Chapter 11

Scarlett POV

A knock on the door interrupted the tense atmosphere between us.

Alexander's bodyguard brought in a bag containing clothes, then left without even looking up, as if accustomed to such scenes.

"Put this on. I happen to be meeting with the head of Horizon Capital Group tonight."

Alexander's tone was flat, but to me, these words were like a ray of hope.

Whether he was taking me along by chance or had specifically arranged this meeting, a hint of gratitude welled up in my heart, followed immediately by anger and confusion at myself—how could I feel grateful to him?

Inside the bag was an exquisite emerald green silk dress, modestly covering the front while featuring a deep V in the back, sensual yet not overly formal.

It matched my taste perfectly, and surprisingly, even the size was right. This attention to detail made me feel both valued and violated—he knew too much about me.

I picked up the dress with a slight blush, intending to change in the bathroom.

"Where are you going? Change right here."

Alexander's command froze me in place, my heart racing again.

Before I could protest, Alexander said teasingly: "I've seen and touched every inch of you. I even chose this dress for you. Change here so I can see if I misjudged your figure."

His words filled me with anger and shame, my cheeks burning red. What was he trying to do? This scoundrel.

I stood hesitating, part of me wanting to refuse and maintain my last shred of dignity; another part knowing clearly that if I wanted his help, I couldn't make him angry.

Seeing my hesitation, he added: "Unless you don't want to come with me."

These words doused my resistance like cold water. I had no choice but to take off my dress.

I had worn a professional skirt suit today for the company visit, which indeed wasn't suitable for accompanying Alexander to a meeting.

Shame and anger churned inside me, but I forced myself to stay calm.

Since he had already seen me naked, I didn't act coy, and simply undressed completely. But every second was torture as I could feel his gaze roaming over my body, burning like something tangible.

Seeing that he seemed somewhat aroused, his naked desire made me both furious and strangely nervous.

I quickly put on the dress, my movements betraying my haste.

He seemed somewhat disappointed, but his eyes were full of amusement, that sense of complete control making me want to slap him.

"Where's the underwear?" I asked incredulously, my voice rising.

This type of silk dress required special underwear to avoid embarrassing lines. My original underwear certainly wouldn't work.

"Ah! I seem to have forgotten to instruct them about that. But the bodyguards are all men—they wouldn't know how to buy such things."

Alexander said gleefully, the laughter in his eyes confirming this was deliberate.

I glared at him through gritted teeth, burning with anger yet helpless. I refused to believe he didn't have female subordinates!

He raised his hand to check his watch, his movements elegant and unhurried: "It's time. Too late to buy some now."

My voice came out as if squeezed through my teeth, each word filled with rage: "Call someone to buy some now and have them delivered to the restaurant!"

Alexander shrugged, wearing an infuriating smile of victory: "I suppose that's all we can do."

The Crystal Hall of the Luxury Crest Hotel lived up to its name.

In different settings, everyone could appreciate its beauty through the refraction of light.

But tonight, every step I took on the plush carpet had to be careful, my heart a tangle of fear and anger, all because of that bastard Alexander!

I cursed him in my mind as I walked, my teeth nearly grinding.

The silk dress was smooth and figure-hugging. Without the support of underwear, I felt almost naked. The slightest movement risked exposure, making me feel so vulnerable and helpless that I wanted to hide away in shame.

I took a deep breath, forcing myself to maintain a calm expression, not letting my inner humiliation show.

As I was adjusting my clothing, trying to regain a shred of dignity, a pot-bellied man approached.

"Ah, Mr. Grey!"

The man's voice was loud, out of place in this elegant environment. Up close, he had regular features, but his steps were unsteady, his face fawning, rushing to greet Alexander as if afraid of angering him.

Despite wearing an expensive suit, he looked like a man drained by wine and women.

Behind him followed three women, each dressed differently but all provocatively sexy, looking like his playthings—a realization that made my stomach churn.

Alexander's hand possessively rested on my back, his fingers roaming over my exposed skin, a touch I found both repulsive and inescapable, like being bound by an invisible chain.

I resisted the urge to push him away, but each touch stretched my nerves to the limit.

"Reuben Garcia, long time no see," he said coldly, his voice carrying a dangerous edge I had come to recognize.

"Please, sit, sit!" Reuben gestured, though his eyes remained fixed on me, his greedy gaze sending a chill through me.

"Lauren, Victoria, Sophia, come and entertain Mr. Grey properly. Such opportunities are rare!"

The women immediately surrounded Alexander, leaving me standing awkwardly to the side.

I watched as the first to approach him, a tall girl with blonde hair and blue eyes, wearing a dress that probably also required no underwear, leaned close to Alexander to pour him a drink.

Her practiced manner and Alexander's tacit approval stirred an inexplicable sourness in my heart.

"Scarlett." Alexander's voice was ice-cold, as if addressing a stranger. "Why don't you sit next to Mr. Garcia?"