Chapter 120

Alexander's POV

I had just finished speaking in the VIP lounge when Scarlett tried to pull her hand away. I only tightened my grip in response.

"Mr. Gray, please don't joke around!" Scarlett's delicate eyebrows furrowed, her voice containing both flirtation and a hint of agitation.

"When have I ever joked with you?" I replied leisurely, my calloused fingertips gently caressing her slender fingers.

These hands had never done manual labor—so soft and smooth. No wonder it felt so... pleasant to hold them.

"Alexander..." Scarlett squirmed uncomfortably in her seat.

I knew she understood my meaning.

"Feeling bored?" I asked.

Scarlett remained silent. I noticed a barely perceptible cold sweat forming at her temples, tiny wisps of hair clinging to her face, adding an air of innocence and charm.

"I'm bored too," I said, bringing her hand closer to examine it carefully.

Tonight, I couldn't stop playing with her hands, wondering how these delicate, smooth hands could possibly carry out the underhanded missions for Obsidian Palace.

"What exactly are you trying to say?" Scarlett asked, her voice tinged with wariness.

I curved my lips into a smile. "Tonight, go accompany Vernon. Serve him well, and when you return tomorrow, I'll grant whatever you ask."

I was negotiating with her, not commanding. Yet when Scarlett heard these words, even the hand I held trembled subtly.

"Are you discarding me?" She blinked, her voice slightly choked.

My eyes lowered, watching the disbelief in hers.

"You know perfectly well why I brought you here. Use just a fraction of the skills you use to entertain me, and it should be sufficient."

Scarlett's back stiffened, and she instinctively tried to stand up, but I pulled her back down.

"Don't you want to leave Richard? I promise to help you with that."

I articulated each word deliberately, leaving her no room for refusal.

Several seconds of silence followed. Her eyes were filled with calculation as her gaze drifted toward her handbag, then scanned the bodyguards behind Vernon.

I smiled inwardly. She had a plan, as I suspected.

After a moment, she exhaled softly.

"I have only one request. No matter what happens tonight, I hope you can help me find my sister. Her name is Yvette Ross."

With that, she withdrew her hand from my grip, stood up, and gave me a slight nod with a smile. "Please."

Her request caught me off guard.

I had expected her to demand money, power, or some other material possession.

But she only asked to find someone—her sister.

I watched Scarlett walk toward Vernon.

I saw the excitement flicker in Vernon's eyes.

A quiet rage rose within me.

The gambling continued, with chips changing hands between different players.

The exhilaration of Silverlight City's elite playing their games and the ebbing and flowing laughter of women filled the VIP lounge.

I disliked this pointless bloodshed. I lit a cigarette, preparing to step outside for some air.

As soon as I stood, several pairs of eyes turned toward me.

"Carry on..." I said, one hand in my pocket, the other holding my cigarette, my gaze no longer lingering on Scarlett.

I could feel her eyes following me the entire time.

Though I was reluctant to admit it, at that moment, I was indeed struggling to control my emotions.

I stood on the deck, leaning against the railing.

The salty sea breeze disheveled my clothes, carrying away some of my inner restlessness.

The bottomless seawater merged with the night, with only the neon lights surrounding the cruise ship visible, ethereal and unreal.

"Mr. Gray, the wind is strong. Let's go back inside."

Luke draped my suit jacket over my shoulders.

"Didn't I tell you to keep watch? Why are you here?" I asked, cigarette dangling from my lips, teeth clenching the filter, inexplicably irritated.

"Noah is watching, and Richard... he can't break away," he replied, his expression suggesting he had more to say.

"Mr. Gray... I saw Camila meeting with Scarlett privately today. She wants Scarlett to make a move on Vernon."

My smoking motion paused momentarily, the pale smoke immediately dispersed by the sea breeze.

So that was it. Scarlett and Camila had joined forces.

I should have been furious, but I felt somewhat relieved instead.

At least she wasn't facing Vernon alone.

I glanced sideways at Luke. "What are you trying to say? You like her?"

Luke was startled, quickly waving his hands in denial. "I wouldn't dare!"

"Wouldn't dare?" I laughed, pressing the burning cigarette end against his shoulder, making the flesh sizzle.

I watched Luke's face contort in pain, but the anger within me didn't subside.

"When you slept with Violet, why didn't you think of me then?"

"Mr. Gray! I was wrong! This has nothing to do with Violet! It's my fault—I took advantage of the situation! Take out whatever grievances you have on me, but please don't touch Violet!"

Luke immediately fell to his knees, his head hitting the deck with loud thuds.

I couldn't help but laugh, kicking him over. "You bastard. At least you have the courage to admit it."

Seeing Luke sigh with relief and wiping his sweat, I smiled coldly.

"You should be thankful I'm in a good mood today..."