Chapter 82

Alexander's POV

The atmosphere at the dinner table suddenly turned awkward as Richard's smile completely froze.

I knew I had touched on his sore spot—his pathetic erectile dysfunction problem—but this was exactly the effect I wanted, to humiliate him in front of everyone.

Just then, Scarlett abruptly stood up, covering her mouth, and rushed toward the bathroom.

My eyes widened slightly as I caught a flash of joy cross Lillian's face. She thought Scarlett was pregnant.

Stupid woman. She had no idea about Richard's true condition.

I set down my knife and fork, considering whether I should follow Scarlett, but that would be too obvious and would arouse Richard's suspicions.

I could only remain seated, pretending to be interested in the food in front of me while my thoughts followed Scarlett to the bathroom.

"Richard, Miss Smith's behavior... could she be pregnant? That would be wonderful news!" Lillian said with feigned concern, though her eyes sparkled with malice.

"Indeed, that would be good news," Richard replied, his expression calm, but I could see the dark storm brewing beneath his venomous gaze.

Lillian hurried toward the bathroom, unable to contain herself. Suddenly, only Richard and I remained at the dinner table.

A strange silence hung in the air. I glanced at his tightly clenched fists, sensing his suppressed rage.

"You seem very interested in Miss Smith lately, Alexander," Richard suddenly spoke, his voice frighteningly calm.

I raised an eyebrow, putting on an innocent smile. "Uncle, what are you saying? Miss Smith is your fiancée. How could I possibly have any thoughts about her?"

"Is that so?" Richard smirked coldly. "Then what did you mean by that comment earlier?"

I shrugged. "I was just stating facts. My marriage to Lillian should indeed wait until after you and Miss Smith get married and have children."

I deliberately emphasized the word "children," satisfied to see a flash of anger and shame in his eyes.

I knew I was relentlessly probing his trigger points, but I enjoyed the feeling.

My hatred for Richard had been accumulating for too long—from my parents' death to every time I saw him approaching Scarlett.

It was as if a wild beast inside me was struggling to break free from its chains.

From the moment Scarlett and I accidentally became involved, she became my prey—to be captured and tamed only by me.

I glanced casually in the direction Scarlett had gone, mentally calculating what conversation might be unfolding between her and Lillian in the bathroom.

With Scarlett's intelligence, Lillian's petty tricks posed no threat.

I turned to Richard with a mocking look. "Worried about your fiancée? Don't be concerned. Lillian won't harm her."

Richard's gaze turned dangerous. "Alexander, don't forget your place."

"My place?" I laughed coldly. "As the Gray family heir? Or is there something else you'd like to remind me of?"

Undercurrents flowed between us, each word sharp as a blade.

Richard wanted to control me, just as he wanted to control Scarlett, but what he didn't know was that I was no longer the little nephew he could manipulate.

Just as the atmosphere was about to explode with tension, Lillian hurried back from the bathroom, her face as pale as paper.

The corner of my mouth lifted involuntarily. I knew it—Lillian was no match for Scarlett.

Seeing that Lillian had failed to extract any information from Scarlett, Richard also seemed to dismiss the pregnancy gossip as nonsense, shaking his head as he left the dining room.

When Scarlett returned to the dining room, I was the only one left, smoking.

I felt Scarlett's gaze linger briefly on me. I lazily lifted my eyelids.

"Has the master gone upstairs to rest?" she asked politely.

The moment she returned, she asked about Richard's whereabouts. A wave of irritation washed over me, and I didn't feel like responding.

Seeing that I had no intention of answering, she turned to go upstairs, probably to take Emily back.

I noticed her fingers unconsciously gripping the hem of her dress. She was afraid—not of me, but of what Richard might do if he discovered her true identity.

"Chloe... was a highly sought-after socialite in Emberfall City twenty years ago. Later, she..."

I began in a low voice, deliberately leaving the sentence unfinished, just to gauge her reaction.

But Scarlett was much calmer than I had imagined.

"Never heard of her," she replied coldly, preparing to leave.

I called out to her, "Richard has gone out." I paused. "Though you're well aware of why, I'm sure."

"Whatever the reason, I don't care. At worst, there'll just be another grave on the back hill," she smiled faintly, walking directly up to me.

As she approached, she suddenly pulled a diamond cufflink from her pocket and placed it in my hand. "You dropped this last time. I'm returning it to you."

I looked at the diamond cufflink in my palm and smiled meaningfully. It must have fallen off when I fell asleep in her car that time.

Just then, Lillian approached from the corridor, her face still flushed with anger.

Before she even came close, I could see her expression changing like a color palette—vibrant and varied. Without saying a word, she stormed off angrily.

"Aren't you going after her?" Scarlett asked, her tone tinged with schadenfreude.

In one swift motion, I pulled her into my lap, feeling her body tense under my control.

"Isn't this the outcome you wanted?" I whispered, my chest against her back, feeling the subtle warmth emanating from her body.

My fingers traced the curve of her waist, and I felt her subtle shiver. The scent of her perfume—light and elegant—filled my senses, making my heartbeat quicken despite my outward composure.

"I don't know what you mean," she replied, her voice steady but her body betraying her with its tension. She placed her hands on my arms, attempting to push away, but I held her firmly.

"Don't play innocent, Scarlett," I murmured against her ear, feeling a rush of satisfaction as goosebumps rose on her skin. "You've been playing us all like chess pieces from the beginning."