淑女的欲望

As she scanned the room for Rex, Scarlett couldn't help but wonder where he was. It was his birthday party, after all. Had he decided to skip his own birthday party and stay at home?

"Where's Rex?" she asked Zara, who was now chatting with Tyler.

Zara pats her forehead, realizing that earlier Rex had asked her to inform Scarlett that he was meeting with his business partners in the private room and would join them later.

"I see," Scarlett smiles faintly. "I thought he abandoned this party to wrap himself in someone's arms..." She jokes.

"Hahaha, who knows? Maybe meeting with the businessmen is just a cover-up for that!" Zara rolls her eyes. "Oh right, how long will you stay here?"

"We will go back to Astington tomorrow." Scarlett decides to leave. She wants to visit Xander's Family and her father on B Island before planning her trip to M Country. Finding her mother is her top priority now.

"So soon?" Zara is surprised. "Girl, didn't you promise to visit us in LA? Let's go there first before you head back to Astington."

Scarlett felt guilty for breaking her promise to Zara about their trip to LA. She apologized to Zara, expressing her regret, "Zara, I'm sorry. I wish I could have gone to LA as planned, but something in my family requires my immediate attention. I have to sort it out before I can plan another trip to LA."

Zara, showing concern, asked, "Family? It's your father, isn't it? Did something happen to him?"

"No, he's fine..." Scarlett reassured her, "Thank you for your concern. I must handle some family matters before considering a trip to LA, sorry Zara, I can't tell you in detail..."

"Scarlett I understand, you better get back to Astington. We can meet up after you've sorted everything out." She smiled. 

Scarlett appreciated Zara's seemingly sincere attention but couldn't tell her about her mother's situation, which was too risky to reveal.

****

While Scarlett and Zara were engrossed in conversation, Rex was seated in a private room on the second floor of the Empire Club with Seven. The spacious and lavish room was soundproof, and no sound could be heard from the EDM music outside.

Rex's face turned stiff after hearing Seven's report. There was tension in the room as no one spoke for a while.

After a few moments of silence, Seven finally broke the silence, "So, what are your orders now, Two?" he asked, looking at Rex with a sense of anticipation.

Rex, lost in thought, slowly turned his head towards Seven, his expression complex and hard to read.

"For now, continue doing what you're doing, but make sure they don't find out she's in town," Rex said seriously. 

Rex had a headache with that person who never gave up pursuing Scarlett. He was sometimes very tempted to confront him, but his common sense always held him back. 

"And ask Ten to trick them into thinking that she's in Country X," he added, "We have to keep her safe..."

Seven nodded his head in agreement. "Understood, Two. I'll make sure everything is taken care of."

After seeing Seven leave the room, Rex quickly called someone before going to find Scarlett. 

A smile appeared as he spotted her and the others, but his heart sank at seeing her with Xander. 

Despite the pain, he felt grateful for reconciling with Xander on his 29th birthday. But it was ironic that his best friend had stolen his future wife.

Rex took a deep breath, trying to calm his troubled heart. But then, he heard someone call his name from behind.

"Hey, what are you doing here alone, Rex?" A young man approached him. "By the way, happy birthday, man! You're looking better each year."

Rex smiled when he saw his childhood friend. "Thanks for coming, Cad! You should join the others," he said, gesturing toward the direction of the dance floor below.

After seeing his friend walk away, Rex approached Scarlett and the others. His expression slowly changed from sad to happy, and a broad smile now framed his handsome face.

"Hey, guys!" Rex greeted Xander and the others, "Sorry, late greeted you guys. I was just taking care of some business." He said while glancing at Scarlett. He sent her a detailed look at her. 

Scarlett could tell by the eyes that something was bothering Rex now. She feels tense. 

"I'm glad you could make it back to your own party, Rex," Scarlett said.

Rex chuckled. "How could I miss my birthday party?" he replied, still smiling and sitting beside Scarlett while combing his hair with his finger which made Zara sitting opposite him swallow hard. 

Zara couldn't help but notice how manly and handsome Rex was. Still, she always reminded herself of how much of a womanizer Rex was, and it prevented her from falling in love with him.

"Yo, Rex!! I will not give you a birthday gift this year!" Zara said, trying to sound playful. "I'm the poorest among us. You should be the one donating to me..." She forced a bitter smile before taking a sip of her wine.

"Zara!! Are you already drunk?" Rex shook his head, chuckling at Zara's red cheeks. "Did you forget? You never give me gifts, young lady!"

"Don't talk nonsense. I always send you flowers by email every time it's your birthday!!" Zara rolls her eyes. 

"Hahaha, thank you for that, Zara but" Rex turned to Scarlett and added, "You should learn from my sister, Scarlett. Last year, she gave me a limited edition watch from a well-known brand."

"Come on, Rex! How can you force me to compete with my boss?" Zara said. A mischievous expression slowly appeared on her face. "Well, I'm just a poor employee. And you should be grateful... because every year, I tried to find a nice picture of a bouquet of flowers for you."

"Hey, don't sell yourself short, Zara..." Rex said with a grin. "I'm pretty sure you make more than the Microsoft CEO." He took a sip of his red wine and then laughed.