淑女的欲望

On the way back to their house, the Royal Garden, Scarlett remained silent about her conversation with Melinda. Each time she attempted to talk about it, her tongue grew numb. She felt too ashamed to confess to Xander that her mother played a role in the Queen's death.

She could only take deep breaths of air a few times to try to relieve the tightness in her chest.

The car ride, which lasted only a few minutes from Theodor's house, seemed to stretch into an hour. All Scarlett yearned for was to return home, find solace in sleep, and momentarily forget everything that had happened.

After a few minutes had passed, their home came into view, relieved her a bit.

Scarlett hastily stepped out as the car stopped right before the main entrance, not waiting for Xander to open the car door for her.

Xander grew concerned, but he couldn't force Scarlett to talk. He caught up to her swiftly, holding her hand as they entered their house together.

Scarlett was slightly taken aback by the touch of Xander's hand in hers. She cast him a faint smile before making her way to the second floor, heading for their bedroom.

"Babe, why don't you freshen up first? I have some things to attend to in the study," Xander suggested upon reaching the master bedroom. She nodded and entered the room.

Deliberately, Xander granted Scarlett some time alone. He intended to call Theodor to ask why his wife looked so gloomy after talking to his mother.

Xander's call to Theodor connected without delay. Xander expressed his concern and requested that Theodor investigate what Scarlett discussed with his mother. 

Theodor took a deep breath before speaking as if in sync with Xander's thoughts.

"Xander, when Scarlett abruptly bid farewell, I sensed something had happened to her. That's why I immediately asked my mother about their conversation..." Theodor paused, attempting to gather himself. The words he had heard from his mother still left him speechless.

Understanding Scarlett's actions now, Theodor could empathize with her, as he, too, had been shocked upon learning the truth.

"What is it?" Xander inquired urgently.

Without hesitation, Theodor disclosed the scandal involving his uncle, which had remained concealed for years. Even Theodor himself had only become aware of it today.

Given Scarlett's true identity, Theodor understood her emotional turmoil. That poor girl must be heartbroken.

"How is she? Is she alright?" Theodor asked, feeling worried.

Xander stood before the glass window, gazing at the dark sky, his brows furrowed. He was deeply worried about his wife's emotional state.

Regret weighed heavily on Xander because he couldn't turn back time to prevent Scarlett from engaging in that conversation. He blamed himself for bringing her to meet Theodor's family.

"She's not okay, Theo!" Xander finally spoke, breaking the silence. "...Throughout the entire journey from your house to ours, she remained silent. She didn't say anything about her conversation with your mother!"

"I see," Theodor responded apologetically, filled with guilt. "Xander, I'm truly sorry. I couldn't hold my mother..."

"It's not Auntie's fault either," Xander said with a deep sigh. "After all, Scarlett wanted to learn more about Roland Gilwynn, so we can't blame your mother."

"I understand," Theodor whispered, but then a thought crossed his mind. "Xander, what about the King's Birthday party? Will you both be attending?"

Xander didn't respond immediately. He didn't even know how to answer because the decision rested solely with Scarlett, and he would support whatever choice she made.

"Let her decide. I'll inform you once she confirms whether or not she wants to attend the party. In the meantime, proceed with your plan as usual—find a way for Scarlett to meet your uncle," Xander instructed.

While Xander talked with Theodor, Scarlett lay in bed, wrapped under the covers in the softly dim room, trying to shut her eyes.

However, several minutes passed, and sleep eluded her. 

Countless questions raced through her mind. All about her mother; Where was she? Is she really alive somewhere out there?

She made several attempts to clear her mind, but all her efforts proved futile. Even using her childhood method of counting sheep failed to bring her sleep.

Gosh!

It seemed she needed to talk to someone and get rid of the anxiety in her mind.

She needs Xander!

Swiftly, she rose from the bed, yet just as she was about to leave the room, her cell phone on the nightstand buzzed, halting her steps. Intrigued by the identity of the caller, she hesitated for a moment.

Curiosity piqued, she considered the few numbers that could call her at this late hour, such as her uncle.

"Uncle?" she whispered to herself, hastening to retrieve her cell phone. However, her excitement slowly vanished as Rex's name appeared on the cellphone screen.

"Brother Rex!?" Scarlett greeted Rex with bewilderment. Why was he calling her at such a late hour?

"Sis, I have good news for you," Rex's voice echoed with joy from the other end. "We've detained the Withers assassins. Would you like to interrogate them now?"

Instantly, a faint smile graced Scarlett's face. Finally, there was something to uplift her spirits today—a piece of good news indeed!

"Of course! I want to go..." She responded quickly, but the realization that she needed to seek Xander's permission dampened her excitement. A hint of worry crept into her thoughts. "Where are they?"

"They're at our base camp. If you want to go, I'll pick you up right away!"

Scarlett paused, realizing she needed to consult with Xander first. Her identity as a member of the Fox posed a complication, especially if she were to leave in the middle of the night like this.

"Do you need my help?" Rex picked up on Scarlett's anxiety.

"No, it's fine. I'll talk to Xander now. Brother, I'll let you know soon..." she said before ending the call.

"Baby, what did you want to talk to me about?"

Scarlett's body tensed instantly upon hearing Xander's voice from behind.

'Did he overhear my conversation?' Scarlett wondered, turning to face him with a gentle smile.