淑女的欲望

"How can you be so sure?" Rex asked.

"I've mentioned before that the assassin who entered my house was searching for something—evidence," Scarlett explained, pausing to take a deep breath. "I'm not sure what exactly they were looking for, but I know they found nothing."

She vividly remembered her mother erasing all traces of her presence on B Island before faking her own death. Perhaps her mother had foreseen this turn of events, prompting her to eliminate any evidence that Jude Withers might be seeking. If it still existed, the evidence could be in her mother's possession.

...

Silence enveloped the living room.

Scarlett and the others remained lost in their own thoughts, their minds consumed by the mystery behind it all, the Withers sibling fights.

"Sister, I will find out what evidence Jude Withers truly sought from your mother," Rex declared, breaking the silence with a serious tone. "I believe this evidence compelled Jude to relentlessly pursue and attempt to kill your mother..." His voice resonated with determination.

Scarlett nodded slowly. She is in absolute agreement with Rex's every word. Ever since she learned about Jude Withers' relentless pursuit of evidence her mother might hold, she had speculated that whatever it is, it must be a secret crucial to Jude Withers's life and would endanger him if the people at large ever found out. So it enraged him that her mother knew about it. And that's what drove him to eliminate her, his own sister.

"Rex," Xander interjected firmly, his gaze piercing as he focused on Rex. "You don't need to involve yourself in this matter. And I don't want you to as well. I don't want you to jeopardize yourself. I will do it. Scarlett is my wife, and I will personally handle the investigation... It's my responsibility too, as a husband, anyway." His words conveyed both concern and displeasure, as he expressed his disapproval of Rex assisting Scarlett when he believed he could handle the task himself.

Scarlett was left speechless. Once again, these two alpha males were locked in a competition to assist her. Good god!

On the one hand, Scarlett was well aware of Rex's capabilities as the second-in-command of their organization, The Fox. On the other hand, she had only recently discovered Xander's hidden powers, likely tied to his involvement with a special military team in their country. However, she knows that Xander's help may not be enough, as the investigation will take place in Country X, a foreign land to them.

"X-Xander..." Scarlett's voice trailed off as Rex interjected.

"Damn it, Xander!" Rex shook his head in frustration. "You don't have the authority to carry out operations in X Country, man!" His confident tone seemed to irk Xander as a vein appeared on his forehead.

Rex let out a chuckle before continuing, "On the other hand, I have extensive resources in that country. I've established several businesses there, making it easier for me to conduct the investigation." He explained his advantage.

Scarlett understood that Rex was not bluffing but speaking the truth. Their organization, The Fox, had a branch in X Country, and their leader, known as One, was set to visit and assist their operatives Seven and Ten with the investigation. And most importantly, not many know that one of their core members, Six, also known as Casey Adams, hails from that country — The current president of X Country, Daniel Adams, is Cassey's uncle. 

Xander shook his head slowly, then turned his gaze to Scarlett. A victorious smile played on his lips as he asked, "Baby, have you forgotten who my best friend is over there?"

Scarlett was taken aback. How could she have forgotten that Xander had a close friendship with Alex Hills, a special forces member in X Country?

Now she was left speechless. It became clear that these two men possessed the means to conduct the investigation smoothly, thanks to their reliable resources and backing in X Country.

Scarlett didn't respond immediately to Xander and Rex, who expressed their urge to conduct the investigation on her behalf. She took a moment to gather her thoughts, careful not to make a decision that might upset either of them.

After a brief pause, Scarlett felt the intensity of their gaze upon her as if they were eagerly awaiting her answer. She looked at Xander, then at Rex, back and forth.

"All right," she finally spoke in a soft, defeated tone. "You two can work together. I don't care about the extent of your resources over there. What matters to me is your cooperation and delivering the best possible outcome..."

Although Xander and Rex appeared somewhat disappointed, they didn't voice their thoughts and simply nodded in agreement.

"But you need to understand," Scarlett warned them, her tone becoming intense. "Do not touch Jude Withers, his company, or any of their underground business ventures..." She emphasized this point because she had promised her Uncle Noah that she would trust him to handle Jude Withers until she found her mother.

"You are only allowed to investigate the specific information I require. Nothing beyond that," she continued, locking eyes with them, ensuring they understood the significance of her words. "Do you both understand?" 

"Yes, sister!" Rex said enthusiastically.

"Babe, don't worry, I understand..." Xander smiled affectionately and gently placed her hand on his lap.

"Hubby, thank you..." She looked into his eyes with love.

Rex, on the other hand...

He felt like a third wheel in the room. "Guys! I'll head back now." He stood up from his seat and quickly made his way to the door.

Scarlett followed Rex, walking him to the door, with Xander trailing behind.

"Brother, you can stay here. We have empty guest rooms available," Scarlett suggested, feeling a tinge of sadness at the thought of Rex returning to his villa so late at night.

Rex was taken aback by her offer. He would have eagerly accepted in the past, but how could he do that now? How could he subject his fragile heart to witnessing their intimate moments?

It was better for him to return to his villa and enjoy solitude rather than live here with them.

"Thank you, little sis, but no thank you..." Rex smiled gently at her, continuing, "I have a late date, so I better go now..."

"Dating? Geez, brother, did you bring your girl from New York? Who is she?" Scarlett was surprised to learn that her brother had brought a female companion to the island. She had assumed he came alone, which was why he offered to stay at their place.