Chapter 8
Alexander helped Scarlett to the couch.
Tracy was told to keep her distance, so she lay on the hospital bed, watching Scarlett intently.
The scene of motherly love and filial piety made Alexander's head hurt.
Since Scarlett's fever had subsided, Alexander decided to leave without calling Mike.
Mike, having worked with Alexander for a long time, understood his intentions without needing an explanation. He continued playing with Tracy.
By the time Scarlett realized what was happening, Alexander was already gone.
Feeling a bit awkward, she asked, "Mike, don't you need to... follow him?"
Mike, experienced as he was, replied, "It's fine, Ms. Collins. It's my off-hours now, so I'll just play with Tracy for a bit."
He wasn't joking; if he followed Alexander out now, he'd definitely lose his bonus for the month.
Alexander's silence was a clear order to stay and look after the two patients.
Scarlett didn't dwell on it. She cleared her mind for a moment and then took out her phone to handle some work.
It seemed that only by keeping busy could she push thoughts of Alexander out of her mind.
With Moira away and Scarlett staying at the hospital, there was an overwhelming amount of work to do, leaving her with little time to rest.
Scrolling through her WhatsApp messages, the latest one was from Aria Clark, the young actress who had almost caused her a huge loss.
Scarlett raised an eyebrow and opened the chat.
Aria was apologizing.
This didn't surprise Scarlett. Aria's judgment in choosing a partner was poor, and the man she thought was worth her devotion didn't care nearly as much about the relationship as she did.
Scarlett was experienced in handling scandals involving her artists.
Aria's situation had dragged on because Aria wanted to go public with her relationship.
Scarlett had no interest in being humiliated by having to deny rumors only for them to be confirmed later. That was something only incompetent managers did.
Seeing Aria's determination, Scarlett had the legal team draft a termination agreement, with all compensations according to the contract.
Unfortunately, Aria's resolve scared off her lover, who was intimidated by the breach of contract penalties.
Thankfully, Aria's romantic inclinations were salvageable.
At least Scarlett's efforts hadn't been in vain.
The current issue was the endorsements Aria was responsible for.
Her unfaithful lover was a married man, and the brands, concerned about their image, wanted to replace her.
Scarlett thought for a moment and called Aria.
Aria answered quickly, her voice heavy with the sound of recent tears.
Scarlett ignored the emotions and got straight to business.
"Clear your schedule for tomorrow night. I'll take you to Pulse Society to have dinner with Mr. Moore. You're in a critical phase of your career and need to keep these endorsements."
Aria sniffled. "Okay, Ms. Collins, I understand."
Before hanging up, Scarlett couldn't help but add, "It's good to see the truth sooner rather than later."
Then she ended the call.
She lay back on the couch, pressing her fingers to her temples, but quickly opened her eyes to continue working.
Even Tracy couldn't stand it and warned her from a distance, "Mommy! Don't work too hard!"
The next evening, Scarlett picked up Aria at the company entrance.
Aria, devastated by her breakup, had lost a lot of weight in just a few days. Heavy makeup barely concealed her exhaustion.
Scarlett, though sympathetic, reminded her, "Stay focused. Tonight's important for you."
Aria nodded lightly from the passenger seat. "I know."
Scarlett said no more.
Pulse Society was one of the most prestigious private clubs in the Phoenix City, known for its wide range of services and as a hotspot for high-society gatherings.
The drive from the company to Pulse Society took about forty minutes.
Tracy, still too young to type, sent voice messages to Scarlett, who responded while keeping an eye on Aria.
Aria remained silent the entire way.
Scarlett was familiar with this state. Three years ago, after breaking up with Alexander, she had been the same.
No matter how tough life gets, it must go on. This was a lesson one had to learn on their own.
Before she knew it, they had arrived at Pulse Society, quicker than Scarlett had expected.
She got out of the car first, with Aria following closely.
The night air was chilly, and Scarlett, still recovering from her fever, felt a bit dizzy.
Aria supported her just in time.
Feeling guilty, Aria apologized, "I'm sorry, Ms. Collins."
If she hadn't been so stubborn, Scarlett would have handled the scandal long ago.
Scarlett cut her off, "Enough. Let's go upstairs."
What Scarlett didn't expect was to run into Mike in the elevator.
Mike greeted her with a warm smile, "Ms. Collins."
Scarlett was momentarily taken aback. If Mike was here, did that mean Alexander was too?
She quickly composed herself and nodded to Mike.
They exchanged a few casual words. Mike, perceptive as always, didn't mention Alexander, focusing instead on Tracy.
This gave Scarlett some relief.
As they talked, the elevator reached the fifth floor. Scarlett said goodbye to Mike and led Aria to the reserved private room.
Mike watched them leave, suddenly remembering something. He checked his messages and, upon confirmation, his expression changed dramatically.
As Scarlett had suspected, Alexander was indeed at Pulse Society.
He was there for a welcome party organized by friends he had met abroad.
Tyler was one of them.
Having been the first to notice Alexander's romantic entanglements, Tyler was the center of attention at the party.
Alexander sat quietly, listening to his friends' teasing.
He was too tired to argue, knowing they wouldn't believe him anyway.
So why bother?
The group of men joked crudely, especially since the topic involved him.
Alexander was uninterested.
Despite his apparent lack of engagement, his friends were curious about his plans after being single for three years abroad.
Tyler, a natural storyteller, kept the conversation lively.
David Jones, halfway through the story, turned to Alexander. "So, are you planning to steal Sebastian's fiancée?"
Alexander paused, took a sip of his drink, and replied nonchalantly, "Scarlett and I are over."
Tyler almost burst out laughing.
Just then, Mike arrived.
Seeing the situation, Mike hesitated.
Tyler, familiar with him, asked, "Mike, why the hesitation?"
Alexander glanced at him. "Speak up."
Mike finally said, "I ran into Ms. Collins in the elevator. She was heading to the fifth floor with one of her artists. I checked, and it seems she's meeting Zack Moore from the Moore Group."
"Zack?" David frowned. "Isn't his personal life a mess?"
Mike nodded.
Alexander's grip on his glass tightened.