Chapter 5
Alexander's warm breath brushed against the back of her neck, making Scarlett's skin tingle with heat.
She could hardly describe her feelings at that moment.
Anger? Embarrassment?
Maybe both.
Scarlett had once thought these emotions were far behind her.
But she was Scarlett, and she wouldn't let her emotions control her for long.
Swallowing the lump in her throat, Scarlett's eyes sparkled as she adopted a half-smiling, half-mocking expression.
She reached out and traced her finger across Alexander's chest, laughing nonchalantly.
"Uncle Alexander, I'm Sebastian's fiancée now. If you hadn't been late today, I'd be expecting your congratulations."
Alexander stepped back slightly, and Scarlett seized the moment, ready to slip out from under his arm.
Being cornered like this was unbearable.
But as soon as she moved, Alexander saw through her intentions, extending his arm to pull her back, his laughter a low, seductive rumble, "Isn't that even better?"
Scarlett felt an urge to hit him.
For the first time, she understood what it meant for time to change everything.
How had someone once so dignified become so shameless?
She stomped hard on Alexander's foot, taking advantage of his momentary release to escape his grasp, "You're shameless!"
Her high-heeled shoe left a mark on his expensive leather shoe, but Alexander didn't even glance at it. He took two steps toward her, stopping only when he saw the panic on Scarlett's face.
Alexander picked up the medical record from Tyler's desk.
It clearly read: [Tracy, two years and five months.]
A wave of discomfort surged within him.
Alexander tossed the record aside, his voice dripping with self-mockery, "Shameless? I wonder, Ms. Collins, does Sebastian know he's a stepfather?"
Scarlett fell silent.
How could she have forgotten that?
One lie requires countless others to cover it up. The more you say, the more mistakes you make.
Scarlett had no intention of giving Alexander any leverage. Nor did she plan to stay here and engage in this pointless conversation.
She threw out a quick "None of your business" and ran out, leaving Alexander behind, on the verge of losing his mind.
When Scarlett returned to the hospital room, Tyler was instructing the nurse to comply with any orders from Alexander without question.
The nurse nodded repeatedly.
Seeing Scarlett enter, Tyler immediately noticed the blood on her lip.
The wound was unmistakably a bite mark.
There were only two people in the room, so the biter could only be...
Tyler was shocked.
He had known Alexander for three years, and no matter how sexy or passionate the women who approached him were, Alexander never showed any interest.
He had even suspected Alexander's sexual orientation.
Turns out he likes married women!
It was like discovering a shocking secret. Tyler couldn't help but take another look at Scarlett.
To be fair, Scarlett was indeed beautiful, objectively so. Her face alone was enough to captivate, not to mention her exceptional demeanor.
Alexander had good taste.
Scarlett checked on Tracy and came over to thank them.
Her guilt was evident. If it weren't for Alexander's phone call, Tracy would have been resting in the office by now.
Tyler waved it off and left the room, only to bump into Alexander outside.
Alexander seemed to have been there for a while, standing outside the door, watching Scarlett through the glass.
Tyler patted Alexander's shoulder, trying to offer some advice, "Man, why go after someone else's wife? You could..."
Alexander didn't even look up, cutting him off, "Get lost."
Realizing his mistake, Tyler quickly demonstrated to the nurse what it meant to follow Alexander's orders without question. He swiftly exited the room.
Alexander stood there for a while longer, watching Scarlett as she busied herself.
He stepped aside and dialed Mike's number.
Dawn was breaking.
Mike answered quickly, "Mr. King."
Alexander instructed, "When morning comes, send breakfast to Lakeside Hospital, room 607. Get something suitable for a two-year-old with a fever. You figure it out."
Knowing Scarlett, she wouldn't have time to eat when she's busy.
"And prepare a set of women's clothes, something comfortable."
Though Mike didn't fully understand, he replied, "Yes, Mr. King. I'll get on it right away."
After hanging up, Alexander planned to leave. He had just returned to the country, and there were many matters awaiting his attention.
Before leaving, he sought out Tyler.
Tyler was sitting at his desk, furiously tapping on his phone, excitedly spreading gossip about Alexander.
"I'm heading back to the office. Keep an eye on things here. Call me if anything comes up."
Tyler nodded seriously.
Alexander added, "And stop gossiping about her in the group chat."
The door closed, and Alexander left.
Tyler was left pondering that last remark, increasingly convinced that Alexander was overly invested.
In the hospital lobby, Alexander paused.
Not far ahead, Sebastian was with his lover, Emma.
Emma clung to Sebastian's arm, leaning her whole body against him.
Alexander checked the time. It was 6:30 AM.
At this hour, instead of calling a family doctor, they made a big show of coming to the hospital. Emma's intentions were clear.
He glanced around and spotted the shadow of a camera behind some plants.
In a few hours, there would be news reports.
They were well-prepared.
In contrast, Scarlett, who had been struggling to get a cab in the rain with a feverish child, seemed pitiful.
Alexander felt a surge of anger.
Sebastian noticed him and, surprised, walked over quickly, "Uncle Alexander? What are you doing here?"
Alexander made up an excuse, "Feeling unwell, came for an IV."
Then he asked, "Why are you at the hospital so early?"
Sebastian explained, "Emma's not feeling well. I brought her to get checked."
Alexander sneered, "No family doctor?"
Though puzzled by Alexander's question, Sebastian explained, "Emma says it's an old issue. She always comes to Lakeside Hospital. It's faster to see a familiar doctor."
A poor excuse.
But Sebastian chose to believe it.
Alexander glanced coldly at Emma, hinting, "You just got engaged yesterday."
Sebastian was indifferent, "What's there to care about?"
Alexander's expression darkened.
This was the man Scarlett chose?
He couldn't understand how her taste had deteriorated so quickly.
Emma tugged at Sebastian's sleeve, whispering, "Sebastian, I feel awful."
Alexander looked at her. Emma nestled in Sebastian's arms, trembling.
Quite the performance.
Sebastian said goodbye to him.
Before leaving, Alexander couldn't help but ask, "You don't care, but what about your fiancée?"