Chapter 40

Scarlett POV

Richard pushed me away without hesitation, turning to answer the phone by the window.

Just like I was merely a tool for him to satisfy his desires, easily discarded when no longer needed.

Maintaining the posture of having been pushed aside, I caught my breath and took the opportunity to stand up and walk into the kitchen, pretending to fetch coffee.

I couldn't bear to remain in the same space as Richard for a moment longer. But hearing that Richard had mentioned Alexander's name—who had left here not long ago—why would he be calling now?

Standing in the kitchen, I pricked up my ears to hear what they were saying.

"You just called right after I got back," Richard's voice was low but penetrating.

I couldn't quite hear Alexander's reply, only able to guess from Richard's responses.

"Your health isn't good. I don't want you making a special trip."

Suddenly, Richard's voice turned stern: "Take my advice. Women from the outside world are of humble status and can't be trusted. You've been engaged to Lillian for two years now—when do you plan to marry?"

My fingers unconsciously tightened around the cup. Was Richard pressuring Alexander to get married soon?

"Uncle, you haven't resolved your own marriage yet. As your junior, how could I dare to precede you?"

Alexander's voice suddenly became clear, as if Richard had turned on the speakerphone.

My heart nearly stopped. Alexander mentioning my engagement to Richard at this moment was deliberately provocative.

"I just received a shipment of special nutritional supplements air-freighted from Colombia this morning," Alexander continued. "I thought my future aunt might need them."

My hand began to tremble involuntarily. He was implying that this batch of supplements was extraordinary. But why would he reveal to Richard that he knew about the drug program?

I simply couldn't fathom what Alexander was trying to accomplish.

"Alexander! You're being too presumptuous!" Richard's voice instantly turned ice-cold.

"Uncle, you should hurry and bring your bride-to-be into the family. Such a fascinating woman—just looking, just touching... that's hardly enough, is it?"

Alexander showed no fear of Richard's anger; instead, he let out a mocking laugh.

I didn't hear Richard's response, but I could almost feel his fury from the kitchen.

On the other end of the phone, Alexander seemed unconcerned about his anger and continued to provoke him: "Why don't I tell you what happened when she went on that business trip to Suncrest City last month?"

I felt as if struck by lightning, my entire body frozen. How could Alexander do this?

He knew I was with Richard, yet he still boldly talked about me.

I discreetly glanced up to observe Richard's reaction, seeing his knuckles turn white from gripping the phone, his expression gradually freezing over.

My heart sank to the bottom. Alexander was practically declaring war on Richard, and I would become the first sacrifice in this war.

"Enough!" Richard's voice turned cruel. "You'd better remember your place, Alexander. Don't forget who holds the power in the Gray family."

The murderous intent in Richard's words was undisguised. Based on his past behavior, he would never spare anyone who dared to challenge his authority.

After the call ended, the apartment fell into dead silence. I remained in the kitchen, continuing to pour coffee into the cup.

The conflict between Richard and Alexander seemed increasingly apparent. I suspected it might be related to his recently concluded trip to Silverpeak City.

"Scarlett." Richard's deep voice suddenly came from behind, startling me.

I noticed his tone carried a deliberate calmness, but it was more like the stillness before a storm.

In that moment, recalling his ominous tone just moments ago, my fear grew wildly.

I turned around, struggling to maintain composure. "Mr. Gray? Would you like more coffee?"

His gaze swept around the kitchen as if searching for some trace.

"Someone has been here." This wasn't a question but a definitive statement, his voice low and dangerous, each word striking my heart like a hammer.

My heart pounded violently, almost bursting out of my chest.

"Just the cleaning service recently, they came yesterday afternoon."

After lying skillfully, I lowered my eyes silently, pretending to look hurt while feeling extremely anxious inside, afraid he might discover something.

I didn't hear Richard respond. He only moved closer to me, his fingers lightly caressing my cheek.

"Do you know that your brother Hugh has recently accumulated another large gambling debt?"

That damn gambling addict Hugh!

I sneered inwardly, knowing he would revert to his old ways after our last call, running off to waste money at the casino again!

Despite my heart being filled with disgust and contempt for Hugh, my face instantly took on a pitiful expression, my brows slightly furrowed.

As if I truly cared about this worthless brother of mine.

"I don't know," I gently bit my lower lip, my eyelids lowered, my eyelashes casting a small shadow on my face, "Does he... does he owe a lot of money?"

"It doesn't matter. I'll handle it." Richard's hand slid to my shoulder, pulling me entirely into his embrace. "You just need to remember, no matter what happens, you belong to me, and I don't like sharing what's mine."

His gaze was dark, those ink-blue eyes—so similar to Alexander's—fixed intently on me, as if they could see through to the secrets in my heart.

I suddenly realized he might have already sensed something unusual between Alexander and me.

Though he hadn't directly questioned me, this was even more terrifying!

Richard never acted impulsively; he always waited for the optimal moment to strike.

I nodded slightly, forcing myself to overcome my inner fear, and nestled in his arms.

"I know, Mr. Gray. I am forever yours alone, and forever grateful for your help to Hugh and me."

Just then, Richard's phone rang again. After glancing at it, he frowned deeply.

"Something at the company. I need to go." He stood up and put on his coat, leaving a kiss on my forehead before departing.

I stood by the window, watching Richard's black sedan drive away from the apartment building.

Only after confirming he had truly left did I collapse onto the sofa, a wave of fear washing over me.

The conflict between Alexander and Richard had been brought into the open, and I was caught in the middle, like a leaf in a storm.

Taking a deep breath, I knew I couldn't just sit and wait for doom; I couldn't remain a passive pawn forever.

Perhaps I could use the conflict between Alexander and Richard to create an escape route for myself.

Taking out my phone, I hesitated for a moment before finally dialing Noah's number. Noah was Alexander's bodyguard and my only means of contacting Alexander.

"I need to see him," I said bluntly. "About the drug program."