Chapter 41

Alexander pov

After leaving Scarlett's apartment, I felt inexplicably irritated at the thought of Richard possibly spending the night with her.

I drove to Violet's apartment at Sunnyvale Apartments.

Unlike before, after sitting down, I couldn't settle my mind as I usually did.

Unable to resist, I picked up my phone. I thought since Richard had spent so much time dealing with those matters in Silverpeak City, I could call to mock him a little.

"It's only because of my poor health, otherwise I would have gladly made the trip to Silverpeak City personally. I've heard that not only are the transgender people there beautiful, but the medical standards for treating sexual dysfunction are also quite good. Haven't you..."

My tone was playful, still joking about the issue Richard minded the most. He should be quite angry.

"Enough! You'd better remember your place, Alexander. Don't forget who holds the power in the Gray family."

His reaction was stronger than I had expected. Previously, he could maintain the facade of an elder, but now he finally couldn't hold back.

How ridiculous. Did Richard think I would forget who murdered my parents three years ago under the guise of a trip to Colombia?

I casually tossed the phone onto the bed, my gaze turning to the exquisite bracelet on the bedside table.

It was Scarlett's, having slipped from her wrist that night and remained on my bed. The expensive bracelet glimmered softly, just like the light that shone through her pale gray eyes.

I had deliberately mentioned the "special nutritional supplements" from Colombia in front of Richard, wanting him to have some reservations about using the drug on just anyone.

I also mentioned what happened when Scarlett was on a business trip to Suncrest City. Though I didn't elaborate, it was enough to make Richard suspicious.

As I had anticipated, Noah soon called.

If Scarlett wanted to contact me, she would have to reach out to him first. After all, I didn't want to give Richard any leverage against me.

"Mr. Gray, Miss Smith wants to see you. She says it's about the drug matter."

My strategy was working—Scarlett was now actively seeking my help, rather than passively accepting Richard's manipulation.

"Have her come to the usual place. Treat her well, don't stop her from entering like last time."

"Should we reschedule tomorrow's appointment? Tomorrow you're supposed to meet your great-aunt Margaret."

Thinking about what I needed to discuss with Margaret, I unconsciously frowned. She was even more difficult to deal with than Richard.

"I'll give you a letter shortly. Place it in my room; she'll understand when she sees it."

After hanging up the phone, a smile spread across my lips. It seemed Richard had already left Scarlett's place; otherwise, she wouldn't dare call Noah right now.

What an impatient little wildcat. Could she have been frightened by an angry Richard?

Violet, sitting nearby, noticed me continually rubbing the bracelet and became curious: "This bracelet looks like an antique. The pattern on it is exquisite."

Ignoring her question, I placed the bracelet on my own wrist.

Thinking about how this bracelet had once encircled Scarlett's delicate wrist, a strange sense of satisfaction welled up inside me.

Violet pouted, her tone carrying a hint of complaint: "Which little enchantress gave you this token of affection? Since you returned from Afghanistan, I haven't seen you truly like anything."

"Oh, are you jealous?" I teased lightly, reaching out to pinch her cheek, my tone gentle but maintaining distance. "Come and massage me. My leg wound is hurting again."

Violet's massage technique was the best among all my lovers. She was beautiful, gentle, and compliant.

Unlike Scarlett, who always acted as if I were forcing her, clearly afraid of me yet constantly trying to resist.

I wondered what expression she would have when she saw that letter.

Richard's secret laboratory wasn't just developing drugs to control women; they were also creating new types of narcotics.

This plan originated in Colombia, using the Gray family's international business network for illegal drug trafficking.

On the surface, Richard was a Wall Street financial titan, but behind the scenes, he controlled a transnational criminal empire.

And Scarlett, that clever woman, only knew the tip of the iceberg—that Richard used drugs to control prostitution industries overseas.

What she didn't know was that Richard's ambitions extended far beyond that. The drugs administered to her monthly weren't just to satisfy Richard's perverted desires but were also human tests for his laboratory's new products.

My heart sank. Every day Scarlett spent by Richard's side put her in danger.

Perhaps it was necessary to let her know more of the truth so she would be more determined to stand by my side.

I felt Violet's hands stop, and I moved my still-aching leg. "What's wrong? Have you set your sights on another luxury item recently?"

She responded coquettishly: "I stopped wanting those things long ago. I want your heart."

Hearing the affectation in her tone, I laughed.

"My money isn't enough for you? You want my heart too? Velvet Mirage is the most profitable entertainment club in all of Silverlight City. The monthly allowance I give you should be enough for your extravagance."

"If you won't give me your heart, then your body will do..." As she spoke, she lowered her head and reached for my waist.

"You little temptress, you know my condition has been flaring up recently. How can I withstand such seduction from you?"

I caught her restless hand, my expression outwardly indulgent but deftly pushing her away from me.

I secretly felt a bit of anticipation: after Scarlett learned more of the truth, would she nestle into my arms like Violet?

Violet's fingers fell on several scratches of varying depths on my abdomen—marks left from my passionate encounter with Scarlett in a garden corner during Blair's party last night.

Her brows furrowed slightly, obviously uncomfortable.

"Alexander, don't lie to me. If I find out you have another woman besides me, I definitely won't let her off!"