Chapter 113

Alexander’s POV

I listened to Edwin's ramblings with disinterest while tapping my fingers lightly on the table. The steak at this restaurant was decent enough, but I had no appetite today. Birthdays were just ordinary days to me, holding no special significance whatsoever.

"Alex, your woman," Edwin said suddenly.

His words caused me to raise my eyelids, though I didn't immediately turn my head in the direction he was pointing.

"Which one?" I asked languidly.

"I forgot her name, but she's quite attractive," Edwin's voice carried a hint of excitement that inexplicably irritated me.

"Which of my women isn't attractive?" I replied with a cold smile, unable to resist mocking him. "Weren't you obsessing over Acacia? Why are you now shifting your attention to someone in my circle?"

Seeing the fleeting shadow that crossed Edwin's face, I knew I'd struck a nerve, but I had no intention of apologizing. This world was never designed for the emotionally fragile.

"Just making conversation," Edwin forced a smile.

I'd learned from Luke that a year ago, Edwin had fallen in love with Acacia at first sight during a concert and pursued her relentlessly, only for something unexpected to happen in the end.

"Alex, with your connections throughout the East Coast, you must help me find out what happened," Edwin brought up the topic again, his voice pleading.

"Hmm," I responded dismissively, then casually asked, "Where did you just see her?"

"Over there," Edwin pointed to the jewelry store across from us. "She must have just bought a ring. Hey, Alex, it's your birthday today. Is she planning to surprise you?"

Only then did I slowly raise my head, my gaze cutting through the crowd to fix on Scarlett across the way.

She wore an exquisitely tailored dress that accentuated her perfect waistline, her full bust, with a hemline that perfectly showcased her long, straight legs. Even from this distance, I could sense that quality about her that differed from other women—calm and composed, yet carrying an allure I couldn't ignore.

"Scarlett Smith!" Edwin suddenly exclaimed her name loudly.

"Why the commotion?" I gave him a sidelong glance, leaning back against the sofa, my fingers methodically rolling the cigarette butt.

Hearing her name from Edwin's mouth inexplicably displeased me.

"Isn't she your uncle Richard's fiancée?" Edwin asked in surprise, his eyes gleaming with curiosity.

"So what?" I raised an eyebrow, my lips curling into a smile as I picked up my phone and dialed Scarlett directly.

Through the restaurant's large window, I clearly saw Scarlett's reaction when she received the call—her body trembled slightly, even giving a little shudder.

Quite adorable.

"I must say... your future aunt has considerably more class than your previous women," Edwin's comment made my eyes grow cold.

"If you like her, you're welcome to try," I deliberately said in a detached voice, knowing full well that Scarlett might hear this on the other end of the line.

I wanted to see how she would react—would she get angry? Scared? Or perhaps...

"Alex?" her voice came through the phone, soft and restrained. "Did you need something from me?"

Her formal address amused me internally. Why put on this act of propriety with me?

"Have you eaten?" I asked briefly, intentionally letting a hint of languor slip into my tone.

"Hmm?" She was clearly caught off guard, and then I watched as she glanced around, quickly locating our position.

The flash of surprise in her eyes was swiftly concealed, but I caught it nonetheless.

What a skilled actress, I thought, sending Luke to bring her over.

Minutes later, I watched Scarlett follow Luke into the restaurant.

"Miss Smith," Edwin stood up, extending his right hand toward Scarlett.

She instinctively looked at me, but I pretended not to notice, keeping my attention on my phone.

"Have a seat, little auntie," I deliberately used this term, curious to see her reaction.

Sure enough, a complex emotion flashed in her eyes but quickly returned to calmness.

Edwin laughed awkwardly, everything understood without words.

During the meal, Edwin did most of the talking, continuously droning on about Acacia.

I could sense that although Scarlett kept her head down while eating, those gray eyes of hers occasionally sparkled with thought.

She was listening, and listening very carefully.

"Miss Scarlett, were you buying a birthday gift for Alex earlier?" Edwin suddenly asked.

I watched with interest as Scarlett's expression froze in obvious surprise.

"Hmm?" She looked up at Edwin in bewilderment. "What did you say?"

Edwin looked confused, "Miss Scarlett, didn't you know today is Alex's birthday?"

Only then did she turn to look at me, surprise flashing in her eyes.

I guessed she didn't know, but when I heard from her own lips that she hadn't paid any attention to me at all, I completely lost what little appetite I had for the food in front of me.

"I didn't know," she shook her head, speaking to me with a hint of apology in her voice.

I took a sip of water without responding.

"Then what were you buying in that store? They're famous for couple rings, I thought..." Edwin continued to probe.

"Won't all this food shut your mouth?" I couldn't help but jest. Edwin's curiosity could be truly irritating at times.

Edwin pursed his lips. "Fine, I must have misunderstood." With that, he checked the time and hastily departed with some excuse.

I knew he had no actual meeting; he had simply sensed the subtle shift in atmosphere and tactfully left. Despite his occasional annoyance, he was smart enough in certain ways.

The restaurant now held just the three of us. I signaled Luke to go out for a smoke.

He nodded, immediately understanding my intention.

As soon as he left, I placed my leg directly on Scarlett's leg, feeling her body instantly stiffen.

"What did you buy?" I asked bluntly, curious how she would respond.

"Nothing special," she tried to move her leg, but I kept it firmly pinned down. "Richard asked me to buy some things to take to Lillian at the hospital, so I bought some health supplements."

"Is that so?" I smiled faintly. "Didn't find anything you liked in the jewelry store?"

"Just browsing," she pursed her lips, feigning casualness. "All women like jewelry."

Watching her struggle to maintain a calm facade, I suddenly felt an urge to break through this pretense.

"If you like something, buy it—put it on my account," I pulled a black card from my inner suit pocket and pushed it toward her.

She looked at the card, a flash of shock crossing her eyes before she quickly regained composure.

"No need, I have money," she immediately declined my offer. "Your uncle already gave me one."

Hearing her mention Richard sparked an inexplicable irritation within me. Of course, he's given her the best of everything, in exchange for her... I didn't want to continue that thought.

"He's so considerate..." I curled my lips slightly, tilting my chin up, deliberately revealing a hint of provocation.

She immediately scanned the surroundings warily, including the surveillance cameras overhead.

This cautious reaction intrigued me. What exactly was she afraid of? Was she afraid Richard would discover her alone with me, or was she afraid of... something else?

"Alex..." she called in a lowered voice, her tone carrying a hint of entreaty.

This show of vulnerability suddenly made me want to move closer, to see clearly the emotions in her eyes.

I had never felt such intense curiosity about a woman before.

"How did you sleep last night?" I changed the subject, gesturing for her to come closer.

She shifted her body nearer to me.

I could smell the faint perfume on her, not the kind of pungent, overpowering scent, but something fresh and subtle, like a garden in the morning.

"Fine," she answered briefly.

I guessed as much, otherwise she wouldn't have come to the mall so late.

"That's good," I said, and suddenly felt that the irritation I'd been experiencing since first seeing her was about to break free.

I stood up, straightened my suit, and walked toward the restaurant exit.