Chapter 118

Scarlett’s POV

"What do you think?"

Camila's lip twitched slightly, her meaningful gaze saying everything.

My palm began to burn, as if I were holding not poison, but my own death sentence.

What else could it be?

I could tell that Vernon was Alexander's ally.

Taking action against Vernon would undoubtedly be like cutting off Alexander's right arm.

Anyone with a brain could see what kind of assignment this was.

"He wants me dead." I couldn't help but laugh bitterly, then took a deep breath. The pain tore through my lungs.

Talk about great responsibility—the truth was, ever since Marvin captured me two years ago, my life had ceased to be my own.

"Scarlett, the mission isn't complete yet. Who knows what the outcome will be?"

Camila patted the back of my hand firmly. "Everything depends on tonight. As for Richard, I'll find a way to distract him."

The pressure in my chest tightened like a slowly closing vise, making each breath a struggle.

"Midnight, when the yacht enters international waters—that's when he wants me to act, right?"

My voice was utterly hollow. "With so many people present, if something happens to Vernon, there's only one outcome for me."

Even the normally composed Camila now showed signs of panic.

Obsidian Palace's pawns usually only had to sell their bodies, not kill.

This was unprecedented. I wondered who he had made a deal with this time, assigning me a mission with no escape route.

Perhaps he was using this opportunity to make me disappear from this world completely.

"So be it. Life or death—my fate is in my own hands."

My vision blurred momentarily as I thought of a plan that was unlikely to succeed.

"Maybe..."

I took the vial from Camila's hand and walked toward the elevator.

I dined alone in the suite. During the meal, Richard called.

"I have business to discuss with friends tonight. Find your own entertainment—the casino should provide enough diversion."

"Of course," I responded casually, my gaze falling on the small vial Camila had given me. "I hope your business goes well."

He hung up without another word.

I didn't know exactly how powerful Vernon was, but I knew clearly that if he died here tonight, Alexander would be the first to throw me overboard.

At midnight, after the yacht anchored in international waters, I changed into a black evening dress and applied light makeup, highlighting my features perfectly without appearing deliberate.

The elevator doors opened silently onto the third floor.

The casino was already lively, the air filled with cigar smoke and perfume.

Despite the crowd, my appearance still caused a small stir.

Edwin waved to me. "Miss Smith, over here!"

I gripped my purse tightly and smiled as I walked toward him.

Edwin was playing Monopoly with several young men. Judging by the pile of chips in front of him, his luck seemed good.

"Looking for Alexander?" he asked, his eyes not leaving the game, his voice low enough that only I could hear.

"No," I answered smoothly. "Have you seen Mr. Gray?" The emphasis clearly indicated which Gray I meant.

To the outside world, I was still Richard's fiancée.

Edwin's eyes instantly showed understanding.

"Haven't seen him," he muttered.

"Richard rarely plays with us young people. He might be in a private room—you should look there."

"Thank you," I nodded and began wandering aimlessly around the venue.

After scanning the room, I found few familiar faces.

However, in the corner, I discovered a familiar face.

George.

Since the decline of the Harber Group, people's attitudes toward the Harber siblings had predictably cooled considerably.

George sat alone in the corner, sipping his drink, his once confident posture now slightly hunched.

When he looked up at me, I instinctively avoided his hunter-like gaze.

I was about to turn away, but he put down his glass and walked directly in front of me, blocking my path.

"Going to find Alexander?" He stared at me, his eyes full of resentment.

I unceremoniously shook off his hand, not denying it. "Yes. Anything else?"

"Richard has eyes everywhere here," he said, leaning in. "Aren't you afraid of what Richard might do if you openly seek out Alexander?"

"Mr. Harber," I kept my voice cold, "don't you understand? The current state of Harber Group is because you got entangled with me. Since you know Richard isn't harmless, you should stay away from me—preferably not even speak to me."

At this point, I didn't want to invite unnecessary trouble.

George's hollow laugh rang out. "Is it that I don't know you well enough, or have you always been this type of person?"

Hearing this, my cheeks burned with shame and irritation.

After a moment, I said softly, "You're making trouble for yourself. It has nothing to do with me."

I glanced at the other side of the room. "Besides... since Mr. Harber is so free tonight, perhaps you should go find your fiancée."

As I turned away, I met a pair of blue eyes.

In the dim yellow light, the man wore a blue-cream shirt embroidered with golden irises, paired with black trousers, accentuating his tall, athletic build.

He looked almost supernaturally handsome, yet dangerous.

Alexander leaned against a pillar, leisurely smoking.

In the white haze of cigarette smoke, my heart pounded uncontrollably.

It had always been this way, no matter how I tried to numb myself to his influence.

"Come here," he said calmly.

I took a step, then rushed toward him without reservation.

Ignoring the lingering pain in my leg, ignoring George's poorly concealed jealousy behind me.

Ignoring the enormous status gap between us.

Until I stood before him.

His hand, holding the cigarette, reached for my chignon, his long fingers casually playing with my hair ornament.

A hint of a smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.

"Miss me that much? Your hair is a mess."