Chapter 128

Scarlett’s POV

I stood behind Vernon, nervously clutching my handbag. Under the crystal chandelier, several men faced off at the green gambling table.

Vernon was on an incredible winning streak tonight, having won twelve consecutive rounds. He had not only secured the rights to oil transportation routes along the Colombian border but also additional "special cargo" worth millions of dollars.

Aaron raised his glass with a sarcastic expression. "Vernon, with an appetite that big, aren't you afraid of indigestion?"

Vernon's voice carried undisguised smugness: "Forced to swallow is still better than handing it over to you."

As he finished speaking, he narrowed his vicious, cloudy eyes and turned his gaze toward the mysterious masked man sitting across from him.

"I must say, your appearance here today was unexpected."

The mysterious man slowly put down his cards. His voice was low but clearly audible amid the noisy casino.

"Such a rare spectacle is worth attending. Besides, how could I possibly miss a game hosted by Alexander?"

When he mentioned "Alexander," the mysterious man's gaze fell on me.

I instinctively stepped back half a pace, avoiding his eyes.

Since I had taken my position behind Vernon, his luck had magically skyrocketed.

With each card the dealer dealt, Vernon would glance at me reflexively, as if he truly believed I was his "lucky charm" for the night.

Suddenly, Vernon's hand reached out and pulled me into his embrace.

I nearly vomited—his body reeked of cigarettes.

More than cigarette smoke, it was the smell that emanated from his bones after years of drug use.

That rotten scent of someone near death.

I suppressed my disgust and avoided Vernon's approaching lips.

Silently, I prayed for this ordeal to end quickly.

"So you've taken a liking to her as well?" Vernon smugly gripped my chin, forcing me to meet the mysterious man's piercing gaze.

As soon as our eyes met, I recalled the moment a bullet had pierced my shoulder.

That bone-chilling pain and terror.

Because of his mask, I couldn't discern the man's expression, only feel the coldness in his stare.

"Will you give her to me, then?" The mysterious man casually tossed his chips onto the table and leaned back heavily in his chair.

Vernon laughed and said, "Alexander's woman will eventually be returned to her rightful owner."

"It's getting late." The mysterious man loosened his mask for air and paused for a second as he passed by me.

He exuded an aura no less imposing than Alexander's, creating the same sense of pressure around him.

After the mysterious man left, Aaron also lost interest and departed in the elevator with two blonde models on his arms.

The people in the casino gradually dispersed, leaving only Vernon and me.

"Let's go, sweetheart." Vernon finally stood up, gripping my wrist so tightly it felt as if he might crush my bones.

I was forced to follow him as we took the private elevator up to the luxury suite on the fifteenth floor.

Vernon's room was permeated with a mixture of alcohol and chemical substances, a suffocating stench.

I had barely stepped inside when I stepped on something, but before I could react, my wrist was seized tightly.

In the next moment, Vernon flipped me around and pinned me against the cabinet.

My hair instantly became disheveled, and the silver hairpin on my head snapped in two, falling to the floor with a crisp sound.

My long hair cascaded like a waterfall, covering half my face.

I heard Vernon's heavy breathing. His eyes fixed on me as if he wanted to devour me whole.

"No wonder you're a Gray woman—you're far more beautiful than those dancers."

I could clearly feel his desire.

How disgusting.

I thought to myself, but I didn't show my revulsion.

"You know what? You look just like Isabel."

Isabel again!

Who exactly was she?

Vernon brushed aside my long hair and directly tore the fabric at my shoulder.

The moment my smooth skin was exposed to the air, I immediately let out a piercing scream.

"I know Alexander Gray's secret!"

The hand at my throat paused briefly, and Vernon's laughter echoed through the room.

"You think Alexander handed you over to me just for fun?" Vernon's voice dripped with sarcasm. "Do you really believe you're important to him? Don't be naive, sweetheart. Given Alexander's nature, how could he keep someone dangerous by his side?"

Hearing these words, understanding dawned on me, and utter despair spread from the depths of my heart.

So, he doesn't even deign to deal with me personally."

Initially, I had clung to a sliver of hope, thinking that perhaps Alexander would appear halfway through my journey with Vernon, just as he had done several times before.

But now...

I weakly tugged at the corner of my mouth, and the hand clutching my skirt hem loosened as well.

Turning to face Vernon, I asked, "If you enjoy yourself, could you spare my life?"

Vernon narrowed his eyes, revealing a satisfied smile.

"These women are indeed interesting—seemingly noble, yet docile as water when it matters."

"That depends on your performance!" Vernon contentedly picked me up and threw me directly onto the bed.

My body crashed into the soft mattress.

As my body sank into the bedding, I secretly secured the small syringe from my handbag.

Vernon immediately pressed heavily onto the mattress.

Using this momentum, I rolled upward, pretending to involuntarily grab his shoulders.

"Don't rush," I whispered, my fingers lightly tracing his neck.

Vernon grinned, revealing a row of yellowed teeth.

A wave of nausea rose in my throat, but I maintained an alluring smile on my face.

"You know what? I like a little resistance," he said, his rough palm caressing my cheek.

"Is that so?" I firmly gripped the syringe in my hand.