Chapter 80

Scarlett's POV

When Richard isn't in a dangerous mood, he can actually be quite reasonable—like a snake in that relative calm before it strikes.

Since resigning from my job, I've had more opportunities to visit the Gray family mansion.

Today's visit coincided with good news—Hugh was finally ready to return to the country, and Emily personally came to express her gratitude.

This marked the first meeting between our two families since Richard and I got engaged, and the tension in the air was almost palpable, concealed beneath layers of politeness and social etiquette.

I felt like a tightrope walker, one misstep away from plummeting to my doom.

Emily, having experienced the Smith family's glory days, conducted herself impeccably.

Throughout dinner, she repeatedly thanked Richard for his assistance, her red-painted fingernails occasionally brushing against his arm in a gesture of intimacy.

Watching this display, I felt goosebumps crawl across my skin, simultaneously disgusted and somewhat impressed by how naturally she played the sycophant.

"Mr. Gray," she said, raising her crystal glass of red wine, "without you, the Smith family might not have survived this crisis. Words cannot express my deepest gratitude."

She drained half her glass in one gulp. Despite approaching fifty, Emily remained striking—her careful makeup and attire suggesting she must have been quite beautiful in her youth. As the alcohol took effect, her body swayed slightly in her chair.

I quickly steadied her. "Mother, your body can't handle this. You should drink less," I whispered, acutely aware of Richard's gaze falling upon us, scanning every interaction between us like a searchlight.

"I'm celebrating," she replied, her words slightly slurred. "Celebrating that you found such an excellent fiancé in Mr. Gray."

Then, swaying her head toward Richard, she continued, "Mr. Gray, I've raised Scarlett for more than ten years. We spoiled her too much before. If she doesn't behave, please don't hesitate to discipline her!"

A chill ran down my spine at how casually she offered me up for Richard's "discipline." I suppressed my fury and humiliation, maintaining a neutral expression while my hands clenched tightly beneath the table.

Throughout the exchange, Richard maintained his composed, gentle demeanor—a slight smile playing on his lips that never reached his eyes.

But when Emily mentioned "ten years," I noticed his gaze shift toward me with curiosity, like a predator discovering its prey's weakness.

Meeting his intrigued stare, I felt my heart rate accelerate, my throat turning dry.

"Wasn't Scarlett raised by you and Adam since birth?" Richard asked, his eyes narrowing slightly, revealing his curiosity about my background.

His tone was casual, but I knew Richard never did anything without purpose. I nervously watched Emily, sensing her answer might place me in danger.

Emily met my gaze with tear-filled eyes, trembling as she took my hand—a scene that might appear as mother-daughter affection to others, but I saw only emptiness and pretense.

"Actually, few people know this, but Scarlett is our adopted daughter. Her mother..." she paused, giving me a smug look that, combined with her tears, appeared both malicious and ridiculous.

No! Hearing this, I finally understood—she intended to reveal my origins, using Richard against me.

I felt sick with betrayal. How could Emily do this? Didn't she realize what this meant for me?

"Oh?" Richard leaned forward, visibly intrigued. I stared into his blue-gray eyes, filled with calculation and curiosity.

Emily shot me a self-satisfied smile before continuing: "Scarlett's mother was my best friend, before she moved to Emberfall City... We hadn't seen each other for over a decade, and when we finally reunited, she already had Scarlett with her. I barely recognized Chloe in such a miserable state."

"Chloe..." Richard thoughtfully repeated the name, as if savoring a fine wine, while keeping his gaze fixed on my face, studying my reaction.

But I could barely pay attention to him. Hearing that name—Chloe—a name unspoken for years, my heartbeat suddenly became dangerously rapid and unstable.

"Mr. Gray, my mother has had too much to drink and is being inappropriate. I'll take her upstairs to rest," I interrupted desperately, not caring how obvious my evasion appeared.

Without waiting for Richard's response, I helped Emily to her feet and guided her toward the stairs.

During this process, my grip on her was nearly uncontrollable, my heart filled with fear and anger.