Devious Schemes

Alex had an unexpected revelation: Mark seemed to be losing his resistance to his kisses. A smile spread across his face. 

Why is he staring at me like that? Did he hear my heartbeat? Mark thought nervously, his face buried in his hands to hide his blush.

Seeing Mark so shy and flustered, Alex couldn't help but find him adorable. Meanwhile, Evelyn, Alex's aunt, was glaring daggers at Mark from the office doorway.

Even though Alex was usually cold towards her, he wouldn't just ignore her presence completely. Clearly, Isabelle's words about Mark bewitching Alex were true, Evelyn thought angrily.

Isabelle, standing beside Evelyn, was equally furious. She watched as Alex kissed Mark in front of her, the sight driving her nearly mad with jealousy. If it weren't for Evelyn's presence, she would have stormed over and slapped Mark by now.

"Are you going to make me stand here all day?" Evelyn demanded loudly, ensuring Alex heard her.

Alex frowned. He had a good relationship with his uncle's family, but it didn't extend to these aunts who only cared about money. He knew their true intentions—without him in the CEO position, they wouldn't have access to the family's wealth.

"Here so quickly? Must be Isabelle stirring things up," Alex muttered coldly as he stood up. Though he was displeased, Evelyn was still his uncle's wife, so he couldn't just throw her out.

He turned and faced Evelyn with an icy expression. "What brings you here today, Aunt? So much free time on your hands?"

Though Alex was smiling, Evelyn felt a chill run down her spine. She clutched her purse tightly. He's warning me to stay out of this, she realized.

Swallowing her fear, Evelyn forced herself to remain calm. "You're a DuPont heir. How can you marry a man and create such a scandal?"

"And yet, nothing happened," Alex replied coolly, sitting down on the sofa. He lifted Mark's legs and began putting his shoes on.

Mark's eye twitched. This man is trying to make me a target. Why on earth are you putting my shoes on now? Mark thought, frustrated but unable to protest.

While Mark wondered about Alex's intentions, Evelyn's eyes narrowed. So, this Mark is clever enough to keep Alex under his thumb. She glanced at Isabelle, who looked like she was about to explode with rage. 

This Isabelle must have realized she couldn't handle Mark on her own, so she called me in, Evelyn thought. Hmph, a child trying to use me. Still, if we leave Mark alone, it could jeopardize our interests.

Evelyn knew she couldn't win a direct confrontation with Alex, so she needed a different approach. She decided that making Alex lose trust in Mark would be the best strategy. If Mark's body was compromised, Alex, with his strict sense of cleanliness, would certainly discard him.

With her plan in mind, Evelyn's eyes sparkled with malicious intent. Let's use the same tricks I've used on my husband's mistresses on you, Mark. Enjoy the ride while it lasts, she thought, her smile growing increasingly sinister.

Feeling a chill, Mark wrapped his arms around himself. Why is she looking at me like that? It's giving me the creeps.

"Don't walk around barefoot again. The floor is cold," Alex said, putting Mark's shoes on and ruffling his hair lovingly.

Mark was puzzled. Is he signaling me to play along? he wondered. 

Fine, I'll play along. After all, I'm getting paid for this, Mark thought. He took a deep breath and sat on Alex's lap, wrapping his arms around Alex's neck. "It's fine. You can just carry me."

Alex was momentarily stunned. Mark's unexpected forwardness caught him off guard.

Is it because of the contract? Does he think I'm asking him to act in front of others? Alex realized. So, the contract can be used this way too.

He looked at Mark with newfound excitement, thinking of future scenarios where Mark would act affectionately to keep up appearances.

"Why are you just staring at me? Snap out of it," Mark said, patting Alex's chest, bringing him back to reality.

"This is good. My aunt wants to split us up, worried I'll lose my CEO position and she won't benefit from my success," Alex explained, still holding Mark.

"I see," Mark said, understanding now. "Must be tough, being rich and having to deal with so many schemers."

Living with constant manipulation sounded exhausting to Mark. He couldn't imagine such a life and was glad he wasn't part of that world.

"It looks like you're busy, so I'll head back now," Evelyn said coldly, looking disdainfully at Alex and Mark before leaving.

Isabelle was stunned. What's going on? She was so angry on the way here, and now she's just leaving?

It must be that she's come up with a plan against Mark, Isabelle concluded, feeling a sinister satisfaction. Evelyn wouldn't leave without doing something.

"Mark, enjoy your last few days," Isabelle hissed before running after Evelyn, eager to learn her plan.

"What was that about? Why did she leave so suddenly?" Mark asked, puzzled by Evelyn's abrupt departure.

Alex frowned. Knowing his aunt, she wouldn't leave without a plan. He quickly messaged his uncle about Evelyn's visit.

His uncle replied, apologizing and promising to keep an eye on Evelyn, ensuring she wouldn't trouble Alex further.

With my uncle watching her, things should be fine, Alex thought, but he couldn't shake a sense of unease.

Down in the parking lot, Evelyn got into her car and immediately called someone. "The usual deal. Just don't kill him."

The man on the other end of the line grinned wickedly. "Leave him for a couple of weeks for the boys to enjoy, as always?"

"As long as he's alive, do as you please. Payment as agreed."

"You're a lifesaver. It's been hard to find fresh meat lately. Send the details, and we'll handle it."

Evelyn trusted this man, having worked with him multiple times before. She sent over Mark's photo and the personal information she had gotten from Isabelle.

The man received the details and confirmed with a curt message. Mark being a man didn't seem to faze him; likely, Evelyn's husband had male lovers as well.