Chapter 19

Scarlett's POV

Alexander smiled lazily, drawing me into his embrace with an intimate gesture.

"I've never seen anyone so hard to fuck." he remarked scornfully to George and Sandra, his challenging gaze settling on my face.

Humiliation washed over me like a bucket of ice water. I bit the inside of my cheek until I tasted blood, barely restraining myself from slapping him.

"Alexander, you clearly..." Sandra suddenly raised her voice, but George stopped her before she could finish.

"Let's go back. I'll handle this," George said calmly, but I detected the warning in his tone.

It was a voice I once found comforting, now reduced to nothing but distance.

Sandra glared reluctantly at Alexander, then fixed her hostile gaze on me before turning away.

Her look seemed to say: You're not good enough for him.

George nodded to me, softly saying "Excuse me," before hurrying after Sandra.

His figure remained as upright as ever—once, I thought he would be my safe harbor.

"Mr. Gray's intervention seemed unnecessary," I said, watching Alexander warily.

He released my waist but kept his eyes on me, like a predator locked onto its prey.

"Aren't you worried Miss Blair might suspect something between you and Harber?" His gaze was piercing, as if trying to read my soul.

My cheeks flushed. "My relationship with Mr. Harber is innocent," I protested, "but ours is not."

"You certainly understand your position well," he said, his eyes slowly appraising me. He chuckled softly, his fingers grazing my waist.

That touch was light as a feather, yet it made me shudder.

Damn this physical reaction.

"Are you hurt?" he asked.

"No," I answered immediately, adding, "I'm fine."

Glancing around, I continued in a hushed voice: "Your private life is so chaotic, who knows if you've... who knows if he's been sleeping with others, contracted STDs?"

Hearing my words, Alexander merely smiled.

"This isn't the place. Let's talk in the car," he said, then pulled me away.

"Alexander Gray, are you insane? They're about to call my name for my appointment!"

I shouted at the man who had dragged me into his car.

He started the engine, wearing that detestable smile. "You don't know the old man has people watching you?"

"What do you mean?"

"Richard never makes losing investments. You think he'd let such a precious fiancée wander around without surveillance?"

I froze, as if awakened by ice water.

Alexander smirked, suddenly reaching toward me, his long fingers tracing my neck.

"Next time you need something, contact Luke directly."

I remained silent, not understanding why he would help me.

"What? You're touched already?"

"Mr. Gray, I think our relationship—"

"Horizon Capital Group has agreed to terms. Come see me tonight for the contract," Alexander said casually, fingers tapping the steering wheel.

I looked up at him, confused.

This contract meant life or death for the Smith family—exactly what I needed most right now.

"And the conditions?" I asked cautiously.

"What I want is you, the future Mrs. Gray," he said, his penetrating gaze meeting mine, his tone filled with naked desire.

In that moment, I felt like a butterfly pinned to a dissection table, immobile, at the mercy of others.

I gave a bitter smile. "Mr. Gray, since you know I belong to your uncle, please maintain your distance from me to avoid unnecessary complications."

My body tensed slightly, ready to escape through the door at any moment.

Alexander didn't anger. He looked at me for a moment, then gestured for Tom to open my door.

"As you wish."

As I stepped out, I heard Luke's indignant voice.

"Mr. Gray, you've done so much for her, and she still wants to distance herself from you?"

"Don't worry," Alexander replied with infuriating confidence. "She'll come begging for my help."

Several days later, I sat on a plane to Suncrest City, feeling relieved.

I hadn't gone to Alexander that night for the contract.

I wasn't rejecting the Horizon Capital Group project—it just wasn't the right time.

Besides, now that I understood my position in the Smith family, I could act with fewer reservations.

To my surprise, George suddenly selected me to accompany him to Suncrest City on business, responsible for site selection for Harber Group's new technology branch and R&D center.

When he mentioned my name in the meeting, I could hardly believe my ears.

For several days, we examined construction sites during the day and attended social engagements at night.

George maintained an appropriate professional distance, but I couldn't shake the feeling his choice to bring me along had ulterior motives.

After all, he knew about what had happened between Alexander and me.

In the Meridian Hotel ballroom, the evening reception was drawing to a close. I watched George warmly shaking hands with local officials, engaging them with easy conversation.

His graceful confidence was identical to when I first met him on campus years ago.

I'd had two drinks tonight—not many, but enough to bring a slight flush to my cheeks.

Social functions had long become second nature to me, but today, for some reason, I felt unusually fatigued.

My head felt slightly heavy, as if shrouded in a thin fog.

"I'm going to freshen up in the restroom," I whispered to George before leaving the ballroom.

Perhaps I should return to the hotel early. I'm definitely not at my best today.

In the restroom, I looked in the mirror and saw my cheeks flushed with an unnatural redness, my eyes slightly unfocused.

After splashing cold water on my face, I took a deep breath, trying to clear my head.

Just then, I sensed a malevolent gaze.

A chill ran down my spine. I turned sharply, but no one was there.

Am I being paranoid? Has the pressure of these past days made me jumpy?

As I prepared to leave, a sudden dizziness struck me.

I steadied myself against the sink, feeling an unusual heat rising from within, as if my blood were boiling.

This isn't right... not alcohol... I've been drugged?

My vision began to blur, my legs weakening as if I were standing on cotton.

Just then, the restroom door opened, and two men in suits entered.

Their movements were swift and practiced—clearly professionally trained.

Fear engulfed me like a tidal wave. I wanted to run, but my limbs felt heavy as lead, unresponsive.

"Are we sure about this?" one asked quietly, his eyes cold and emotionless.

"Those were the instructions," the other replied, pulling a small glass vial from his pocket containing a liquid that gleamed strangely. "Hurry up, don't waste time."

Who ordered this? Richard? Alexander? Or... George?

I struggled desperately, but they subdued me effortlessly.

They gripped my jaw, forcing me to swallow the unknown liquid.

The fluid slid down my throat, initially cold but quickly transforming into a raging fire that exploded within me.

God, what is this?

Heat, suffocation, dizziness—all senses were amplified beyond bearing, every inch of skin unbearably sensitive.

My heart pounded frantically; I could hear blood rushing through my veins, even the sensation of air against my skin was torture.

"Quick, someone's coming!" one of them suddenly said, followed by hurried footsteps.

I collapsed on the cold marble floor, my consciousness blurred yet strangely acute.

Time passed indistinctly before the restroom door opened again.

"Scarlett? My God, what happened?" George's voice reached me as he hurried to my side, extending his hand to help me up.

The moment his fingers touched my arm, an unprecedented fear and revulsion erupted from deep within me.

I trembled violently, summoning all my strength to escape his touch, curling into the corner.

"Don't touch me!" I cried, my voice shaking, eyes filled with terror, tears flowing uncontrollably. "Please... don't touch me..."