淑女的欲望

Chapter 463 Brother

Scarlett simply nodded, her heart struggling with a sense of awkwardness and surreal progress. However, a thought struck her. "Uhm, Sir—"

"Father, please refer to me as such," Roland interjected, understanding her hesitation. Her inability to address him as 'father' prompted an amused chuckle within him. He recognized the need to afford her time to adjust to this new reality.

Scarlett pressed her lips together, finding herself unable to articulate a response. "Alright," she eventually managed to utter, her hesitation palpable.

"Did Simon know about my mother?" Scarlett asked.

Roland reassured, "He already knows about it. But, you don't have to worry, he understood the situation quickly and requested to meet you in person today. He wants to become familiar with you and also help you locate your mother."

"Help me find my mother? Didn't you mention you have a hacker who could help me? Why involve Simon now?" Scarlett asked in confusion.

"Because the hacker happens to be Simon's closest friend. He will help you introduce the hacker in person," Roland explained.

"Hmm, okay. I'll talk to him," Scarlett said eagerly, thrilled to meet the hacker. The urgency to reunite with her mother surged within her. She needed her now more than ever.

...

When Scarlett and Roland emerged from the library, Xander's gaze fell on Scarlett. He was curious to know what they were talking about for so long there. He was also concerned about her mood, not wanting to see her sad.

He observed Scarlett's expression, which didn't show a hint of emotion, contrasting with Roland's persistent smile. Looking at his smile, Xander could guess that their conversation must have ended on a positive note. It made him relieved, prompting him to rise from his seat. He tenderly assisted her in settling comfortably beside him, clasping her hand affectionately.

"Is everything okay?" Xander asked in a calm soft tone. Watching her nod, he continued, "Very well..."

Scarlett could only respond with a smile, assuring him that all was indeed well. Then she turned her gaze towards Simon, who seemed hesitant to talk to her. She took the initiative and asked him, "Brother Simon... May I address you as such?" She swallowed silently, feeling her throat go dry as she spoke.

A faint smile graced Simon's face, instantly putting Scarlett at ease and fostering a sense of relaxation in his presence.

"Of course, Scarlett," Simon beamed widely, continuing, "You are my little sister; you can certainly refer to me that way."

As he witnessed his children engaging in casual conversation, Roland Gilwynn felt happiness and relief wash over him. He was deeply grateful to Simon for embracing Scarlett following their heartfelt conversation a week prior. He hopes the rest of his family can accept Scarlett, too.

"Thank you, brother Simon," Scarlett's tone sounded more relaxed. "I hear you want to introduce me to your hacker friend?" she continued. She couldn't wait any longer to know when she could meet that person. The sooner she met the hacker, the sooner she had a chance of finding her mother.

Scarlett believed her mother might still be alive somewhere if the universe hadn't played tricks on her.

"Yes, Father had asked for my best friend's help but it was only a week ago that I told her in detail about your mother's case, and coincidentally, she faced a situation similar to yours in the past. So, she agreed to help…" he explained.

'She?' Scarlett found herself surprised when she heard that. 'So, the formidable hacker behind this kingdom is a woman?' The thought of the hacker possibly being someone she knew from the Hacker Community caused her heart to race, and she became curious to know.

"When can we meet her?" Scarlett's excitement surged suddenly.

"She actually just arrived in town a few days ago. We can visit her place tomorrow, perhaps have dinner with her, if that works?" Simon offered.

"Absolutely, brother. I'd love to. It turns out I don't have any plans for tomorrow." Scarlett hurriedly agrees.

"Perfect! I'll let her know," Simon affirmed.

After discussing a few other less engaging topics, Roland and Simon finally leave their house. Scarlett and Xander also didn't linger in the house. After they finished lunch, they headed to the hospital to visit Carter.

Upon their arrival at the hospital, Scarlett and Xander coincidentally encountered Doctor Robert Lewis stepping out of Carter's treatment room. Xander engaged in conversation with him regarding Carter's current condition while Scarlett, with narrowed eyes, quietly observed Grandpa Robert.

Seeing him finish his conversation with Xander, Scarlett immediately spoke to him, "Grandpa, I need to talk to you. In private…" she said. Then, seeing Xander, she asked him to continue to meet Carter first.

Sensing Scarlett's seriousness in her tone and face, Robert asked his fellow doctor who accompanied him to visit the patient and the nurse to leave them alone.

Then Robert asked Scarlett to follow him to a corner with a bench by the glass wall. They sat there talking but almost whispering.

"How's your condition? Are you feeling much better now?" Robert asked with genuine concern. Knowing of Scarlett's miscarriage pained him, yet he can't do anything to help her. He could only hope she would be pregnant again in due time.

"Much better," A thin smile framed Scarlett's face. She felt touched that Grandpa Robert seemed so worried about her condition. However, she also wanted to express her frustration with Grandpa Robert.

"Grandpa, why did you tell him about my pregnancy?" Scarlett asked, her tone filled with annoyance.

"Who?" Robert asked, momentarily puzzled by her words.

"My Fath..." Scarlett quickly corrected herself, shaking her head. "No, I mean Roland Gilwynn... Why did you tell him?"

"He's your father, Scarlett. He deserved to know, too," Robert chuckled at Scarlett, who now pouted playfully like a little girl. "...Scarlett Piers, you are about to become a mother, yet you're acting like a child!?" Doctor Robert shook his head.

Scarlett responded with an exaggerated sigh.

"Grandpa, I'm still annoyed, okay! Spare me the teasing," Scarlett rolled her eyes.

Robert ignored the sulking Scarlett. Instead, his curiosity prompted him to ask about the progress of Scarlett's relationship with her father, "It seems you already accept him as your father, is it!?" he asked with genuine curiosity.