Chapter 36

Alexander's POV

I leaned back in my chair, fingers lightly tapping the edge of the crystal glass, watching the interaction between Scarlett and Richard across from me.

She wore a pale blue dress tonight, accentuating the allure of her gray eyes.

But her smile never reached her eyes, which concealed a hint of fear.

Scarlett hastily finished a few bites before standing to leave.

As she passed by me, our eyes met inadvertently.

That moment of panic confirmed my suspicion that she wasn't looking forward to what was about to happen.

Dinner ended, leaving only Richard and me in the dining room.

I propped my chin on my hand, staring directly at Richard.

"Have you seen Vernon?" I cut straight to the point.

Richard's gaze turned icy. I could see anger in his expression, along with a trace of unease at being caught off guard.

"Alexander, for your father's sake, I can turn a blind eye to certain things. But some boundaries, even you won't be allowed to cross," Richard said coldly.

I raised an eyebrow, inwardly amused.

He actually used my dead father as an excuse.

Didn't his conscience trouble him when he mentioned my father?

"Uncle, I was simply cleaning up some people who were against you, and not only are you ungrateful, but you're also intent on destroying me. I'm truly hurt."

I sighed dramatically, deliberately glancing upstairs where Scarlett was waiting for him.

Richard's expression darkened further, but he wouldn't make a scene with others still present.

I casually pushed back my chair and stood up. "Uncle, I won't disturb your passionate night. I'll take my leave..."

With my hands in my bathrobe pockets, I walked directly toward the exit.

When I got into the car, Luke looked at my attire with surprise.

"Mr. Gray, you and..."

"Hmm?" I looked up at the rearview mirror.

Noticing the red rash on my neck, I suddenly remembered.

Tonight Scarlett had prepared crab...

I'm allergic to crab.

"Where would you like to go, Mr. Gray?" Luke asked when I suddenly got out of the car.

"Nowhere," I smiled, feeling the itching sensation from the allergic reaction, but my excitement far outweighed the discomfort.

"I just remembered there's something I haven't finished."

Looking up from outside, the light in the third-floor bedroom was already on.

Through the sheer curtains, that hazy orange glow almost reminded one of the red-light district atmosphere.

I gently pushed open the servants' side door and entered the mansion that had witnessed my growth.

I knew every corner, every secret passage, including how to reach the third floor without alerting anyone.

My skin continued to itch, but at this moment, I had only one thought: Scarlett. I knew she was waiting in the room for Richard.

I knocked softly. When the door opened, Scarlett stepped back in surprise.

A flash of panic crossed her pale face, quickly replaced by wariness.

She wore a light-colored silk robe, obviously prepared to please Richard.

"What are you doing here?" Scarlett asked cautiously, her voice lowered, eyes occasionally darting toward the hallway, seemingly worried that Richard might appear at any moment.

I scratched my exposed chest, letting her see both the red scratch marks and the rash caused by my allergy.

"What's wrong?" she asked, unable to take her eyes off my chest.

I knew my physique was one of my greatest assets, each muscle forged on the battlefield.

I moved closer to her, keeping my voice low.

"I've come to hold you accountable, my dear little aunt-to-be. Look what you've done."

I enjoyed seeing her discomfort at this form of address, but I would never let her become Richard's wife.

Faced with my accusation, she responded in confusion, "How is this my fault?"

The corner of my mouth curved upward slightly as I said, "I'm allergic to crab..."

Her expression showed sudden understanding, but quickly turned to annoyance.

"It wasn't made for you. How could I possibly know what you're allergic to?"

"So, you're not going to take responsibility?" I said, gradually forcing her deeper into the room.

With each step forward, I could feel her tension escalate.

Backed into a corner, Scarlett became agitated.

"Alexander, whatever you want to say can wait until I leave here. Richard could come at any moment. I don't want..."

"Don't want what?" My smile grew more excited as I approached her.

"Afraid he'll discover our relationship? That all your careful planning will be wasted?"

Her momentary panic told me I had guessed correctly.

"I don't know what you're talking about!" She turned her face away.

Following her gaze, I noticed the adult toys on the table.

"Oh!" I picked up an item as thick as a baby's arm to examine it.

This was one of Richard's collections; I had long heard of his perverse tastes.

I said with a smile, "I knew Richard was adventurous, but I didn't realize he was this adventurous. How exciting!"

My words made Scarlett unable to look up, her cheeks flushing with shame.

Compared to my robust build, Richard couldn't even satisfy a normal woman's physiological needs, which explained his need for these toys.

"Mr. Gray, if there's nothing else, please leave. If you want to settle scores with me, please do so another day."

She pointed toward the door, the determination in her tone exciting me further.

I raised an eyebrow, and in the next moment, I lifted Scarlett onto the table.

She was lighter than I had imagined, settling into my arms like a feather.

"What are you doing!" she cried out in panic, but I silenced her with a kiss.

Her lips tasted of mint with a hint of sweetness I couldn't resist.

The kiss was more passionate than I had anticipated. When we parted, I could barely control myself.

Once she calmed down, I said with a smile, "Of course I have something to tell you. Here, this is yours..."

I removed a small bell from my wrist and gently shook it.

The metal collision produced a crisp sound, unusually loud in the silent room.

I lifted her dress, feeling that she wore nothing underneath.

My fingers, showing no mercy, pushed between her legs, slowly inserting the bell.

"The bell returns to its rightful owner."

Seeing her expression of pain, I felt a wave of satisfaction.