Chapter 16

In Scarlett's perspective:

What a small world. How can I meet Alexander and Isabella here?

Thinking about what Alexander did to me, I instinctively feel a bit scared. He imprisoned me in a hotel, forced me to drink an aphrodisiac, and tried to have his bodyguards violate me.

I couldn't help but shrink back and turn my face away.

"Alexander isn't here to cause you trouble, is he?" Sienna suddenly leaned over and asked.

"How could I know?" I had completely lost any positive feelings towards Alexander and had no interest in speculating about his motives.

Anyway, that bastard Alexander was definitely up to no good.

But to my surprise, Alexander didn't say anything. He seemed to have lost his usual arrogance and silently walked to his seat.

That was weird.

Isabella, however, was her usual self today. Ever since she walked into the classroom, she had been glaring at me viciously.

"Alright, boys and girls." Class time came quickly, and the teacher returned to the classroom. "Quiet down; we're about to start class."

Maybe it was because of my experience, the teacher talked a lot about self-protection and topics on how to protect women's legal rights.

"Violating people's privacy is a disgraceful act," the teacher said as she tapped the blackboard and glanced at Alexander. 

Sienna raised her hand and interjected, "Isn't sharing someone's private information online even more disgraceful? It's illegal, right?"

After speaking, she turned to look at Alexander.

"Absolutely. That's a violation of privacy rights." The teacher nodded in agreement. "I hope everyone can follow Sienna's lead and participate in discussions with your classmates."

Many students looked at Sienna with approving eyes. I also rested my chin on my hand, feeling touched as I looked at Sienna.

Even if Sienna didn't turn around, others could guess that what she said was actually a jab at Alexander.

As expected, Isabella immediately glared at me. She even made a "kill you" gesture at me.

But that wouldn't change the fact that Alexander maliciously hurt me.

"Scarlett, explain yourself." As soon as the bell rang, Isabella immediately stood up and walked to my desk, blocking me.

"What did I do?" I looked at her, puzzled. "I need to go to the bathroom. Don't block the way."

I stood up, but Isabella took another step closer to me.

"Why did you ask Sienna to bring up that matter in class?" Isabella arrogantly put her hands on her hips and looked at me. "How dare you?"

"I don't understand what you're talking about." I stared into her eyes and smiled slowly. "You say I instructed Sienna. What evidence do you have? Moreover, Sienna didn't distort the facts; she didn't even mention Alexander's name." I reached out to push Isabella away.

But Isabella suddenly twisted my wrist and leaned into my ear.

"Listen, the law can do nothing to the Mafia." After saying that, she sneered again. "Do you still expect Lucas to help you?"

"Too bad. He's so badly injured. He probably can't help you." Isabella shrugged with a regretful look on her face, but her expression was full of glee.

My hand froze in mid-air.

Was Lucas really badly injured?

"Isabella, I'm not a child." I took a deep breath and looked at her. "If necessary, I will also use the law to protect myself."

Isabella was a bit angry and was about to hit me when Alexander's voice suddenly came from beside us. "Stop it!" He frowned, rubbing his head with both hands, looking like he was upset.

Alexander stopped Isabella, who still wanted to argue with me, and quickly pulled her out of the classroom.

The classroom returned to peace, but the image of Lucas covered in blood lying on the sofa reappeared in my mind.

When I left the bar, I didn't contact the Bennett family but I wasn't sure about his condition.

I suddenly felt a bit anxious. Could he really be as badly injured as Isabella said?

I sent a message to Lucas. 

Scarlett: [Are you okay?]

But, he didn't reply.

I was absent-minded the entire afternoon. The image of Lucas unconscious kept haunting me.

"Sienna, what should I do?" Finally, when class was over, I grabbed Sienna and asked her for advice, "He's injured and is not replying to my messages. What should I do?"

Sienna looked at me strangely, but then she nodded as if she took a tumble.

"I get it." Sienna tried to hide her smile. "He might still be resting. If you're really worried, you could go see him."

I wasn't sure why Sienna was smiling, but she was correct. Despite the Bennett family's lack of warmth towards me, I felt the urge to inquire about Lucas's well-being. I promptly left school and hailed a taxi to the Bennett family's hospital.

The place was remote, and there usually wouldn't be many people around. Fearing that the Bennett family might recognize me, I wore sunglasses and a hat.

But to my surprise, the hospital entrance was bustling today, with people everywhere.

Security around the hospital had doubled.

Just as I was worrying about how to sneak into the hospital, a large hand suddenly landed on my shoulder.

"Who is it?" I was startled and reflexively shouted.

The man covered my mouth immediately.

"Be quiet. It's me." He gestured for silence and let go of my mouth. I saw his face under the light.

It was Mark!

"Are you here to see Lucas?" Mark frowned at me.

I quickly nodded.

"Is he okay? I've sent him messages but haven't gotten a reply." Despite knowing that Lucas was much stronger than me, I couldn't help but feel deeply concerned about his well-being.

"Alright. Follow me." Mark seemed like he wanted to lecture me but decided against it.

I followed Mark to the ward. The dim light through the glass faintly illuminated Lucas.

He was lying on the bed with his eyes closed, looking like he was asleep.

"His injuries..." Mark looked serious, and my heart started to race.

Before he could finish, I pushed the door open and walked in.

Standing by Lucas's bed, tears uncontrollably streamed down my face. I never thought seeing him lying there would make me so sad.

"Scarlett? Why are you here?" Just as I was wiping my tears and about to approach Lucas, he suddenly opened his eyes.

Lucas looked very weak. He struggled to sit up, his face pale, but he managed a smile.

"Why are you sitting up?" Mark walked in and hurriedly reached out to support him.

"I'm fine." Lucas's breath was still unstable. As soon as he spoke, he started coughing violently.

Mark patted Lucas's back, trying to make him feel better, but he accidentally hit his wound, causing Lucas to frown in pain.

"Sorry." Mark quickly grabbed a pillow for Lucas to lean on, but he knocked over a water cup accidentally.

Lucas looked at Mark, speechless, then turned to me with a helpless smile. "I'm fine. Don't worry," He said, but then winced in pain.

Mark finally stopped, standing by Lucas's side with his hands at his sides.

"Are you sure?" Watching Mark's clumsy attempts, I couldn't help but wonder.

Hasn't anyone careful been taking care of Lucas all this time?

"Of course." Lucas nodded immediately, but his expression was complicated.

"Okay," I replied, feeling a bit anxious. But knowing my part-time job was starting soon. "I have to go to work now. I'll repay you as soon as possible."

"Actually, you can stay," Lucas interjected, offering me the opportunity to stay and work off my debt by caring for him.