Chapter 35

Scarlett's POV

Richard placed a reassuring hand on my arm.

"Scarlett, don't be angry. Alexander has always been like this," Richard said, his voice gentle as he tried to comfort me.

In my presence, all the dominant traits of the family patriarch seemed to vanish.

I sniffled and turned to look at Richard with hurt in my eyes. "Mr. Gray, do you really think I would harm you?"

"Of course not," Richard said softly, caressing my cheek with practiced tenderness. "I understand completely what kind of person you are, Scarlett."

My hand trembled.

If Richard truly understood what kind of person I am, I probably wouldn't be in this world anymore.

Alexander made a contemptuous sound, watching our interaction with undisguised disgust.

"Enough," Alexander said, his lips curling into a dangerous smile as he gestured for the server to pour red wine.

He pushed his chair back and walked directly toward me.

"It's my fault. I shouldn't have spoken to my little aunt-to-be like that and made her cry! I apologize!"

Although his words were full of apology, his tone was unmistakably twisted.

As if I were his lover rather than his uncle's fiancée.

I instructed the server to pour me half a glass of wine. Taking the crystal glass, I looked quietly at Alexander.

"Since you've already acknowledged me as your 'aunt,' I'll accept your apology," I said softly, "but I must respond in kind."

Without warning, I raised my hand and threw the wine directly in Alexander's face.

The dining room immediately fell into shocked silence.

Even Richard appeared astonished by my bold action.

The deep red liquid dripped down Alexander's chiseled face, staining the collar of his pristine white shirt.

Tom quickly signaled for the servants to bring towels, but Alexander remained eerily still, allowing the wine to flow down his face.

"Hmm..." Alexander clearly hadn't expected me to be so daring.

He leisurely licked the corner of his mouth, savoring the taste of the wine without showing a trace of anger.

He let the servant gently wipe the wine from his face, then turned toward the stairs.

"Start without me. I'll go change my clothes," he said casually, as if nothing had happened.

As soon as Alexander disappeared upstairs, I collapsed in my chair, fingers trembling.

Richard watched me with an amused expression.

Even now, the hand with which I had thrown the wine continued to shake. After all, the person I'd just doused was Alexander!

He was a devil, and devils always have countless ways to torment people.

"Mr. Richard Gray!" I looked toward Richard with fear once I came to my senses. "Was I too impulsive just now? Will Mr. Alexander Gray target me? The rumors about him outside are quite terrifying."

"Don't worry," Richard said dismissively. "With me here, no one can hurt you."

When Alexander came back downstairs, he was wearing only a white bathrobe, the belt around his waist tied so loosely it was nearly undone.

As he took his seat, I didn't see any displeasure on his face.

Throughout the meal, I kept my head down, wishing I could bury my face in my plate.

Alexander behaved as if nothing had happened, casually discussing Gray family business with Richard.

"I heard you secured the Harber Group's new project?" Richard asked after putting down his utensils, having eaten only a few bites.

"Yes, thirty-five billion dollars," Alexander answered languidly, mentioning the enormous sum as if discussing pocket change. "I should make a good impression on my future father-in-law, shouldn't I?"

For a moment, I couldn't help but imagine what it would be like if Alexander used that kind of money to help me.

But such a foolish thought only lingered in my mind for a second; after all, I wasn't that fortunate.

"Planning to get married?" Richard asked coolly. "You're not getting any younger. You should start thinking about marriage and children."

"Marriage and children..." Alexander slowly raised his eyes, gradually looking in my direction.

The next second, I tensed up completely, simultaneously feeling a bare leg brushing against my inner thigh...

Alexander Gray!

I gripped my fork tightly, my entire body tingling as if electrified.

Just as I was trying to find ways to escape his teasing, I discovered my feet had been trapped between Alexander's legs.

"Ah..." I swallowed back a moan that almost escaped my throat.

Meanwhile, Alexander's taunting voice reached my ears: "When does our little aunt-to-be plan to give my uncle a child?"

"Alexander, Scarlett is your elder!" Richard finally couldn't bear it anymore.

Alexander shrugged indifferently. "I'm just joking. Our little aunt-to-be isn't so petty as to hold a grudge against me, is she?"

His gaze fixed on me.

Although I was completely at his mercy under the table, he still had to taunt and humiliate me.

Alexander truly was a wicked man!

My dress had been completely lifted, and a cool breeze made me shiver.

But faced with Alexander's question, I could only force myself to respond, "Mr. Gray, you're such a joker. How could I possibly... mmph!"

"What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?" Richard asked, noticing my strange reaction.

I quickly shook my head. "My stomach feels a bit uncomfortable. I might have caught a chill."

I covered my mouth to prevent myself from making any more suspicious sounds.

Alexander smiled meaningfully. "Could it be that our little aunt-to-be is truly pregnant?"

This was clearly a joke, but Richard's expression immediately darkened as he signaled Tom to call for the family doctor.

Alexander's words also sounded an alarm for me.

The few times we had sex, we hadn't used protection. If this continued, who knew when...

It was too dangerous!

"Richard! That's really not necessary!" I grabbed his arm, shaking my head slightly, while whispering, "Richard, you know... I wouldn't dare."

Seeing my reaction, Richard smiled knowingly.

"I know you're very obedient. Stay tonight."

The implication was unmistakable, but I could only nod in agreement.

Afterward, I hastily finished a few more bites and excused myself to go upstairs, preparing for the night to come.