Chapter 36

Scarlett POV

"Tom, thank you for your hard work tonight. I'll make sure to put in a good word for you with Richard."

With a smile, I stepped out of the car and secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Watching the black sedan disappear from view, I collapsed on the apartment staircase.

After the tension dissipated, only exhaustion remained in my body.

As soon as I sat down, my brows furrowed involuntarily, a sharp discomfort spreading throughout my body—reminding me of the shameful and painful scenes of making love with Alexander.

Nevertheless, today's crisis was temporarily averted.

Although I needed Camila's help to get through it, the timing of her appearance was too suspicious. I wasn't sure if Alexander had arranged it, or if she had her own agenda.

If Alexander had arranged it, that would be one thing, but if Camila had helped me of her own accord, this favor wouldn't be so easy to repay.

In high society, personal favors were often the most expensive currency.

With a sigh, I forced myself to stand up and climbed the stairs one step at a time, burdened by these complicated thoughts.

The cold autumn wind blew across my body, making me shiver as I watched the hallway lights flickering.

I let out a long sigh.Tonight had been torturous enough; all I wanted now was my own space to find some peace.

I finally reached my door and wearily pulled out my keys.

Just as I pushed the door open, a hand suddenly clamped tightly over my mouth from behind.

My eyes widened in shock, and before I could resist, I was roughly pushed inside.

As I was restrained, my heart nearly stopped beating, fear coursing through my body like an electric current.

The next second, the door slammed shut. My body trembled as I watched the hallway light disappear before my eyes.

In the darkness, I felt a chill as a large hand roughly lifted my skirt, his palm scraping against my skin like sandpaper.

My body was violently flipped over, twisted into a painful position, a sharp pain spreading along my spine.

My heart pounded violently in my chest, and just as the person drew closer, the familiar scent of aftershave entered my nostrils, causing my struggling movements to freeze instantly.

It was Alexander!

Feeling his hand tighten around my waist, I shouted, "Tom hasn't gone far yet. Aren't you afraid he'll find out about our relationship?"

Though my voice was still trembling, this excuse seemed to work, as the hand on my waist stopped.

"Our relationship?" Alexander's tone carried a hint of intrigued inquiry, as if he was genuinely curious about what exactly was between us.

He loosened his grip slightly and walked brazenly to the sofa, sitting down as if he were in his own home.

Fortunately, I had recently dealt with those debt collectors and rented a new place for Emily to live.

Otherwise, if she had seen Alexander here, who knows what thoughts might have crossed her mind.

By the time I turned on the lights, he had already reclined with his hands folded behind his head, his relaxed posture making it clear he considered my apartment his own territory.

I stood in the entryway, glaring coldly at him.

He had invaded my life as easily as he had invaded my body, leaving me furious yet powerless.

For a moment, I truly wanted to go to the kitchen, grab a knife, and kill this man.

But reason told me not to jeopardize my plans because of a dog that might go into heat at any time.

After staring at him for a few seconds, my jaw aching from clenching it so tightly, I turned and went to my room, temporarily escaping his suffocating presence.

I locked the bedroom door, entered the bathroom, and slowly removed my clothes.

I drew in a sharp breath—my upper body was covered in love bites, especially in those sensitive areas where the marks of sucking and biting were particularly obvious.

Was Alexander really a dog? I cursed inwardly, feeling a deep sense of humiliation.

Despite my anger, I decided to take a shower first.

The warm water washed over my body but couldn't wash away the shameful memories and inner conflict.

Under the cover of the water's sound, I finally let my tears flow. Hot tears mixed with the shower water, blurring my vision.

I felt suffocated, like a bird trapped in an ever-shrinking cage. And confusion—I couldn't help wondering if the Smith family was worth such a price.

How much longer could I endure in this family full of lies and betrayal?

In the current situation, one wrong move and I would lose everything—the status I had worked so hard to build, and what little remained of myself.

It was an hour later when I finished my shower. Taking a deep breath, I opened the bathroom door.

Alexander had fallen asleep on the sofa. His posture was casual and relaxed, his black shirt collar wide open, exposing a large expanse of muscular chest.

The light outlined his perfect features—the high bridge of his nose, the well-defined jawline, and his slightly parted lips.

In this moment, he looked so harmless, almost making one forget his cruelty and coldness during the day.

Suddenly, I remembered he had mentioned having hemophilia. What if I made him bleed now?

This tempting thought flashed through my mind, repeating over and over, enticing me to walk to his side.

Looking at his sleeping face, how ironic that such a powerful man as Alexander could have such a fatal weakness.

A small cut could potentially end his life.

And ending him could end this nightmare.

My heart pounded frantically in my chest, each step accompanied by an inner struggle.

I glanced at him, confirming he was still asleep, then bent down closer, feeling his steady breath brush against my cheek.

Slowly, I extended both hands toward Alexander's neck, feeling his carotid artery pulsing against my palm.

I stared intently at his closed eyes; he still hadn't awakened.

I increased the pressure of my hands. His body heat transmitted through my palms—warm, vigorous, full of life.

He was so vulnerable at this moment that my tightening hands hesitated.

But as soon as I recalled the humiliation I had endured at Blair's house tonight, my murderous intent grew stronger, like a burning flame consuming my rationality.

Alexander was a menace, a dangerous variable, and would someday become a stumbling block to my plans.

Acting now would settle everything once and for all, eliminating this potential threat!