Chapter 120

Scarlett’s POV

Camila stood at the door, her face showing surprise and concern.

But I knew her too well—there wasn't a shred of genuine emotion in her heart, only cold calculation and schadenfreude.

She turned to Tom, her voice soft: "If I had known she was this badly hurt, I wouldn't have come. I was thinking since we have all these young ladies from Silverlight City gathering who don't often meet, I wanted to bring her to meet everyone. What unfortunate timing."

Watching Camila's exaggerated performance, I was glad she came, or I might have endured even more torture.

"Perhaps we should cancel this attendance," Camila suggested. "We can wait until she's better. There will be plenty of opportunities like this in the future."

Tom cut her off decisively: "That won't be necessary. If she's this fragile, how can she ever be the mistress of our Gray family? Besides, Mr. Gray has already approved this. Mrs. Blair, she's in your hands now."

Camila pretended to hesitate: "But she looks unwell..."

I couldn't let her leave me here.

Using my last bit of strength, I grabbed her arm: "It's fine, cough cough... I just didn't sleep well last night."

Our eyes met, and Camila winked at me.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Camila took me away from the Gray manor.

No matter where we're going, it's better than being hanged in that attic waiting to die.

As soon as we got in the car, I pulled out a fruit knife I had hidden in my sleeve and quickly pressed it against Camila's throat.

The knife tip slightly indented her skin, but she didn't even blink.

"Who sent you?" I asked coldly.

A mocking smile appeared at the corner of Camila's mouth: "Scarlett, if I hadn't come, wouldn't you have died here? This is the second time you've done this to me. I'm your companion, don't treat me like an enemy."

My hand hesitated, not knowing whether to trust her.

"Was it him who sent you?" I asked.

Camila observed my expression with interest: "Don't worry, it wasn't Marvin. Besides, he never cares whether we live or die."

I sighed in relief.

Another face flashed in my mind, but I immediately dismissed the thought.

That person couldn't possibly have sent Camila to rescue me; it didn't make sense.

"Who was it then?" I pressed.

Camila pushed the knife away and started the car, smiling: "You'll know soon enough."

The car drove away from the Gray manor, and I leaned back in my seat, letting fatigue temporarily take over my body.

No matter who had rescued me, at least I was temporarily safe now.

I kept my eyes half-closed, still not fully trusting Camila.

Observing our possible destination, the scenery along the way became increasingly familiar.

This was... the road to Velvet Mirage.

Alexander's territory.

My heart rate involuntarily quickened. Could it really be him who sent Camila to save me?

When the car stopped in the underground garage of Velvet Mirage, I finally relaxed.

At last, I had reached a safe place.

Camila narrowed her eyes beside me and asked: "You haven't actually fallen in love with Alexander Gray, have you?"

This question felt like a bucket of cold water poured over my head.

I immediately turned to her: "Of course not, that's impossible."

Fall in love with someone from the Gray family? What a joke!

Camila gave me a meaningful look: "Don't be so quick to deny it. Like I said before, whether you like him or not, if you want to, he can completely protect you."

I didn't say anything more.

It wasn't a question of whether I was willing to do it anymore, but whether Alexander would take the bait.

The sound of elevator doors opening in the distance interrupted my thoughts.

Camila got out of the car and walked toward a tall figure.

I couldn't hear their conversation clearly, but I could see Camila smiling throughout.

A moment later, she left in the elevator.The man stood there, lighting a cigarette.

Blue smoke slowly rose in the dim light.

I recognized the silhouette—Alexander.

He leisurely smoked his cigarette, then walked toward the car.

I quickly adjusted my expression, wanting to appear both pitiful and alluring.

To arouse Alexander's protective instinct.

When the car door opened, I looked up, my gaze meeting his through tear-moistened eyelashes.

Alexander looked down at me, deep blue eyes flickering with an inscrutable light.

He extinguished his cigarette and reached out to pull me from the car.

As soon as he held me, I immediately whimpered, burying my face in his solid chest.

His scent, a mixture of tobacco and the familiar smell of aftershave, inexplicably gave me a sense of security.

"It hurts," I said softly, my tears soaking his shirt.

My body was indeed in pain, but tears were also the best weapon, especially when dealing with men.

Alexander laughed softly, his fingers lifting my chin, forcing me to meet his gaze: "You little temptress, nearly dead and still trying to seduce me!"

His words were mocking, but his eyes flickered with dangerous desire.

He seemed to see through my act, yet was still willing to play along.