Chapter 139

Scarlett’s POV

The sun mercilessly scorched my skin as I stumbled forward through unfamiliar streets, moving almost by instinct alone.

My body felt so terrible that even the calls of street vendors seemed unbearably grating.

When I ran away, I hadn't thought things through, leaving my passport and identification documents behind.

If I didn't go back, would I have to live here illegally?

The critical problem was that I didn't even understand Spanish.

My breathing grew increasingly rapid, and I couldn't help but find a place to sit down, instinctively clutching at my chest.

My mind began to spin out of control with chaotic thoughts.

Regret washed over me. Had I known better, I wouldn't have run away. Perhaps Alexander might have shown a moment of mercy and released me?

But would he truly be capable of mercy?

He knew full well that mangoes would trigger my allergies, potentially fatally.

Yet he still had Luke bring me mangoes for every meal, day after day. Wasn't he just waiting to watch me suffer until I broke down and begged him?

Alexander had no genuine feelings. Otherwise, he wouldn't have failed to see through...

"Alexander, what kind of good person are you supposed to be? I should have let Ralph shoot you dead!"

Thinking back to that night, if I hadn't pulled Ralph's arm, the bullet might have struck Alexander directly in the heart.

What a shame.

I should have let Ralph kill him, ending it all, sparing myself from this torment.

With these thoughts, I only felt worse.

This wouldn't do—I needed to get to a hospital.

Otherwise, my life would truly be in danger!

With trembling legs, I had just managed to stand unsteadily when a man in a gaudy shirt blocked my path.

I frowned, trying to move around him.

The man shifted, blocking my way again.

Desperate to reach the hospital, I instinctively pushed him.

But my palm only made contact with his solid abdomen. Not only did I fail to move him, but my wrist was seized by a hand like an iron clamp.

"Quite good at running away, aren't you?"

The harsh street lights cast shadows across his face, but I didn't need to see him clearly.

I recognized that voice.

Alexander had found me.

Standing straight, I yanked my arm back, but his grip only tightened.

His thumb deliberately pressed into my wrist, sending pain shooting up my arm.

"It hurts" almost escaped my lips, but I bit my lower lip, preventing myself from crying out.

Alexander's mocking voice cut through the street's clamor.

"Not long ago, you said you liked me, that you knew you were wrong, that you wouldn't dare do it again." His tone hardened. "Is this how your affection works?"

He dragged me through the crowded streets.

I stumbled alongside him, my breathing becoming even more labored.

He knew perfectly well that I was nearly dying at this moment. He knew that every second of delay could mean my death.

Yet Alexander seemed intent on tormenting me.

"Do you like it here?" Alexander asked casually, gesturing around.

He pointed toward a small alley. "See that place? If you died here, not a single person would collect your body."

My lungs felt like they were burning. I could collapse at any moment.

"Mr. Gray... could we stop for a moment?"

Alexander ignored my plea and continued his unhurried pace.

"Do you know why I despise Ralph so much?" Alexander smiled slightly, glancing at me as I was dragged behind him.

At this point, I was in such distress that I could barely process what he was saying.

"Did Luke reveal anything to you?" he asked.

I struggled to lift my eyelids, trying to focus on his blurry outline.

"He... he said your mother was killed by Ralph."

Alexander let out a cold laugh, the amusement in his eyes gradually crystallizing into ice.

"Scarlett, time and again I've indulged you. How have you repaid me?"

He suddenly stopped, fully facing me.

I clutched my throat, my words barely able to pass through my swollen airway.

"Mr. Gray, I just wanted to survive..."

My legs completely gave out, and I collapsed toward the sidewalk.

Alexander watched me fall, his expression impassive.

Then, he slowly crouched beside me.

His long fingers gripped my chin, forcing me to look directly into his eyes.

"How do you want to live?"

I could only respond with silence, unable to speak, unable to breathe.

"Kill Ralph for me, how about that?"

The world gradually faded to darkness.

When I regained consciousness, electronic beeping accompanied the dull pain in my temples.

A hospital. I was in a hospital.

I slowly opened my eyes, blinking at the harsh fluorescent lights.

Luke sat across the room, hunched over his phone, rapidly moving his thumbs while cursing under his breath.

When he looked up, our eyes met.

Luke immediately dropped his phone and rushed to my bedside.

"Thank goodness, Miss Smith, you're finally awake!"

I blinked again, looking at Luke's pitiful state.

His face was swollen, with a purple bruise on his left cheekbone.

My escape attempt had resulted in Luke's punishment.

I struggled to prop myself up, sitting upright.

Luke quickly handed me a glass of water. "Miss Smith, you've been asleep for a day. How are you feeling now?"

"Fine," I answered, though surviving a near-death experience didn't actually feel good.

What remained wasn't relief at escaping danger, but fear of what was to come.

Alexander wouldn't let me off easily. This was merely the calm before the storm.

"Miss Smith, you really got me into trouble this time. Thankfully, Mr. Gray didn't..."

"I'm sorry," I interrupted him, my voice hoarse. "I didn't think things through and ended up causing you trouble."

I looked up at Luke, forcing an apologetic smile.

"Miss Smith, rest here for a few days," he said, his tone gentler than usual.

"When you're feeling better, I'll return to the country with you."

I closed my eyes, saying nothing more.

After a while, I calmly said, "Luke, I want to see your boss."

He looked up in surprise. "What? Now? Miss Smith, I'm afraid the boss might not be available at the moment."

"Is he with Miss Isabel right now?" Besides Isabel, I couldn't think of anyone else who could keep Alexander constantly by their side.

Luke shook his head. "No... Miss Harber has arrived."