Chapter 53

Alexander POV

As I finally heard Scarlett's purpose, a cold smile crept across my lips.

Every move, every expression during our intimate encounter had been carefully calculated—she wanted to please me, to use me.

Did all these women think I couldn't see through them?

I recalled her parting words: "Mr. Gray, you're quite good in bed... if I ever need it, I'll consider contacting you."

Damn woman!

Just then, Luke pushed open the door, brushing shoulders with Scarlett as she left.

I caught his gaze lingering on her chest for a second, on the curves barely concealed beneath the fabric.

Rage erupted like a volcano in my chest. The whiskey glass in my hand was suddenly airborne, grazing Luke's right cheek before shattering against the wall.

"Fuck!" Luke jumped back, his face a mask of shock. "Boss, what's wrong?"

I didn't answer. The churning fury in my chest was nearly suffocating.

That wasn't enough. I kicked over the antique coffee table in front of me—worth a small fortune—and only felt a brief moment of satisfaction at the sound of breaking glass, but it still couldn't quell the irritation inside me.

"Weren't you two just in the car..." Luke began, then wisely fell silent when he noticed my expression.

"What is it?" I asked coldly.

Luke hesitated, seemingly weighing his words. "Miss Violet Reed called, asking if you have time to visit. Today is her birthday."

"Not going!" I rejected without hesitation.

"But weren't you just—" Luke stopped mid-sentence, evidently noticing my expression again.

"What else?" I asked icily.

Luke paused, apparently choosing his words carefully. "Miss Violet Reed called, asking if you have time to visit.

She mentioned she's feeling unwell again and hopes you might... check on her."

"Tell her to go to the hospital herself," I said coldly.

Luke spoke softly, "Also... that Sunnyvale Apartments unit has a water leak. She wants to know how you'd like to handle it."

"Tell the property manager to deal with it," I waved dismissively. "Her monthly checks aren't for nothing."

"Yes, Mr. Gray." Luke nodded, then hesitated. "Miss Taylor also called, asking about the Porsche you promised. And Miss Brandon inquired about increasing her monthly allowance..."

"Shut up!" I cut him off. "I don't want to hear any woman's name today." Luke stood motionless, his gaze shifting. I knew what he was thinking.

"What, you want me to take care of you too?" I asked coldly.

Luke immediately covered his backside, forcing a smile. "Don't joke like that! You're scaring me!"

I saw he remained standing there, expression hesitant. "What are you thinking? Just say it."

Luke clearly hadn't expected such directness. He stammered, "If you have concerns about Miss Smith, Noah and I could investigate her background."

His voice grew quieter, but the vigilance in his eyes intensified. "What if she's someone Richard deliberately arranged to approach you? She might betray you later when you least expect it."

My fingers tapped lightly on the desk as I pictured Scarlett's deceptively honest gray eyes. Each time she looked at me, that mixture of wariness and curiosity made me want to discover more.

How much did I really know about her background? Besides knowing she was the Smith family's adopted daughter, soon to be engaged to Richard, I knew almost nothing.

But I was certain of one thing—Richard wouldn't be foolish enough to send his fiancée to probe me.

"Not necessary," I declined his suggestion, feeling an inexplicable unease in my chest.

What troubled me more was that "Mr. Thomas" I'd overheard in the hallway. Whenever I mentioned this name, she became visibly tense.

Who was Mr. Thomas? An ex-boyfriend? Or current lover? The mere thought of her having an intimate relationship with another man ignited a fire in my chest.

Damn it, what has this woman planted in my mind?

"Mr. Gray, you haven't actually fallen for her, have you?" Luke suddenly asked. "She's Richard's..." He immediately realized his blunder and stopped himself.

I gave him a cold stare but didn't respond.

Fallen for her? Absurd. Alexander Gray wouldn't fall for any woman, much less Richard's fiancée. The very thought was an insult.

I rose and headed toward the bedroom, my steps heavier than usual. I needed to calm down, away from prying eyes.

Behind me, Luke's voice rose again, tentatively: "The Harber family just called. Miss Lillian will be returning in three days."

Lillian Harber, my fiancée. Her return would bring new variables, but at this moment, I had no interest in considering these complications.

Closing the bedroom door, I sat on the edge of the bed, my mind filled with images of Scarlett's departing figure.

Why could she so easily affect my emotions? Was it merely because she was Richard's woman, or because...

No, impossible. I shook my head, dispelling this absurd thought. She was nothing but one of many pawns, using her against Richard was my plan, nothing more.

I picked up the pill bottle from the nightstand and swallowed one. My left leg's old injury had begun to ache again, a reminder of my physical vulnerability.

Ironically, after surviving countless battles in Afghanistan, I was defeated by my own blood.

My phone screen lit up with a message from Violet asking when I would arrive. I deleted it without responding. Tonight, I didn't want to see anyone.

Lying on the bed, I closed my eyes, only to find my mind filled with images of Scarlett—her eyes, her smile, her arrogance as she left.

"Damn woman..." I cursed under my breath, not knowing if this curse was directed at her or myself.