Chapter 3

After several rounds of alcoholic beverages, I began to feel a bit dizzy.

Carter exited the room unsteadily, leaving an awkward quiet behind him. Shortly after, Scarlett's phone chimed. She rose abruptly, her face and ears turning a deep shade of pink.

Catching my inquisitive look, she quickly regained her composure, speaking in a forced, steady voice.

"Darling, I sustained an injury during our recent operation, and my physician advised against alcohol consumption. I'll visit the medical bay briefly. Please stay and continue enjoying yourself with the others."

She departed swiftly. My pocket vibrated gently—a message from her.

[Meet me in Room 302. A surprise awaits.]

The message's tone was unusually cold, unlike Scarlett's typical warmth. Was this Carter's doing?

I lowered my eyes, ignoring the message. Instead, I discreetly took out my phone and accessed the internal surveillance system. The images on the screen revealed a scene of indulgence.

Carter, now wearing a translucent, damp shirt, pressed against Scarlett with bold confidence. His well-defined muscles shimmered in the light, exuding a charm Scarlett seemed unable to resist. Her flushed complexion and dreamy expression revealed her enthusiasm as she reclined on the bed, anticipating.

Carter smirked, pleased, as he moved closer. Today, however, Scarlett appeared more impatient than usual, urging Carter to quicken his pace. She had no desire for preliminaries or chitchat—her sole focus was satisfying her cravings so she could return home and resume her role as a "devoted wife."

Suddenly, Scarlett's eyes caught something on her phone—a message Carter had secretly sent.

She froze, her passion evaporating instantly. Scarlett leapt from the bed, her voice sharp and angry. "You'd better pray my husband didn't see that, or you'll face severe consequences!"

She rushed out, disregarding Carter's desperate pleas. Her high heels clattered loudly on the staircase as she hurried down, nearly losing her balance in her haste.

Yet the fear of what might happen if I had seen that message far outweighed any physical discomfort. Frightening thoughts raced through her mind. "Did Henry read the message? Did he go to Room 302?" The potential outcomes were too terrible to contemplate.

When Scarlett finally pushed open the restaurant door and saw me sitting calmly at the table, she let out a long sigh of relief.

She threw her arms around me, breathless. "Honey… you didn't receive the message I sent, did you?"

I grinned, shaking my head. "My phone ran out of battery earlier. What message? Was it something important?"

Her face flooded with relief. Her voice turned sugary sweet, like nectar from a flower. "It's nothing. Just having you here is all I need."

The other team members snickered and started to jest.

"Scarlett, the fierce lioness, has turned into a tame house cat!"

"Henry, you've no clue. Scarlett is the toughest, most intimidating woman on the team. But today, she's all soft and gentle!"

"My, my. Henry, you should visit more often. Maybe Scarlett will ease up on scolding us!"

The room filled with laughter.

Shortly after, Carter entered, his face composed, though a hint of resentment flickered in his eyes. "Indeed, with Henry present, Scarlett seems so... different," he remarked, his smile just wide enough to mask his spite.

He raised his glass in a toast. "To Henry—take good care of Scarlett. There are quite a few individuals in the General Agents Department who have their sights set on her."

I played along, feigning curiosity. "Oh? Is that so? Who in particular?"

Carter arched an eyebrow, his grin turning smug. "Well, there's someone on this very team who admires her."

Scarlett's expression darkened instantly, her smile faltering as panic flashed in her eyes. She forced a laugh, her tone artificially light. "Don't be absurd, Carter. Honey, he's just kidding around."

Carter leaned back in his seat, his expression defiant. "Of course, Henry, it's just casual conversation. Don't take it too seriously."

But his tone revealed his true intentions—he wanted to sow doubt in my mind. Scarlett, visibly shaken, quickly tugged on my arm, her voice quivering slightly. "Let's head home, Henry."

I nodded, standing up. The atmosphere between us felt heavy with unspoken truths as we exited the restaurant together.