, looking at him with heated eyes.

A smile spread across his face as his fingers traced my lips.

"Did you do this for Richard too?" he asked, a hint of jealousy in his tone.

I immediately shook my head. "No!"

With tears glistening in my eyes, I looked at him sincerely. That he could ask such a question meant my earlier display of vulnerability hadn't been wasted.

"I don't believe you..." Alexander's smile turned wicked.

"Richard really never touched you? Weren't you two playing very... stimulating games?" His breathing quickened.

My hand hesitated slightly, and my voice began to tremble.

"No... he never touched me once. He only hit me."

"Those things... he was going to use them last time, but then I was with you..."

A flash of satisfaction crossed Alexander's eyes.

"What about the drug?" he asked, closing his eyes as his fingers ran through my hair.

"Mmm..." Knowing I couldn't hide this from him, I simply stopped talking and boldly unbuttoned his pants.

What drugs, what whippings, what humiliations...

None of it compared to keeping Alexander happy at this moment.

Just as Camila had said, even if I wanted to move against Obsidian Palace and Marvin, I needed to have the ability to protect myself first!

Within the room, potent elements of intimacy filled every corner.

Until Alexander was satisfied and let out a low moan, I couldn't help but lean forward to press my lips against his.