Chapter 1
"Scarlett, you're up."
Scarlett Collins was in the middle of handling a scandal involving one of her artists when she was called.
The artist's career had just started to pick up, and now she was determined to publicly announce her relationship amidst the scandal.
Scarlett was livid and took a moment to calm her down, telling her not to act impulsively.
Scarlett put away her phone and turned around. Sebastian Black was leaning against the bar, waiting for her.
Today was her engagement party with Sebastian, the youngest son of the Black family.
The notorious playboy heir of the Black family was now engaged to the most famous beauty in Phoenix City. The tabloids weren't the only ones going wild; Sebastian's friends were equally shocked.
After the engagement party, a group of people decided to keep the celebration going with a party at the Black Mansion.
But it was too hot outside, so they ended up playing pool indoors.
They were curious to see how genuine the engagement was and to understand what kind of charm Scarlett had to captivate Sebastian.
Scarlett brushed her hair back and walked over to Sebastian. She stood on tiptoe, leaned close to his ear, and whispered, "I don't know how to play..."
Her voice was loud enough for everyone to hear.
Predictably, the crowd started teasing, "Come on, teach Scarlett! Watching her struggle is making me anxious."
Sebastian laughed and cursed, "Shut up!"
His shirt was unbuttoned at the top, giving him a casual look. He raised an eyebrow at Scarlett, "Of course, I'll teach you."
A fake engagement, just for show.
This was Scarlett's most important business deal at the moment.
Sebastian stood behind Scarlett, who was wearing a fitted gown for the engagement, accentuating her curves.
He adjusted her grip on the cue and then placed his hand over hers.
The close proximity inevitably led to some physical contact.
It seemed a bit intimate.
Just as Sebastian was about to step back, the door suddenly opened, and everyone turned to look.
A tall man entered. His suit was impeccably tailored, and the dim lighting gave him a golden glow.
He was strikingly handsome, with sharp features and slightly narrowed eyes, as if he was assessing something.
When Scarlett saw him, her heart skipped a beat.
Why was he here?
Sebastian's voice was filled with surprise, "Uncle, you're back!"
"Sorry, my flight was delayed. I missed your engagement party," the man responded casually, his eyes fixed on Scarlett before he nonchalantly walked over to the sofa.
Sebastian realized he hadn't introduced them, so he pulled Scarlett over, "This is my fiancée, Scarlett. Scarlett, this is my uncle."
'Alexander King.'
Scarlett added silently.
The sudden reunion left Scarlett unprepared. She never expected Alexander to be related to Sebastian. If she had known, she would never have agreed to this deal.
Money can be earned again, but Alexander was someone she couldn't even bear to look at.
After all.
She had kept Alexander as her sugar baby for two years.
And she had ended the arrangement unilaterally, claiming she was bored.
Scarlett's head throbbed from the complicated relationship.
Seeing her silence, Sebastian explained, "Uncle Alexander, Scarlett is a bit shy."
Shy?
Alexander raised an eyebrow, "Really? She didn't seem shy just now."
Referring to the pool game.
Scarlett's molars ached. Was he still holding a grudge?
Although their breakup had been unpleasant, Scarlett felt she had done her best.
It had been five years; why was he still concerned about his former sugar mama?
Scarlett didn't want to confront Alexander directly but couldn't remain silent.
She smiled sweetly at him, "Sebastian, I didn't realize Alexander was so old-fashioned."
The crowd gasped.
Scarlett must be crazy!
This was Alexander!
She had the guts to mock Alexander!
After her retort, Scarlett didn't feel relieved; instead, she felt irritated and suffocated.
She brushed her hair back and said weakly, "I'm going outside for some air."
Sebastian was relieved. He feared his fake fiancée and Alexander might start a fight.
Their first meeting was already tense, and Sebastian was bewildered. It was best if one of them left.
As soon as Scarlett left, Sebastian received a call from Emma Lawson.
Whatever was said, Sebastian hurried upstairs after the call.
His friends exchanged knowing looks, guessing the reason.
They were familiar with Emma, a celebrity Sebastian had recently started dating. Things were sweet between them.
It seemed Scarlett didn't hold much importance in Sebastian's heart.
Before heading upstairs, Sebastian remembered something and glanced at the group, then addressed Alexander.
"Uncle Alexander, I have an urgent matter. If Scarlett wants to leave, please arrange for someone to take her home."
Alexander remained silent.
He didn't refuse, just stared at his whiskey glass.
Someone questioned, "Isn't it bad for Sebastian to leave Scarlett right after the engagement party? What if his father finds out..."
Another replied, "Don't you know Sebastian? He's just looking for a temporary thrill."
Alexander listened to the conversation, quickly piecing together Sebastian's ten-year history of flings.
So, she liked someone like him?
Alexander downed his whiskey in one gulp and stood up.
Outside, the wisteria was in full bloom, cascading like waves.
Scarlett leaned against the window, her long blonde hair blowing in the wind, revealing her slender waist.
She picked a flower and took a deep breath before heading to the upstairs bathroom.
Scarlett stared at herself in the mirror, thinking she needed to leave immediately.
She turned to go down the stairs when a large hand suddenly grabbed her waist and pulled her into a nearby room.
A robbery?
The room was dimly lit, and Scarlett couldn't see the person's face. Instinctively, she bit the hand covering her mouth.
Hard. The person let out a muffled groan.
They both froze.
Scarlett recognized the voice.
She pretended not to notice, but the voice spoke again, "Scarlett, after all this time, you still hate me."
"Sorry, I didn't know it was you. But anyone would resist in that situation."
Alexander looked down at Scarlett, mocking, "Really?"
She was about to respond when a sound came from the other side of the wall, like a man comforting a woman.
Scarlett felt awkward. She knew these people.
Her newly engaged fiancé, Sebastian.
And his actual girlfriend, Emma.
So, Alexander had brought her here to hear this?
"What do you want?"
Alexander's voice was low, "To help you, and to stop you from marrying into the Black family. After all, a woman like you isn't worth..."
Scarlett sighed inwardly. Sure, he hated her and didn't want to see her marry into the Black family.
This was a deal between her and Sebastian. She never intended to marry him, but she didn't plan to tell Alexander. She would honor the contract.
"So what."
"Sebastian is engaged to me."
Scarlett felt the gaze on her suddenly heat up.
"You really like him?"