淑女的欲望

Chapter 404  Give Him A Chance

"Are you finished?" Xander's voice caught her off guard, causing her to startle.

Scarlett rose from her chair and turned to face Xander, who leaned against the door frame, observing her.

"X-Xander," Scarlett grinned and walked towards him. "How long have you been there?" She buried herself between his arms, enjoying the closeness.

She closed her eyes and enjoyed the calming and charming fresh mint scent, giving her a sense of serenity.

Being in Xander's arms for a few moments, Scarlett slowly loosens her hug, her gaze meeting him. However, her heart skipped a beat as she noticed a flicker of concern in his eyes. It sent a wave of worry through her.

"Xander, what's wrong?" Scarlett stepped back, hoping to look at his face more clearly. "Why do you look gloomy?" Her voice trembled slightly, fearing that something happened to Carter. "H-Has something bad happened there?" she asks warily.

"No, there's no news about Carter so far. But I need to fly back to W now," Xander answered, pausing to observe her surprised expression. "Babe, I'll return as soon as I can. So..."

"...Xander, I want to go back with you," Scarlett gripped his hand tightly. The thought of being alone in this city unsettled her. She wanted to contribute and believed having her there would really help.

Though Xander's heart yearned to have her by his side, he knew he couldn't bring her back with him. Tonight, Scarlett had an important plan at the palace.

"Babe, have you forgotten about the party tonight? You have a plan to meet Roland Gilwynn..."

Xander gently reminded her of Simon Gilwynn's birthday celebration, where she had plans to meet her biological father. If she returned to W now, the chances of encountering Roland would be delayed.

There is no way he would allow Scarlett to let go of this opportunity, especially not because of Carter. This was an important moment for her to uncover the mysteries surrounding her parents.

As for Carter, Xander assured Scarlett that he would handle the situation. However, he must be there in person to make progress on his investigation; see the crime scene.

"Xander, I refuse to meet him!" Scarlett's fists clenched tightly as Melinda Gilwynn's words echoed in her mind.

She could kill people without hesitation. However, she lacked the courage to face Gilwynn.

How could she bring herself to meet them, knowing that she bore the identity of the woman who had torn their family apart?

Scarlett understood all too well that, in the eyes of the Gilwynn family, her mother's sin ran deep.

She couldn't trust her own heart. At this moment, she didn't have the strength to confront Roland Gilwynn without Xander's presence.

"Please, Xander, don't forbid me, okay!?" Scarlett pleaded, her eyes brimming with tears, causing Xander to falter momentarily.

Observing her profound sadness, Xander embraced her tightly, offering solace in his arms. He allowed her time to regain her composure, easing the intensity of her emotions.

When he sensed her tension subsided, he guided her to their bedroom—seated on the couch beside each other.

Xander gently asks, "Babe, why did you refuse to meet him?"

Although he had already received insights from Theodor regarding the conversation between Scarlett and Melinda Gilwynn, Xander yearned to hear the reasons directly from her lips.

Scarlett opened her mouth several times, but no sound escaped her lips. Frustrated with herself, she buried her face in her hands, attempting to calm her restless mind and heart.

Xander remained patient, refraining from interrupting her. He stroked her back gently, waiting for her to find the words to explain.

After a while, Scarlett began to feel a little bit calm. She lifted her head to meet Xander's smiling gaze.

"I-I..." Scarlett's voice trailed off, her words hesitant. Taking a deep breath, she gathered her thoughts before continuing. She recounted the embarrassing incident that had occurred several years ago between Roland Gilwynn and her mother.

Several minutes passed...

Scarlett finally finished relaying the details to Xander. Although relieved that she had told him about the embarrassing incident, she couldn't shake off her irritation towards Roland and her mother.

Xander remained silent, choosing to embrace Scarlett in a comforting hug instead. He hoped that his gesture would help ease her heavy emotions.

From her tone when sharing stories about her parents' past, Xander could tell she was mad at them. He empathizes with her and understands how painful it is for her. He, too, had experienced similar emotions when his father remarried. Even though the cases were different, the pain they felt was more or less the same.

"Babe, I know you harbor hatred for your mother and Roland Gilwynn," Xander gently released his embrace, ensuring that Scarlett looked into his eyes. "...But have you ever considered hearing Roland's perspective?"

Xander continued, "You've already heard the story from Melinda Gilwynn's side. Why not give Roland a chance? Listen to what truly happened in the past. Why did he have an affair with your mother? Did he know about your existence? And why did your mother suddenly vanish?"

Her expression slowly softens.

Scarlett could think clearly now. Xander's words had some truth to it. She couldn't ignore the opportunity to meet Roland Gilwynn and hear his side of the story.

A question lingered in Scarlett's mind, compelling her to meet Roland Gilwynn, 'Does he know about me?'

If Roland was aware of her existence but never made an effort to find her, then she vowed never to cross paths with him again. She would erase the memory of that man from her mind.

"Alright, I'll stay and attend the party. However," Scarlett's voice turned serious. "You must be cautious! I fear Jude Withers might capture you..."

Xander chuckled, finding amusement in her concern. "Oh, my dear wife... Your husband isn't weak. Please don't compare me to Carter. How could that foolish boy allow himself to be captured by Withers!?" Xander smiled as he gently played with Scarlett's hair.

Scarlett couldn't help but be amused by his words.