Chapter 2

Scarlett POV

At that moment, I heard the voice of the butler, Tom. Glaring at Alex, I hurriedly pushed him away.

Seeing Alex emerge from behind the tree, Tom looked somewhat surprised: "Mr. Alexander Grey, what are you doing here? The doctor Richard Grey arranged to examine you is already waiting in your room."

Alexander responded calmly: "I know."

"Miss Smith, Mr. Grey has requested your presence," Tom then turned to me and said.

Arriving at Richard's study, I straightened my skirt, took a deep breath, and knocked on the door.

"Come in," Richard's voice was emotionless.

He gestured for me to sit in a leather chair in front of his desk.

"How are you adapting?"

"Very well, thank you for your concern," I replied politely.

Richard turned his chair, his back against the enormous floor-to-ceiling window, making it impossible to see his facial expression.

His powerful aura fully displayed his status as the head of the Grey family.

"Scarlett," he began, his tone becoming serious. "There are some things we need to discuss. I know the circumstances that brought you here—the Smith family's situation, your father's medical expenses..." he paused.

His words filled me with panic. Was it because of last night? Did he know something?

"While I very much want to help your family, I must be honest with you about our marriage. At my age, remarrying is a... complicated matter. I hope you understand."

I felt relieved, then began to worry. If Richard wasn't planning to marry me, would he still help me as he had promised before?

"I understand, Mr. Grey."

Richard's expression softened. "There's one more thing, about Alexander. After returning from Afghanistan, his temperament changed dramatically. His parents' death changed him. If he shows you any disrespect, please be understanding."

I tried to remain calm: "Of course, that's what I should do."

If I took those words at face value, I'd be foolish. How could my position compare to Alexander's? Even if he made me suffer, I could only endure it.

After leaving the study, my thoughts were in turmoil: Three years ago, Richard had gone to Colombia on business with his brother and sister-in-law, but only Richard returned.

Not long after, rumors spread that Alexander had hemophilia and couldn't inherit the family business.

The situation between them was definitely not as simple as Richard described. I needed to be more cautious.

After the conversation, I prepared to visit Adam at the hospital.

When I arrived at the hospital, I was about to knock when I heard a conversation.

"She's useless! She's been at the Grey house for so long, and she still hasn't gained Richard's complete trust. If I hadn't saved her all those years ago, given her our name..."

"Emily, lower your voice," Adam's voice interrupted her.

Tears welled in my eyes. Even though I wasn't their biological daughter, we had lived together for so many years.

What did all these years of emotional connection mean, and all my sacrifices for the Smith family?

Thinking of their care for me over the years, I silently wiped away my tears.

Before entering, I deliberately made my footsteps loud enough to be heard.

"Dad, how are you feeling?"

"Very weak, darling. The future of our family depends on you."

Adam was lying in the hospital bed, his complexion rosy, not looking much like a seriously ill person.

Emily saw me and immediately displayed a concerned expression: "Scarlett! Why didn't you tell us you were coming?"

I forced a smile and said: "I wanted to give you a surprise."

I had originally planned to explain what happened this morning, but now it seemed unnecessary.

The goal wasn't achieved, and they didn't care about my situation at all. After exchanging a few words, I left the hospital room.

Everything that happened today was suffocating me.

The Smith family expected me to repay all their debts, and they never once mentioned my brother, Hugh Smith, who had probably lost another fortune gambling abroad.

Was it because I was only an adopted daughter? So no matter how much I sacrificed for this family, I still couldn't compare to their biological son Hugh?

"Miss Smith."

I turned to find the Grey family's butler, Tom, standing in the hallway. His manner was very respectful, but his words were displeasing.

"Miss Smith, does Mr. Richard Grey know you came to the hospital?"

Before I could answer, he added: "Mr. Alexander Grey's examination today found his condition unstable. He's being examined on the third floor."

I was somewhat surprised, suddenly thinking about how we had made love for a long time last night—could that have affected his condition?

Richard walked over holding a medical record.

"Scarlett, I didn't expect to see you here. Oh! That's right, Mr. Smith is also hospitalized here. How is he?"

"Thank you for your concern. My father's health is improving."

"That's good. Alexander has been hospitalized too. Come with me to see him."

After exchanging these hypocritical pleasantries, I had no time to refuse before he brought me to Alexander's hospital room.

He was receiving an IV, looking very weak.

Just this morning, he had been aggressively threatening me, and now he was hospitalized. Alexander's health condition was truly as unpredictable as they said.

"My dear uncle," Alexander's voice was low. "And my future aunt—it's so good of you to come see me."

"You need to take better care of yourself. The doctor says this episode is related to your excessive indulgence. If your self-control continues to be so poor, I'll consider finding someone to look after you."

He truly looked like a caring uncle.

"Let Scarlett stay here with you for now. I need to take care of some things."

Richard's words surprised both of us. But as Richard left, he gave me a meaningful look.

"If his condition shows any changes, please notify me immediately."