淑女的欲望

"Yes, my sister-in-law has set up a company in this country, so..." Theodor excitedly explained, prompting a secret smile from Scarlett.

"Really? Which company, if I may ask?" Maggie stole a glance at Scarlett, but as their eyes met, she noticed a flicker of awkwardness in Scarlett's gaze.

Maggie smiled at her before speaking, "Scarlett, I apologize for prying. I was just curious. Perhaps I can assist you in setting up your company here in the city..."

She feels excited because if Scarlett got into the fashion industry, it would give them something in common to discuss. Besides, she sensed there was more to Scarlett than what meets the eye. She felt curious and wanted to know more about her.

"It's alright, miss..." Scarlett paused as she saw Maggie raise her hand, gesturing for her to stop.

"Scarlett... if you don't mind, call me Maggie. We're only a few years apart, after all. I hope we can be friends," Maggie smiled warmly.

Scarlett could only offer a smile in return, nodding in agreement. At that moment, her ability to speak seemed to desert her. She felt her mind had abandoned her. She didn't know how to chat with them without revealing her anxiety.

Theodor discreetly gulped as he observed Scarlett's expression. He knew she must be feeling awkward. "Hahaha, that's great, Maggie..." he chimed in, swiftly stepping in to assist Scarlett. He was pleased to address Maggie's curiosity about Scarlett's identity.

Meanwhile, Scarlett returns to her conversation with Melinda, catching only part of Theodor's explanation of her company. She wasn't sure whether to feel happy or annoyed that more and more people were becoming aware of her role as the owner of Red Animation Studio. Gosh!

Before long, Scarlett heard the woman beside Maggie speaks, "Maggie, is that Doctor Robert? I thought he was still in the East?" Her voice was filled with excitement.

Scarlett followed the woman's gaze and spotted Grandpa Robert approaching them. A smile slowly appeared as she finally laid eyes on him. A sense of relief washed over her, knowing that she would be able to meet Roland Gilwynn soon and return home.

Every minute spent in this place felt like torture to Scarlett. She couldn't bear the thought of staying here for much longer. Her heart remained restless, despite her attempts to calm herself.

"Oh, you're right. Uncle is finally back!" Maggie said, feeling delighted when she saw Robert Lewis.

"Maggie, you should ask him about Francis... You two will be engaged soon, Mag!" the woman whispered, accompanied by a mischievous giggle. Although her words were hushed, Scarlett could hear them clearly. And those words caught her off guard.

'Francis? So Maggie has a special relationship with Francis Lewis?' Scarlett's eyes darted toward Maggie and her friends. 'Now that's interesting!' A mysterious smile appeared across her lips.

"Maggie, don't be so naive! Francis will never have feelings for you. He's interested in someone else," Theodor couldn't resist commenting upon hearing about Maggie and Elle talk. He rolled his eyes, dismissing their fantasies.

"Nope. You're wrong and know nothing, Theodor! Francis has asked Maggie out several times. So, they've been dating for a while!" Elle Jones retorted, glaring at Theodor.

Scarlett paid no mind to Theodor, and the two women were engrossed in their conversation. Her attention was solely fixed on Grandpa Robert, and as he caught sight of Scarlett, he hastened his steps toward them.

A joyous smile spread across Robert's lips, indicating that the old man was in high spirits to see Scarlett. At that moment, a realization struck Scarlett. Her heart was slightly trembling.

'Now, I'm pretty sure Grandpa Robert must have noticed the resemblance between me and Roland Gilwynn!' she thought, her mind racing with curiosity.

"Can you two please stop arguing?" Maggie glared at Ella and Theodor. She felt a little bit embarrassed, particularly with Scarlett and Melinda present. Moreover, she harbored concerns about Uncle Robert discovering her intense desire to be romantically involved with his son. She didn't want to look cheap, chasing after Francise's heart!

Theodor and Ella promptly sealed their lips, anxious to avoid upsetting Maggie.

All eyes turned to Robert Lewis as he stood before them.

"Hello! So you're all gathered here?" Robert Lewis glanced around the group before his gaze settled on Melinda Gilwynn. "Madam, nice to see you again."

"Robert, thank you!" Melinda replied, a faint smile gracing her lips. "I heard you were traveling to the East. I didn't expect to see you here..." She gestured for Robert to join them.

"Indeed, but I returned a few months ago," Robert replied, his polite smile lingering. He briefly turned his gentle gaze toward Scarlett before refocusing on Melinda. "Madam, I apologize for not joining you all, but I would like to have a moment to speak with Scarlett..."

Melinda and the others were taken aback by Robert's request. They were surprised he knew Scarlett, even though she had only recently arrived in the city. How did she come to know someone as influential as Robert Lewis? Curiosity danced in their eyes as they turned their gaze toward Scarlett.

Scarlett politely excused herself from Melinda before standing up to follow Robert. "Auntie, I'll be going now. See you later," she said.

Still in shock after learning about Scarlett's connection to Robert Lewis, Theodor hastily got up and called out to her, "Wait, wait, sister-in-law... So you know Doctor Robert?" he asked, unable to contain his curiosity.

Maggie and the others, equally curious, turned their attention to Scarlett and Robert Lewis.

"Hmm, I do know him. He is my grandpa!" Scarlett feels amused when she looks at their shocked expression. "Theo, I'll call you later when I'm finished talking to Grandpa!" she said, and with that, she followed Robert Lewis out of the party hall.

...

It took a while for Theodor to gather his thoughts, and he eventually settled down near his mother.

"How is it possible that I never knew Scarlett had a connection to Robert Lewis?" Theodor mumbled to himself. He was certain that Scarlett hadn't known Robert through Xander.

"When did Uncle Robert get a granddaughter?" Maggie inquired, her gaze fixed on Theodor. "You didn't know either?" Curiosity laced her voice.

Theodor shook his head. "I had no idea," he replied, then turned to his mother. "...I'm going out to smoke, Mother."

"Stop smoking, Theo! I hate it when my son hurts himself like that!" Melinda scolded her only son.

However, Theodor walked away, paying no heed to her words.