淑女的欲望

After seeing Scarlett's lack of reaction, Theodor continued, "But then, I realized the gravity of the situation. Your attackers were heavily armed and had a significant number of people. I grew worried that something terrible might happen to you. When my car came to a crossroads, I witnessed your car roll down the hillside, and they didn't let you go. They shot at your car..."

Scarlett nodded, memories of that moment resurfacing as she was still conscious enough to hear the gunshots.

Theodor continued narrating, "Fearing you to death, I ordered my men to distract your pursuers and engage in gunfire with them..." He clearly remembered what happened back then. They were clearly outmatched, with only six bodyguards against more than a dozen armed enemies equipped with rifles and automatic weapons.

How could they possibly win? 

Theodor never intended to initiate the kidnapping under those circumstances; he just wanted to gather information about Scarlett's destination.

Consumed by the fear of losing Scarlett, Theodor acted recklessly, losing two of his own people during the chaotic events. Despite the devastating outcome, he believed his actions had bought Scarlett precious time to escape. 

"That's what happened from my perspective," Theodor admitted, his voice tinged with hope. "I understand if you find it hard to believe, but I genuinely hope you do..."

Scarlett was taken aback by the revelation. She was torn between accepting Theodor's story as the truth or remaining skeptical. Deep down, she still harbored doubts and couldn't bring herself to trust him completely.

"I have proof if you don't believe me, Scarlett..." Theodor stated calmly. "I had a car DVR* installed in my car, which recorded everything that happened that day. If you'd like to see the recording footage, I can arrange to have someone send it to you." A glimmer of hope began to rise within him.

Theodor saw an opportunity to trade his life for the tape, proving his innocence and convincing Scarlett not to kill him. Alternatively, he could use this chance to communicate his location to his people, who were undoubtedly growing concerned by his absence at his villa.

His greatest worry was that news of his disappearance would reach his family in M Country, causing them to frantically search for him and potentially jeopardize Scarlett and the Fox organization. He cared for Scarlett profoundly and wished to protect her at all costs.

"Send me the footage!" Scarlett demanded. "However, before you do, let's make a deal!" Rising from her seat, she walked over to a corner of the room and retrieved a black coat, which she recognized as belonging to Theodor. After ensuring there were no hidden devices or weapons, she tossed the coat to him.

"Put on this coat!" The atmosphere in the room turned frigid, and Theodor's lips started turning purple. Scarlett still needed him; she didn't want him to freeze to death.

After observing Theodor wrap himself in the coat, Scarlett instructed him to sit in the chair she had occupied earlier. 

Meanwhile, she positioned herself a short distance away, leaning against the wall with her arms crossed over her chest.

She locked eyes with Theodor and uttered, "I won't kill you, Theodor..."

In an instant, Theodor's previously solemn face gradually brightened, his eyes reflecting a renewed glimmer as he gazed back at Scarlett's captivating gaze.

"T-Thank you, Scarlett!" Theodor couldn't contain his gratitude.

Amused by his joyous reaction, Scarlett chuckled before saying, "Well, don't rush to thank me. I'm not that forgiving..." A mischievous smile played on her lips, causing Theodor to tense up instantaneously, realizing that his life still hung in the balance, entirely at Scarlett's mercy.

"Even though you are my husband's best friend, I won't forgive you that easily," she continued, her voice tinged with irritation.

"I know. Because of me, you had to hide like a criminal," Theodor whispered softly, his words carrying clearly to Scarlett, eliciting a smile from her.

"Indeed! However, I won't kill you right away either because I still need you," she declared, suddenly forming a plan to turn Theodor into her servant during her upcoming journey to M Country, where she intended to investigate her mother's final mission.

Scarlett harbored hopes of uncovering clues about her mother's whereabouts and her biological father through her mother's last mission. She firmly believed that Country M was essential for finding her father as well.

"What kind of help do you..." Theodor began to ask, but his words trailed off when Scarlett raised her hand, signaling him to stop.

"You know I'm a member of The Fox, right?" she asked, waiting for a nod of affirmation from Theodor. After seeing him nod, she continued her words, "Who else knows besides you?"

"Just me and my hacker," Theodor replied.

"Xiu!?" Scarlett interjected. She raised her eyebrow.

"Yes! Why? Why do you ask?" Theodor asked, confused.

Scarlett massaged her temples, contemplating the fate of the foolish hacker, Xiu. After a brief moment of reflection, she finally spoke, "Can that man be trusted? I'll have to eliminate him if he ever leaks my true identity as a member of The Fox!" Scarlett's voice sounded serious.

"Xiu can be trusted, but..." Theodor answered quickly, causing Scarlett to furrow her brow at his choice of words.

"But what?"

"Xiu used to resent you because your skills surpassed his. However, that was in the past. Now, he genuinely wants to meet you and learn from you," Theodor explained, feeling embarrassed that his hacker couldn't surpass Scarlett's abilities.

"Hahaha," Scarlett couldn't help but burst into laughter upon hearing of Xiu's admiration for her prowess. "Want to be my disciple? Don't dream about it!!" She dismissed the idea outright. She has no plans to teach anyone.

Theodor could only offer a bitter smile. How could Scarlett ever accept Xiu, especially after he had kept her busy for the past year?

...

"Speaking of your fate," Scarlett's voice grew serious, "Your life is now in my hands. Previously, I gave you two injections. The blue one helps reduce pain and promotes healing in your body. The yellow one, however, is the real deal..." 

A mischievous smile played on Scarlett's lips as she observed Theodor's complexion turn pale.

****

*DVR = Digital Video Recorder (A dashboard camera or simply dashcam, also known as a car digital video recorder)