Chapter 53
Both Jessica and Emma were taken aback.
This was far from what they had expected.
According to the usual course of events, shouldn't Alexander be directly warning that ungrateful Scarlett?
Taking investment from the Black Group and still daring to disrespect the people they arranged—wasn't that just a slap in the face to the Black Group?
But why would Alexander ask such a question?
Caught off guard, Emma stammered, "I... I couldn't find the right emotion."
Alexander glanced at her.
Emma was truly clueless. If she wanted to frame someone, she should at least come up with a decent reason.
Such an ordinary woman—only his tasteless nephew Sebastian would be willing to pamper and love her.
His tone was indifferent, "The Black Group invests to make money, not to provide a stage for you. Since you came in through Sebastian's connections, you should at least make an effort for his sake. If you can't even meet the basic requirements of the crew, you should leave early."
Emma's face turned pale, "Uncle Alexander, I... I understand."
Sebastian might spoil her, but Alexander certainly wouldn't.
Jessica tried to smooth things over, "Alexander, Emma, she..."
Before she could finish, Alexander interrupted her, giving her a cold look, "Yes, the Black Group invested the money, and it's true that you two were introduced by Sebastian. But is she an outsider?"
Alexander shifted his gaze to Scarlett's thin back, his words biting, "Do I need to remind you? She is Sebastian's fiancée."
Scarlett felt the scorching gaze like the sun, almost burning her back.
Alexander laughed mockingly, "She hasn't even changed how she addresses me, yet you already call me Uncle Alexander."
Without waiting for Emma's reaction, he turned and walked away.
Jessica, realizing what had happened, didn't bother to console Emma and quickly called out, "Alexander, wait for me."
Alexander's strides were long, and Jessica, wearing a fitted dress, had to jog to keep up.
Even after Jessica saying those words, Alexander didn't stop.
His mind was filled with frustration.
Was the conflict between Scarlett and Emma related to Sebastian?
Sebastian had placed his lover in Scarlett's crew—would Scarlett be hurt by this? How could he treat Scarlett this way?
Was Scarlett so upset that she argued with Emma over her poor performance?
Worrying about Scarlett, Alexander couldn't help but feel angry.
He was angry at Scarlett for not knowing what was good for her, for choosing Sebastian over him.
And he was angry that she was jealous because of Sebastian, yet showed no reaction to Jessica being by his side.
Alexander even regretted coming here.
Jay had called him today, asking him to come to SM to pick up Jessica. He agreed, mainly to see Scarlett.
Since Scarlett left the villa, they had only briefly met at Evan's place.
Though it hadn't been long, the torment was constant for him.
He had already given in.
But even standing in front of Scarlett, she might not look at him.
Alexander closed his eyes in exhaustion, rubbing his temples.
Jessica was worried, "Alexander, are you okay? Is work too tiring?"
Alexander turned his head, not even bothering to be polite, "It's none of your business."
Jessica bit her lip.
After Emma left, Scarlett finally moved a few steps, leaning against the wall to steady her breathing.
The events replayed in her mind. She raised her hand, burying her face in her palm.
How did it come to this?
Was Alexander's reaction just now to protect her, or was it merely a calculated move as the head of the Black Group?
And he came to pick up Jessica to go back to the Black Mansion—was it to see Jay?
Were they finalizing their marriage arrangements?
Her mind was a mess. She suddenly cleared her head, shaking it and taking a deep breath.
Work—yes, she still had work to do.
Clinging to this lifeline, she hurried to the studio.
Moira was already waiting at the door, putting away her phone and linking arms with her, "Come on, let's go grab something."
Scarlett wasn't in the mood.
She made an excuse, "I'm still busy."
Moira glared at her, "Alright, alright, Tammy already told me. You just got disgusted by Emma. Do you really have the mood to work? Relax, I've arranged everything. Come eat with me, and you'll be more efficient when you get back."
Moira had a point.
Although the conflict with Emma wouldn't necessarily affect her work state, it was the man who came after Emma who could really impact her.
Scarlett opened the door, finding everything normal inside.
The actors had been carefully selected. Working with a renowned director in a major production, everyone cherished the opportunity and tried their best to perform well, except for Emma, who deliberately caused trouble.
Scarlett felt relieved and reluctantly let Moira drag her away.
Moira chose a nearby restaurant. Though she couldn't handle spicy food well, she loved it. Over time, the restaurant owner would personally cook for her whenever she visited, which Moira enjoyed.
While waiting for the food, Moira kept staring at her.
Even if Scarlett were clueless, she would sense something was off.
She frowned, suspiciously looking at Moira, "Why are you staring at me? Is there something wrong with my makeup today?"
Moira shook her head solemnly, "No, no, no. I can tell you have something on your mind. I'm just waiting for you to speak up."
Scarlett glared at her, "I don't understand what you mean."
But she quickly looked away, avoiding eye contact and staring out the window.
Moira patiently waited for her to speak.
SM's location wasn't as bustling as the Black Group's, but thanks to the nearby trendy shops, there was a decent flow of people.
Today was a weekday, and most of the passersby were school couples, often taking photos, seemingly wanting to capture their love in every corner of the world.
Naturally, she remembered three years ago.
Back then, she and Alexander were like this too, madly in love, inseparable every moment.
She loved taking photos.
During a trip to Valeria, she and Alexander found an old photo album in a quaint shop.
On a whim, she printed all their favorite photos, placing them in the album—one side for her, the other for Alexander, or their intimate shots together.
Every place they visited had their memories.
She once thought they would keep recording their journey, and when they grew old, they could reminisce about their youth through these photos.
But later... they broke up, sold the house in a hurry, and couldn't even take the albums.
Scarlett felt dazed.
She withdrew her gaze but still avoided Moira's eyes.
She spoke hesitantly, her voice drifting, "Moira, what kind of person is Jessica?"