淑女的欲望

Scarlett couldn't simply kill Theodor either because, in this case, he was innocent and had even tried to help her. It was all just a misunderstanding between them. However, she couldn't take anything for granted either. She needed something to ensure his silence, to prevent him from revealing her secret. That's why she mentioned the slow-acting poison, which was a fabrication. There was no such poison in her possession.

She had merely bluffed to dissuade him from exposing her identity to Xander. Furthermore, she needed Theodor because he possessed the connections that would pave the way for her plan to uncover traces of her mother's past in Country M.

...

"Theodor, regarding the man who beat you," Scarlett cleared her throat before continuing, "I hope you didn't hold a grudge against him. He is my older brother. He only confronted you because he was angry about how you had been pursuing me as if I were a criminal throughout the past year..." She explained.

"What beating?" Theodor said, his voice filled with confusion as he scanned his body for any signs of injuries. "No one has laid a hand on me, Scarlett! And, you should know, I came here willingly, not under any force..." He grinned, revealing his pearly white teeth.

Scarlett was left speechless. 'This foolish Theodor acting, why looks so convincing!?' she thought, finding his act rather amusing.

"Nice response, Theo! I appreciate your attitude. Alright, this is nearly wrapped up. I have to return to my husband," Scarlett said as she prepared to leave. "...My friend will release you shortly, and please send me the recorded video!" She walked toward the door.

"Wait, wait... Scarlett!" Theodor stood up from his chair and looked at Scarlett, who was now standing by the door. "I don't know how to reach you. Could I have your cell phone number?"

"I will contact you! Now, wait here. Someone will take care of you!" She said, opening the door. But before she left, she turned back to look at Theodor and added, "You can call Xander and invite him for dinner at your place."

"Huh!? Weren't you guys supposed to return to Astington this morning?" Theodor asked, clearly confused.

"We're postponing it by a day. It would be a shame if you two didn't get a chance to meet up..." Scarlett sincerely said, then closed the door behind her.

As the door shut, Theodor's face brightened with joy. He never expected that his so-called death sentence would become an opportunity to be close to Trinity, Scarlett Piers. However, the realization that Scarlett was his best friend's wife made his heart ache slightly.

"How did Xander get to meet Scarlett before me? If only I had been quicker, I could have been the one who married Scarlett!" Theodor muttered to himself as he closed his eyes, attempting to fall asleep.

Gradually, his body relaxed, and his eyelids grew heavy. Soon, the darkness consumed him, causing his body to collapse onto the floor as he lost consciousness.

****

Rex grinned as he observed Scarlett emerging from the detention room. He approached her, curious about what had transpired inside. Why did it take her a whole two hours to deal with Theodor!?

But before he asked, he was shocked by her appearance.

"Shit! Sister, why did you take off your disguise?" Rex was surprised to see her without her contact lenses and wig, she even took off her makeup.

Scarlett ignored his question, instead, she shot him a death glare, still annoyed that Rex had stolen her chance to beat up Theodor. "Brother Rex!! Why did you hit him?"

"Because he's the villain!" Rex nonchalantly replied, casually adjusting his long black coat as he walked towards the exit with Scarlett at his side. "Isn't that what you wanted? To beat him mercilessly? Why are you questioning my actions now?" He retorted upon noticing Scarlett's displeased expression.

Scarlett averted her gaze ahead, shaking her head slowly. After taking a deep breath, she spoke, "I'm angry that you stole my chance to vent my anger on him! Can you please stop doing that?" Her voice carried a note of irritation. This wasn't the first time Rex had intervened and taken her enemies away from her, even though she also desired to unleash her anger upon them.

Rex let out a chuckle. "Little sister, I promise I won't do it again!" he assured her. "What do you plan to do with him?" Rex asked, his tone turning serious.

"Theodor is innocent, brother!" Scarlett took a deep breath before continuing. "It has all been a misunderstanding between us. He didn't mean to harm me, and it wasn't even related to what happened a year ago..."

Rex furrowed his brow but remained silent as he followed Scarlett up the stairs, attentively listening to her explanation.

Scarlett recounted the entire story to Rex and the others as they returned upstairs. Seven and Nine joined them in the spacious sitting room, where Scarlett shared the details of what had occurred a year ago.

Rex and the others were left shocked by Scarlett's revelations. They couldn't believe they had misjudged Theodor's intentions. However, a lingering concern remained—the identity of the true mastermind behind the sudden attack.

Silence filled the room for a few moments.

Soon after, Rex glanced at Scarlett and then at Seven before speaking seriously, "Who do you think was the person behind the attack a year ago?"

Scarlett and Seven didn't respond immediately. Lost in their own thoughts, they remained silent for a few minutes as if they were unaware of the identity of their assailant.

Nine interjected, breaking the silence, "Seven, Three... The last mission you did before that incident. The people who attacked you were likely the same. And they were also the ones trying to blame Theodor to cover their tracks..." he said calmly.

Nine could only smile looking at Scarlett and Seven shocked expressions and shook his head, feeling remorseful for Theodor, who had become a punching bag for Rex just hours ago due to a mere misunderstanding.

"Thank you Brother Nine for the reminder. I'll conduct my investigation later," Scarlett said, rising from her chair. She felt tired and wanted to return home to meet her husband immediately. She could picture Xander still awake, waiting for her.

After requesting Rex to escort Theodor back to his villa, Scarlett exited the room alongside Seven.