Chapter 50

Scarlett POV

Everything was for the mission. Otherwise, I couldn't understand why my heartbeat would accelerate at just one glance from Alexander.

After arriving at Majestic Oak Villa, Luke drove directly into the underground garage. I slowly opened my eyes, surveying my surroundings while contemplating my next move.

"Get out," Alexander's voice interrupted my thoughts.

I hesitated for a few seconds before following him out of the car.

However, the moment my feet touched the ground, a wave of weakness suddenly hit me.

My knees unexpectedly buckled, and I tilted forward. Shame washed over me like a hot wave. I fought through the discomfort, gritting my teeth to steady myself.

A stinging sensation spread from my legs throughout my body, each step a reminder of what had happened earlier.

Alexander walked ahead, his figure tall and imposing. I followed behind him, secretly taking in my surroundings. His residence was even more spacious than I had imagined.

By the time we entered the elevator, I had to admit that every step was torture for me. But knowing Alexander's temperament, I didn't dare slow down and make him wait.

Using the reflection in the metal doors, I secretly observed Alexander's profile. His jawline was relaxed, replaced by an almost pleasant ease.

That perpetual intensity that usually surrounded him seemed to have temporarily dissipated somewhat.

It appeared that our earlier intimacy had left him quite satisfied. Men were such simple creatures when it came to physical desires.

I calculated in my mind—this was a good opportunity. If I made some exceptional requests now, he might agree!

"What are you thinking about?" Alexander suddenly spoke beside me, making me jump with fright.

"Tell me, what do you want me to do?"

I blinked hard, concealing my panic. He always read my thoughts so easily; I felt exposed before him.

This feeling of being completely transparent was both irritating and strangely intimate, impossible to refuse.

Seeing that I remained silent, he seemed to lose patience. "Forget it then."

He coldly dropped these words as the elevator doors opened, and he walked straight out.

A rush of panic surged through me—I couldn't miss this opportunity!

I lunged forward, intending to grab his arm, but in my haste, I caught his walking cane instead.

Alexander lost his balance and stumbled. I lost my center of gravity as well, until we both tumbled to the floor.

Worse still, Alexander's body became my cushion. I lay on his broad chest, feeling his heartbeat and body heat, momentarily at a loss.

"Are you getting revenge on me?" Alexander frowned, reaching out to grasp my shoulders.

But at that moment, an impulse surged within me—I didn't want to move away from him.

Perhaps it was this rare position, with him beneath me, that gave me the illusion of control, a sense of power I'd never experienced in this relationship. I looked down at him, silently swallowing, my throat tightening.

"This is a good position for discussion," I boldly said, my hands still braced on either side of his body. "Mr. Gray, does your previous promise still stand?"

"Have I ever broken my word?" Alexander regarded me with interest, his deep blue eyes flickering with something I couldn't decipher.

My cheeks grew warm. Perhaps he found this fresh too, since I rarely took initiative with him.

"Then..." I bit my lower lip, hesitating as I formed my words, "if what I want to know might affect your relationship with Richard, would you still agree?"

I tested cautiously, my heart pounding, afraid of stepping on one of his landmines.

"That depends on how sincere you are," Alexander murmured, reaching up to scratch under my chin as if I were a pet.

I felt a wave of shame and discomfort, yet didn't dare pull away. The balance of power between us would never be equal, regardless of what position I appeared to hold on the surface.

"My sincerity... hasn't Mr. Gray seen it already?" I responded softly, bitterness rising within me.

For me, there was nothing more sincere than offering my body, but in his eyes, this might just be a transaction—perhaps not even that, just a momentary interest.

Alexander's gaze grew more profound, inscrutable. "Tell me, what do you want from me?"

Since he asked so directly, I decided to stop beating around the bush. Taking a deep breath, I met his gaze directly.

"I heard Richard plans to bid on the scenic area project. I want to know the reserve price."

The moment I said these words, I felt a sense of relief, but also panic at having completely exposed myself to Alexander.

If he was willing to help, I could complete my mission; if not, at least I knew I needed to find other avenues.

Either way, I couldn't delay any longer. Time was ticking away, and time was what I could least afford to waste.

Alexander didn't respond immediately. The silence hung over me like a sword.

The air seemed to solidify, each second stretching out, as I stared intently at his face, trying to find a crack in that perfect visage, a hint that might betray his thoughts.

My heart pounded wildly in my chest, threatening to break through my ribs.

But he merely sat up from the floor and, surprisingly, didn't push me away. Instead, he casually pulled me into his arms, setting me on his lap.

My body trembled slightly, yet I felt a strange sense of security—like being trapped under a predator's paw while simultaneously being protected by another.

"Is it the person who called that wants to know?"

His voice turned cold, like warm sunshine suddenly obscured by dark clouds, the chill in his tone sending shivers down my spine.

He had guessed it!

Cold sweat silently dampened my back, but I understood that hiding anything from him now would be meaningless.

Alexander wasn't stupid. He wouldn't believe this information was for me alone, and at this moment, I was completely under his control, both physically and emotionally.

I didn't deny it, just quietly waited for his reaction, feeling my heart pounding in my ears.

"What do you need this for?" Alexander's expression turned cold, the warmth vanishing from his eyes.

My thoughts raced. From what I knew, the scenic area project was a government initiative, not easily managed.

Those wanting to undertake this project were mainly seeking future prestige and political achievement.

In Silverlight City, the enterprises qualified for such a project could be counted on one hand.

The Gray family was undoubtedly one of them. The Harber family might also qualify... As for other families, they had virtually no chance.

"Knowing won't help you unless the person behind you has more power and influence than Richard."

Alexander's fingers slowly slid down my spine, the sensation like an unsharpened knife.

Every inch of my skin that touched his trembled, both from fear and from a longing I refused to acknowledge.

I froze in his arms, motionless, even my breathing becoming careful, until I saw that familiar smile with a hint of playfulness touch his lips.

Only then did I dare move, reaching out to grasp his arm firmly.

"So regarding this matter, Mr. Gray, are you willing to help?"