Chapter 72
Chapter 72
Scarlett instinctively pulled back, "I'm already engaged. What you're suggesting isn't gonna happen."
But deep down, she knew that as long as the media didn't get wind of it, Sebastian wouldn't care if she was with another guy.
Plus, with the way things were, who knew how long this so-called engagement with Sebastian would last?
She quickly added, "I don't have any other thoughts about Alexander. I'm only meeting him for work."
Moira didn't argue, just watched her quietly.
Scarlett squirmed under her gaze. "Why are you staring at me?"
"Seeing if you blush when you lie," Moira said, then asked, "So, are you going or not?"
Scarlett's tone was resolute, "Of course, I'm going."
Over the next few days, Scarlett kept trying to reach Mike, but the answer was always the same: unavailable.
From Sebastian's end, there wasn't any good news either.
According to him, he had asked around, but Alexander had taken Mike on a business trip and wasn't at the office.
Scarlett became increasingly puzzled.
From what she knew of Alexander, he wouldn't let personal matters affect work. Could there be an issue with this project?
She immediately dismissed that thought.
She and Moira had meticulously reviewed every detail of the project. She knew it inside out.
During a break, Scarlett opened WhatsApp. The message she sent in the morning finally got a reply from Mike.
Mike: [Ms. Collins, Mr. King is still on a business trip.]
Scarlett felt a pang of emotion and let out a heavy sigh.
It wasn't long ago that Alexander, because of Zack, had practically moved into SM with Mike.
But in just a few days, it seemed she no longer had the right to see Alexander.
A wave of bitterness washed over her.
The bitterness spread through her veins, making her feel lost. She rested her head on her desk, taking a moment to recover.
In front of her was an open spreadsheet. Scarlett was calculating how long SM's cash flow could last, but no matter how she calculated, the situation looked grim.
She needed to resolve this quickly.
Soon, it was time for Evan's party.
The party was scheduled for the afternoon, giving Moira plenty of time to get ready.
Scarlett had stayed up late the night before, and Moira woke her up to help pick out a dress, her eyes heavy with dark circles.
Today was important for Moira.
As Evan's girlfriend, this was her debut in his social circle. She had to make a stunning impression.
Scarlett, barely able to keep her eyes open, lay on the couch hugging a pillow, trying to sweet-talk her way out of it, "You look good in anything, don't worry..."
Her voice trailed off, and Moira walked over, her mouth twitching.
Scarlett had fallen asleep, her breathing even.
Moira sighed, pulled a blanket over her, and went to do her makeup.
When Scarlett woke up again, Moira was already done with her look.
Yawning, Scarlett complimented Moira's appearance for the evening. Moira wasn't having it and gave her a stern look, "You better get ready. Evan will be here in an hour."
Scarlett, still groggy, looked up at Moira, "I just want to sleep."
Usually neglecting her own needs, Scarlett's rare moment of self-care made Moira almost relent.
But then Scarlett snapped out of it. "No, I need to hurry."
Moira urged, "Yeah, you better get a move on."
Evan's yacht party was at Morning Glow District, near the inner sea with stunning scenery. By the time they arrived, many guests were already there, enjoying afternoon tea on the deck.
Moira and Evan, caught up in the excitement of new love, had endless things to talk about.
Not long after they arrived, Moira came over to tell Scarlett she had to step away for a bit, which Scarlett completely understood.
After seeing Moira off, Scarlett busied herself, holding a glass of red wine and scanning the crowd for a suitable target.
But before she could find one, an unexpected person appeared.
Not far away, Alexander, impeccably dressed, was walking arm-in-arm with Jessica.
His deep eyes held an indescribable tenderness. He turned slightly, saying something to Jessica, who looked at him reproachfully.
To onlookers, they appeared to be a loving couple.
Scarlett instinctively took a step back.
Her mind buzzed with confusion.
Why was Alexander here? Didn't Mike say they were on a business trip?
So was he back early, or had he used the trip as an excuse to avoid her?
Alexander happened to look up, and their eyes met.
Scarlett clearly saw the tenderness in his eyes vanish, replaced by cold detachment.
She forced a smile and was about to leave when Jessica spotted her. Jessica called out cheerfully, "Scarlett!"
Scarlett had no choice but to respond, "Ms. Green, Mr. King."
Jessica quickly approached, grabbing her hands in a familiar manner, "Were you invited by Evan too?"
Before Scarlett could answer, Jessica looked around, confirming Scarlett was alone, and asked, "Where's Sebastian? Didn't he come with you?"
Scarlett touched her neck, her smile a bit strained, "He... he's too busy with work."
Alexander walked over, standing behind Jessica.
Sensing Alexander's presence, Jessica squeezed his arm, reproaching, "What's going on? Is Sebastian really that busy, that he couldn't come with Scarlett?"
Alexander subtly avoided her touch, keeping his eyes fixed on Scarlett.
She still looked stunning, her light-colored mermaid dress hugging her body, accentuating her curves, like a feather lightly brushing his heart, stirring a sudden desire to possess her.
He cleared his throat, determined to shatter her fragile facade, "Sebastian's work isn't that demanding, is it?"
Scarlett gave Alexander a peculiar look.
She hadn't expected him to say that.
The three of them knew why Sebastian wasn't there, yet Jessica chose to start the conversation with that question. She gave an excuse, and Alexander contradicted it?
Was he trying to embarrass her? To make her admit her fiancé was off with another woman, and then mock her?
Especially after the rough few days Scarlett had been through.
She smiled at them, "Why don't we call Sebastian now? Ms. Green, you wouldn't mind, right? I might need Mr. King to help confirm what exactly Sebastian is busy with at this moment."