淑女的欲望

After a moment of pondering, Scarlett finally made a critical decision. She will keep the secret for herself that she has hacked her uncle's computer and found secret documents.

"Uncle, are you certain that you managed to lose them?" 

"Yes, of course! Why do you ask?"

"I can't help but wonder if they found out about this island because of your presence here," Scarlett said cautiously. She didn't mean to tell him about her concern, but her curiosity overcame her doubts.

Noah Withers was speechless. He could only silently stare at Scarlett.

"Ugh, Uncle... I apologize if my question offends you. I just want to ensure that Jude Withers became aware of Island B, not because they successfully tracked your movements," she added, looking at her uncle with concern and guilt.

"No, Scarlett, I'm not offended," Noah Withers quickly replied. "But I'm beginning to doubt whether I truly succeeded in tricking them or not. And because of that, I feel deeply sorry, Scarlett..." His face exuded sadness and severe regret for his choice to enter this country.

"Uncle, please don't blame yourself," Scarlett quickly interjected, her heart sinking from her uncle's heavy burden. 

Noah Withers didn't say anything. He just lowered his head, unable to meet Scarlett's profound gaze.

"We can't be certain if your arrival led them to discover my mother's presence and eventually make Jude Withers reach Island B." Scarlett couldn't bear to see her uncle burdened with guilt. "I will investigate further after I finish taking care of my father's funeral at his final resting place," she added.

Noah Withers looked at Scarlett with a mixture of gratitude and sorrow. He appreciated her comforting words, but the weight of regret still lingered in his eyes. "Thank you, Scarlett. Your understanding means a lot to me. Truly a lot." he expressed, his voice filled with intense emotion.

They both knew that answers and closure would come in due time, but for now, their focus was on honoring and laying Jonathan Piers' body in his final place.

After a while, Scarlett was the first to break the silence in the room.

"Uncle if I remember correctly, you wanted to tell me something?" Scarlett almost forget why her uncle had flown here to meet her.

Noah quickly nodded, "Yes, it's about your mother's last mission. I've got a clue..." he said, reaching into his bag and pulling out a brown envelope, which he handed to her. "You can check it yourself. Here, open this envelope."

Scarlett's heart started pounding as she received the brown envelope. She immediately opened it. Her forehead creased when she saw what was inside — only an address. There was no name, no photo, just an address.

"U-Uncle, what is this?" She raised her head to look at her uncle, seeking an explanation.

"You know that your mother's mission was known only to two people, my father and your mother, right?" Noah paused, waiting for her to nod in understanding.

After he saw her nod, he continued, "Well, nobody else knows anything. So, this is the only lead I could find... your mother's address when she arrived in M Country. You can start your investigation from there."

Scarlett's shoulders sank as she realized the limited information she had received. She had hoped for more detailed clues, such as the target's name or a photograph. But all she had was the address where her mother once lived in country M.

'Gosh! How am I supposed to find any leads after more than 23 years?' Scarlett exclaimed silently, unable to voice her frustration to her uncle. 'Why did he even come all the way here just to give me this address? He could have sent it via email or told me over the phone, right?' she thought.

Countless questions swirled in her mind, but she knew it would be pointless to ask her uncle. She lacked the energy to delve into them now; she felt physically and mentally drained. 

"Okay, Uncle. Thank you..." Scarlett managed to utter those few words.

Xander, who had remained silent all this time, spoke up when he noticed Scarlett's exhaustion. "Baby, go and rest. I'll help Uncle Noah settle into his room," he suggested.

It's not only Xander who is worried. Noah Withers feels that way too. He could see Scarlett's tired face; she looked pale, and her eyes held an empty gaze. "Scarlett, Xander is right. It would be best if you rested more. You have a lot to do tomorrow, so don't exhaust yourself today..."

A faint smile appeared on Scarlett's lips as she spoke, "Uncle, I'm sorry... I won't be able to keep you company any longer." She turned to Xander with a guilty expression, feeling the weight of exhaustion upon her. "Xander, could you please help my uncle? I'm feeling extremely drained."

Xander nodded understandingly and reassured her, "Of course, dear. You can rest now, let me accompany Uncle Noah..."

With gratitude in her eyes, Scarlett gave a nod of appreciation before making her way to her bedroom. The weariness consumed her, and she longed for a peaceful sleep. 

She climbed into bed once she entered her bedroom and immediately curled up under the blanket. She closed her eyes, trying to find comfort and reduce her sorrow.

But before she fell asleep, she heard her cell phone on the bedside table vibrating, causing her eyes to widen. She stared at the ceiling for a few moments, reluctant to move. She hoped the vibrating phone would stop on its own, but it only intensified. 

Taking a deep breath, Scarlett finally gathered the strength to reach for her cell phone.

Tears streamed down her face as she saw the name on the screen, but she fought to hold her sobs. With a trembling voice, she answered, "Brother Rex..."

"Are you alright?" Rex's gentle voice came through from the other end.

"I'm not okay! My heart feels torn..." Her voice was soft, yet the sadness resonated clearly in her tone. "They took everything from me, brother. My father, Auntie Lana, Uncle Adam... Everyone!"