Chapter 5

Scarlett POV

Hearing his words, my hand instinctively moved to my collar, trying to conceal those marks, but I knew it was futile.

"Scarlett, what's wrong?"

His voice was gentle, but carried something I couldn't identify—disappointment? Or concern?

I forced myself to meet his gaze, maintaining the composed expression I had perfected over years of attending galas.

"Mr. Harper, your question seems unrelated to my work."

Too harsh, I thought. Such a businesslike tone would freeze our relationship.

His face stiffened momentarily at my distant words, then he unconsciously moved a few steps closer to me.

At that moment, perhaps due to my own insecurity, I instinctively retreated.

Seeing my movement, he anxiously said, "This isn't about work, you know that. I understand your family's situation, but..." He paused, and I felt his struggle. "You don't have to do this to yourself. If you need help..."

"Mr. Harper," I interrupted him. Despite the turbulent emotions within, I maintained a steady voice.

"Thank you for your concern, but I can handle my own affairs."

I thought painfully, just like I just dealt with those debt collectors. Just like I've been pleasing Richard, becoming his fiancée.

The conversation ended unpleasantly.

Going downstairs, I kept thinking about what Richard had said this morning: "At my age, remarrying is a complicated matter."

Had he anticipated that the Smith family would have to repay their debts early?

I felt a wave of despair.

If so, all my careful planning, all my sacrifices, might not be rewarded.

In the underground parking garage, my phone rang.

Emily's name flashed on the screen, and I answered with trembling hands.

"Scarlett!" Her voice carried a heavy sob. "Those people, they came to the hospital. They dragged Adam out of bed. He collapsed and is now in the emergency room."

She broke down, her sobs seemingly piercing my eardrums through the phone.

I gripped the steering wheel until my knuckles turned white.

"Mom, didn't you ask what happened? Why did they suddenly appear?"

"I... I tried..." Her voice sounded small, lost. "But what do I know about business? Adam doesn't tell me anything, so I could only direct them to you."

She drew a shaky breath and continued, "I know you've suffered, since I made you move to the Grey house, taking you away from your favorite George..."

"Stop," I abruptly cut her off.

"I am now Mr. Grey's fiancée. That's what matters most."

"But, Scarlett, you could also go to George for help."

"Isn't becoming Richard's fiancée enough, Mom?" My tongue tasted bitter.

After hastily comforting her, I urgently called the lawyers, but none answered.

All numbers now displayed the same message: "The number you dialed is temporarily unavailable."

Even Richard's private line remained silent.

Each unanswered call pushed me further into despair.

Frustrated, I buried my head on the steering wheel, my mind racing frantically, wondering if there was any way to raise so much money in such a short time.

"Need help, little wildcat?"

The sudden voice sent chills down my spine.

I hadn't heard anyone approach, but Alexander was now leaning against the car window, his right hand holding a walking cane that seemed to have appeared from nowhere, looking nonchalant.

Although he had just been discharged from the hospital, dressed in a shirt, he looked relaxed and at ease.

Even with a slight limp, his aura was intimidating.

"What do you want?"

I moved to the railing, hating that my voice trembled slightly.

"To offer help, of course." His smile was predatory. "Because my dear uncle seems... unavailable."

"I don't need your help."

His laughter was low and dangerous. "Don't you? Your father is in the emergency room, your lawyers have abandoned you, and the only one who can help you, Richard, is on his way to Silverpeakcity."

He played with the bracelet on his wrist. "Little wildcat, how much longer do you think you can hold out?"

The nickname made my skin crawl.

I remembered this morning's scene at the hospital—his hands, his lips, how he trapped me under the blanket while the doctor was examining him.

Everything about him spelled danger to me.

"I told you, I'll handle it myself."

"Just like you handled those debt collectors at Harper Group?"

His eyes sparkled with amusement. "You know, you remind me of a cat I once kept—beautiful, proud, absolutely untamable. Until it had no choice but to submit."

I could only see half of his face, bearing a dangerous smile, the other half hidden in darkness.

In that moment, I felt I had fallen into a trap, just like this morning. Alexander leaned down, his eyes glittering like jewels, his limp seemingly not affecting this movement at all.

"Time is running out, Scarlett. We don't know when Richard will return, and we both know the consequences of not repaying the debt."

His fingers brushed my cheek, and I abruptly turned away.

He continued, "The question is, how many of your nine lives are you willing to lose before accepting my help?"

Without realizing it, I had stayed in the parking garage until nightfall.

The light cast a long shadow behind Alexander, vividly outlining his silhouette.

In that moment, he looked entirely like a predator, and I was his marked prey.

I didn't know what to choose.

Alexander was definitely not simple. But Adam was receiving emergency treatment, Emily was having a breakdown, and Richard was unreachable when I needed him most.

What choice did I have?

George's disappointed expression flashed through my mind.

"Well, little wildcat?" Alexander's voice pulled me back to reality.

I raised my head to face him, straightening my spine, though exhaustion made it hard to breathe.

But if I was going to make a deal with the devil, I should at least stand tall.

"Then what help can you offer me, Alexander?"