Chapter 128

Alexander’s POV

I hadn't even finished speaking when Scarlett lost consciousness in my arms.

Carrying her upstairs and placing her on the bed, I discovered her pale skin was covered with various wounds. Her body was marked with lash marks and bruises, with hardly an inch of unharmed skin remaining.

The doctor I had arranged to be on standby was now injecting her with an IV. As the needle pierced her delicate veins, I could almost feel the sting myself. It reminded me of when I saw those photos on Luke's phone—Scarlett hanging helplessly, barely alive—and felt as if my heart had been pierced by a needle.

"How is the patient?" My voice sounded hoarse.

The doctor adjusted the IV flow rate and shook his head slightly. "Significant blood loss, two days without food, severe dehydration. The circulation issues caused by being bound will also take time to heal."

"Will she be alright?" I tried not to appear too anxious.

"Her life is no longer in danger, but recovery will be slow," the doctor closed his medical kit. "I recommend observation for at least 48 hours. Contact me immediately if any complications arise."

"Very well. Thank you for your help."

When I looked up, I noticed the doctor giving me a strange look.

"Is there something else?" I asked.

"Mr. Gray, if I may speak frankly, this young lady needs more than medical care. She has suffered... severe abuse."

My crossed fingers tensed. Richard, that bastard. I had thought that even with his perversions, he would show some restraint. Clearly, I had underestimated the extent of his depravity.

"I understand. Thank you, doctor. Noah will handle your payment."

After the doctor left, I gazed at the city lights beneath the night sky. From this vantage point, all of Silverlight City was visible, its lights twinkling like stars. I bought this apartment for a simple reason: I like being above everything. From here, I could look down on everything, just like on a battlefield.

Outside the bedroom door, I could hear Luke and Noah talking. I wasn't deliberately listening, but their voices were clear enough.

"Don't knock. The boss won't be coming out anytime soon," Luke warned.

"What's happened?" Noah asked, curiosity evident in his tone.

"It's Scarlett."

"I don't understand," Luke continued. "She is Richard's fiancée after all."

My eyes narrowed slightly. I must have been too lenient with them, allowing them to discuss my private affairs so openly just beyond the wall.

Noah's voice was low and calm: "Things aren't what they seem. The boss hasn't changed. His heart still belongs to—"

"Someone come in," I called out, not wanting to hear any more.

Noah immediately entered the room. "Mr. Gray, everything with the Phillips family has been arranged according to your instructions."

I drained the glass of wine in my hand and turned to face him. "If everything is arranged, proceed as planned."

"Yes." Noah's gaze moved from me to Scarlett on the bed, then lingered on the pearl necklace around my neck.

"What are you looking at?" I asked, my voice carrying a warning.

A slight smile appeared on Noah's face. "Nothing. I was just remembering five years ago, when you and..."

I turned abruptly and glared at him. Some memories don't need to be brought up.

He immediately fell silent and left the room with a slight bow.

The room returned to silence, with only the rhythmic sound of the IV drip. I walked to the bedside, observing Scarlett's pale face.

In the lamplight, her appearance did resemble Richard's former wife Rachel somewhat. No wonder the old man was willing to make a deal with her.

I sat on the edge of the bed and noticed a subtle change in her breathing rhythm. She was awake and had heard my conversation with Noah. Clever.

I pretended not to notice and continued observing her. Her right hand seemed to be gripping something tightly. I almost wanted to applaud her wisdom and courage. Even in such a weakened state, she remained alert and possibly had concealed a weapon.

Before she could make a move, I quickly grabbed her wrist, feeling her pulse racing beneath her skin. I pulled her up along with the knife, using just enough force to restrain her in her weakened state.

"When did you become so vigilant?"

Her eyes snapped open, gray pupils flashing with panic. "Mr. Gray..."

Despite the position certainly causing her pain, she tried to move closer to me. This gesture was both unexpected and predictable. She was using her usual tricks, trying to get past my defenses.

I grabbed her shoulders and pushed her back onto the bed. "How brave. Did you want to kill me?"

"I wouldn't dare!" Her face was buried in the pillow, her voice weak but clear.

I couldn't help but let out a cold laugh. "Really? You wouldn't dare?"

I bent down to pick up the knife that had fallen on the bed, its blade glinting in the light. A strange excitement flowed through my blood, a feeling both familiar and foreign.

The knife tip gently cut open the clothes on her back, revealing pale skin covered with lash marks. The crisscrossing red marks covered almost her entire back, some beginning to scab over, others still bright red. Richard had been brutal.

The knife tip pierced her skin, and a drop of blood slowly emerged. My breathing quickened. The appearance of blood seemed to ignite a desire within me, making me want to see more.

But no, if Scarlett died, there would never be another woman like her.

The knife tip traced down her spine, eventually stopping at her ankle. At this position, if I pressed an inch deeper and twisted the blade, her leg would be permanently disabled.

Just like my left leg.

I could feel her entire body trembling, yet she made no sound.

Just as the knife tip was about to pierce deeper, I said, "Do you know how my leg was injured?"

My voice echoed in the silent room. Even I was somewhat surprised by this sudden question.