淑女的欲望

Scarlett turned her gaze to the street outside. She remained silent for a moment, trying to ease the heaviness in her chest, which was still lingering from discussing her relationship with Roland Gilwynn. Whether it was due to worry or embarrassment, she found herself puzzled.

After a while, she finally opened her mouth, her gaze fixed on Robert. 

"Grandpa, I can't deny that his blood runs through my veins... he is my father. However, why do I still feel awkward around him? I mean... It's difficult for me to express my emotions when I meet him. I feel confused whenever I want to call him 'father' or—" She struggled to find the words, her voice trailing off.

Her shoulders slumped as she took another long, deep breath. Once again, she turned her gaze to the outside.

A smile appeared on Robert's lips as he heard her words.

"Oh dear, that's natural. You never knew about Roland's existence for more than twenty years, and suddenly, the man appears in your life. Surely, you will feel that way," Robert said while gently patting Scarlett's shoulder, attempting to ease her worries.

He continued, "Don't stress too much about it, Scarlett. Just enjoy the process. After a while, you'll get used to it. What you have to do now is not distance yourself from him and try to give him a chance to prove that he can be a fun father for you."

Scarlett understood what Grandpa Robert was trying to convey. She nodded before saying, "I know, Grandpa. I'll try to do that..." She spoke slowly, not wanting to delve into her feelings toward Roland.

She shifts the conversation, saying, "Oh, Grandpa, is Carter going to have another major surgery?" She was genuinely concerned about Carter's condition, as she hadn't heard much when Xander and Grandpa Robert discussed the results of Carter's surgery earlier.

"Yes, there shouldn't be any more major surgery. I've already implanted new cells to stimulate the bones and muscles to regrow," Robert explained, pausing to simplify his explanation for Scarlett's understanding.

He continued, "These implant cells are the result of some of my old research I conducted many years ago. Mmm... do you remember about one of my patients who nearly drove me close to madness?"

Scarlett nodded, saying, "The girl who was in a coma for a few years and then suddenly regained consciousness? Is that the patient you're talking about?"

"Indeed. Well, her name is Melanie Tanner," he replied. "Mel completely changed my perspective on medicine. Since then, all my research has been inspired by her case. That's why curing Carter is absolutely possible. I will make Carter a healthy young man as before because now I have a way to do so…" A proud smile flashed in his eyes.

Scarlett felt relieved hearing this. However, as she recalled the name of his old patient, something else flashed in her mind. "Grandpa, did you say Melanie Tanner is the patient that inspired you?"

"Yes," Robert nodded.

"Hmmm….I think... I've heard that name before," Scarlett said, trying to remember where she had heard it the last time before today.

"I believed you must have heard her name. She is better known as Mel Tan. That might be the name that you heard; she's a successful businesswoman in X Country and also a genius—"

Scarlett gasped in surprise upon hearing this. She had never imagined that her Grandpa's old patient was Mel Tan.

'Wow, this universe seems so strange. All this time, I met someone who had rescued Mel Tan,' Scarlett thought to herself. She now remembers where she heard that name. She had known that woman's name a few years ago and it happened that Mel was also Alex Hill's best friend.

"However, in her case back then, it's not about her coma that made me find a way to heal Carter, but her body healed after a fatal car accident," Robert's voice trailed off as he remembered he couldn't disclose the details of Mel's medical record to Scarlett.

"Well, from her case, I conducted a lot of successful research using guinea pigs. However, I never tried it on humans because there were no cases yet. And Carter was the first case to which I could apply this treatment," Robert explained in more detail.

Scarlett didn't fully grasp his medical explanation, but she listened silently, trying to understand as much as possible.

"What I'm trying to say... I'm quite confident that Carter will be able to walk normally, and maybe his feet will even be as strong as before!" Robert concluded his explanation with confidence and pride.

"Grandpa, that's what I wanted to hear," Scarlett's smile grew wider. She trusted this old man before her; he wouldn't have earned the nickname 'A Divine Doctor' if he couldn't find a way to cure Carter.

"Hahaha, don't worry, my dear Scarlett. Your brother-in-law will be fine!" Robert said happily. "Alright, you go meet him now. I have so many things to do at my office."

"Okay, Gramp! Thank you for everything. I'll treat you to dinner next time," she said, smiling as she watched the old man walk toward the elevator.

After Grandpa Robert vanished from her line of sight, Scarlett immediately entered Carter's treatment room. She was surprised to see him looking fit and healthy, much better than the last time she met him. 

Scarlett also noticed Xander sitting alone on the sofa, seemingly ignoring Carter and Aunt Martha as if he didn't want to be disturbed.

"Damn, sister-in-law!! You finally showed up!" Carter said loudly and excitedly, causing Xander to gaze toward Scarlett. He simply smiled at her and then returned to reading something on his iPad.

"Scarlett, you finally came. How are you feeling?" Martha stood up from her seat and warmly embraced Scarlett. For almost three days, this girl hadn't visited them in the hospital, and Martha had started to worry that something might be wrong with her.

"Aunty, I'm fine," Scarlett replied, returning the hug and offering a warm smile to Carter, who was still glaring at her.