Chapter 6

Scarlett POV

He smiled slightly, as if seeing prey falling into a carefully set trap.

"That depends on what you can offer."

But what could I offer Alexander now?

My identity was merely that of an adopted daughter the Smith family could discard at any time. My position was just that of a small secretary.

The only thing he could be interested in was probably my body.

"With your lofty status, what could I possibly do for you?"

His mocking gaze swept over my entire body. Even sitting in the car, I couldn't help but shrink my neck.

"Are you asking what you already know?"

This hateful man—did he have to make me willingly offer myself to him?

I stepped out of the car, my voice trembling with annoyance.

"Not here." At least not in the Harper Group's parking garage.

Anyway, I had been with him before. I might as well think of it as being bitten by a dog again.

The corners of his eyes curved upward, revealing a predatory smile. Combined with his naturally handsome face, it was quite seductive.

Richard said he had been on the battlefield, but in private, he seemed somewhat mischievous. That unbridled manner truly made my teeth itch with hatred.

"Then where do you want to go?"

His laughter echoed in the empty space: "Tomorrow night at 10, Velvet Mirage. Don't be late!"

I suddenly realized he was toying with me.

"Little wildcat, I have other things to do now. You can wait until tomorrow to sleep with me."

With that, he turned and left, the sound of his cane hitting the cement floor gradually fading away.

The next evening, I stood in front of "Velvet Mirage," the most upscale members-only club in Silverlight City. This city was known for its Gothic architecture, and Velvet Mirage reflected this perfectly.

The doorman's gaze swept over me coldly. "Please show your membership card, or you'll need a member to escort you in."

I forced myself to meet his gaze, but my voice came out as if squeezed from my throat.

"I'm here to see Alexander Grey."

"I'm afraid we don't have any members by that name," he replied, his tone as hard and cold as stone.

"That's impossible. I know he's here. I have an urgent..." My voice involuntarily grew louder, but my words caught halfway.

"Miss," he cut me off mercilessly, his lips curling downward slightly, looking at me like I was some kind of clown.

"Without a membership card or invitation, I cannot allow you to enter."

Despite the cool evening air, beads of sweat broke out on my forehead.

I had spent hours mustering the courage to stand here, rehearsing over and over in my mind how to negotiate with Alexander, but now, I was being blocked by a doorman.

I was so angry I wanted to smash his face in!

I clutched my dress, still unwilling to give up.

"Please," I stepped forward abruptly, "it's about the Grey family. I need to speak with Alexander."

The doorman didn't even raise an eyebrow. "What is your relationship to Mr. Grey?"

I swallowed hard, my nails digging into my palm. "I am... I am his future aunt."

As soon as the words left my mouth, I wanted to slap myself—what kind of ridiculous answer was that!

A naked look of suspicion flashed in the doorman's eyes, followed by a smirk that seemed to say, "As if someone like you could be."

Feeling the contempt in the doorman's laugh, I simply wanted to find a crack in the ground to bury myself in.

Just as I was about to run away in shame and anger, a man in a suit appeared, looking like the manager of the establishment.

"This way, please, Miss Smith." His tone respectful, he led me toward a private elevator.

I was still processing what was happening, then all that remained in my heart was shame and fury.

Finally, someone was letting me in—that bastard Alexander had finally remembered me!

The journey was silent, the Italian wool carpet absorbing all sound. When we reached the top floor, he merely gestured toward an ornate red door at the end of the hallway.

"Mr. Grey is waiting for you."

I walked to the door alone, standing there with my heart pounding. I could hear music coming through the cracks, interspersed with a woman's moans.

The place exuded an atmosphere of sensuality.

"How long are you planning to stand there, Miss Smith?" Alexander's voice penetrated the wood, laden with mockery.

I took a deep breath and pushed open the door—then froze.

The room was bathed in warm yellow light, the air permeated with the smell of cigars and expensive perfume.

Alexander reclined on a leather sofa, his shirt buttons barely fastened. Under the dim light, the scars from his military service were clearly visible.

Around him, several scantily clad women were attending to him intimately.

His hair wasn't fixed with gel as usual, but fell naturally, making him look more mysterious and unrestrained. This seemed to be his true appearance.

"Too shy to come in?" He smiled, placing a cigar between his lips. "I remember that night wasn't like this. You were quite passionate."

I had no recollection of what he looked like that night. My face burned, but I forced myself to remain calm.

"Help me light it." He played with a silver lighter, blue flames dancing between his fingers.

Seeing no reaction from me, he pointed at me.

"If you've come for help, you'd better improve your attitude."

Could my attitude be any better? I should just smash that lighter on his head.

But I could only think about it.

I slowly approached him, trying not to let my gaze linger on his exposed muscle lines.

Just as I reached his side, he handed the cigar to a lady beside him.

"Light the cigarette, Miss Smith."

I stared at Alexander, my hands trembling with anger at how he was humiliating me.

But before coming here, I had decided that no matter what he wanted to do to me, as long as he helped me pay off the debt, I would have to endure it.

After lighting the cigarette, Alexander waved his hand, and those women all retreated.

He looked at me with those predatory eyes: "Now, you can show me what you have to offer."