淑女的欲望

Seeing Xander just staying where he was without saying anything, Rex became curious about their problem. 

Why did Scarlett run away from him? He knew Scarlett deeply loved Xander and vice versa. 

"What happened? Why did she run away from you? Did you cheat on her?" Rex growled while reaching for his cell phone, trying to check new messages. He hopes Scarlett does contact him. But he was disappointed because there were no messages or missed calls from Scarlett on his phone.

Xander shook his head, his voice low and full of pain. "You know me better, Rex! I haven't changed much since our last meeting as a best friend. So, No! No, I didn't cheat on her," he said. "It's just a misunderstanding, that's all. I didn't mean to hurt her, but apparently, I did." He took a deep breath feeling dejected.

Hearing Xander say they were once best friends melted Rex's heart and erased his anger toward Xander. But then Rex frowned. He felt even more confused, "Then, what is the misunderstanding?" he asked. "Maybe I can help you find a way to fix it."

After taking a few deep breaths to calm himself, Xander tells Rex what happened in his office — how Zoey tried to seduce him and how Scarlett came in and witnessed the whole thing. Xander makes no attempt to cover up or hide anything, wanting Rex to fully understand the situation and judge whether he was wrong or not.

Rex's eyes widened in surprise upon hearing Xander's explanation. 

"Damn it, Xander!! You knew about Zoey's true nature and still kept her around? That sounds stupid, man. Anyway, what punishment did you give her?" he asked, skeptical.

Xander explained that he didn't know Zoey's true nature and crazy intentions. Not until Scarlett witnessed the incident in his office. He immediately fired Zoey and ensured she would never work in the industry again and stay in Astington! 

Xander also said he tried apologizing to Scarlett and making things right with her. Still, she ran away before he could explain everything.

Rex listened intently, his expression softening a bit. "I see. That's a tough situation," he said sympathetically. "But why did Scarlett run away instead of talking to you about it?"

Xander shrugged helplessly. "I don't know. Maybe she was hurt. And maybe she's still so hurt and upset, so she didn't want to listen to my side of the story. Yet." he said. "But I need to find her and explain everything. Rex, I need you. Please help me to find her..."

Rex looked stunned at how sincere Xander was now. This was the first time he had witnessed a proud man like Xander Riley begging him like this.

"Don't you have enough resources to track and find her on your own?" Even though he wanted to help him, he was confused why Xander, with his military connections, couldn't find his own wife.

"I'm sure you know my wife is a hacker. A genius one." Xander said, and Rex's expression turned to shock.

"Are you sure she was a hacker? Did Scarlett tell you she was a hacker?" Even though he sounded calm, Rex couldn't believe what he heard. He cursed under his breath, thinking Scarlett had just added another enemy to her list. She had already made enemies with Theodor and was now involving Xander in her dangerous game.

"Hmm... She told me!" Another long sigh escaped from Xander's lips. 

Rex tried to say something, but for some reason, his words faded. He didn't know what to say. Too surprised that Scarlett revealed her identity as a hacker to Xander.

"And she's smart enough to keep my people from tracking her. She just disappeared, like vanished from this earth. But I think she hasn't left Astington because her passport is still in the house. I'm sure she's hiding in Astington, but I can't find her. Rex, I need to meet her and explain everything..." Xander said.

Rex had not noticed Xander's words since earlier; he was too preoccupied with his thoughts. He couldn't help but wonder if Scarlett had revealed her involvement as a member of The Fox to Xander.

"Did Scarlett tell you anything else?" he asked flatly, trying to hide his curiosity and avoid making Xander suspicious of him.

Xander raised his eyebrows curiously. "...She has another secret that I don't know about?" 

"NO!" Instantly, Rex felt relieved. At least Scarlett didn't tell Xander she was a member of The Fox. "Well, I was just asking. Maybe you forgot something..." said Rex, grasping to maintain his calmness.

Xander didn't notice Rex's change in attitude at all. He continued his sentence, "Rex, I need your help because she's not answering any of my calls or messages. I'm afraid she's in danger, and I need to find her as soon as possible."

Rex sighed long, "Oh my, you know she's a hacker, and her skills are top of the world. If she doesn't want to be found, then no matter how hard I try to find her, I won't be able to find her." Rex said seriously. Meant every word.

And Rex knew very well that Scarlett would have left Astington by now. She does not need her 'Scarlett' passport to enter and exit a country. She's got a lot of fake passports to use.

"Damn, It!!" Xander couldn't help but curse. At this moment, he was furious with himself, and his mind couldn't think straight.

Rex chuckled inwardly. He felt sorry for Xander, but at the same time, he was happy. "It would be best if you go home now, Xander! Get some rest. You looked terrible. Just wait in Astington. I'll call you if I have any leads."

Xander fell into deep thought, trying to make a plan for his next move. After a while, he took out his cell phone and typed a message.

"Rex, I sent you the CCTV footage of my meeting with Zoey. It's for Scarlett." Xander said, standing up from his seat. "Please make sure you show her and watch the whole footage..."

This was all Xander could do for now — provide evidence that what happened in his office wasn't his fault. Zoey had been trying to create discord between him and Scarlett. She had hatched her plan long before Scarlett visited his office. Luckily, Xander had installed a CCTV camera behind his office chair. As a prominent CEO, recording all conversations in his office to protect himself from potential threats was common sense.

"CCTV footage of your meeting with Zoey? Why? What's in the footage" Rex asked in confusion. 

"Proof that this is just a misunderstanding! Well, you will know if you see it!" Xander said.

Rex couldn't help but feel impressed by Xander's meticulousness. He nodded and said, "Alright, I'll ensure she sees it."

"Thank you, Rex! I owe you tremendously." With that, Xander left the room. However, before he was about to leave the room, Rex's cell phone suddenly vibrated, and he saw Rex's forehead wrinkled, staring at his cellphone screen. His look made Xander curious to know who the caller was.

Could that be Scarlett? 

Xander decided to stand still, in silence, before Rex and wait.