淑女的欲望

Chapter 477 Shocking Encounter

A week had passed since Scarlett first met Mel. Over the past few days, Scarlett had been occupied with working alongside Mel, providing all the information she had about her mother to assist with Mel's facial recognition technology.

Despite their combined efforts to locate her mother, Scarlett often reminded herself not to set her expectations too high. What Mel had explained made sense: if her mother didn't want to be found, it would be challenging to track her down. Nevertheless, they continued their search, although the uncertainty of when it would end weighed heavily on them.

Since yesterday, Scarlett no longer had to meet Mel, as Mel had already returned to X Country. They promised each other to communicate via video call from time to time and if there was anything urgent to discuss. Now, all Scarlett could do was pray that her mother was still out there somewhere, alive, and that they would eventually find a clue that would lead them to her.

However, today, something was causing Scarlett a bit of concern. The previous night, she had received a call from Melinda Gilwynn, who had invited her to lunch at her house.

Scarlett wasn't sure if Melinda already knew her true identity. She had attempted to contact Theodor, but for some reason, he hadn't visited their house in a week and hadn't reached out to her. It seemed as if he had vanished without a trace. Xander had informed her that Theodor was on a business trip on another continent.

"Baby, are you really sure you don't want me to accompany you there?" Xander asked Scarlett as she helped him with his tie. She didn't rush to respond, simply nodding as she ensured the tie she had put on him looked perfect. After that, she helped him with his suit.

"No need. This meeting is crucial for you. You shouldn't cancel it again just for me, Xander!" Scarlett finally replied, her tone serious. "Besides, it's just lunch with Aunt Melinda..." she said calmly, although her heart felt differently.

"Alright. But if you feel uncomfortable there, just let me know, and I'll come to pick you up," Xander assured her before pulling her into his embrace. He held her for a moment before finally leaving the house.

Once Scarlett saw Xander's car moving away, she returned inside. However, she encountered Martha at the entrance just before entering the house. Martha looked as lovely as ever and appeared ready to head to the hospital. Coincidentally, it was a joyous day for them because Carter was being discharged from the hospital.

"Aunty, I'm sorry I can't accompany you to the hospital to pick up Carter," Scarlett expressed apologetically.

Scarlett couldn't delay her meeting with Melinda Gilwynn any longer. If her father had not told Melinda about her true identity, she intended to tell her. She wants to correct her mother's past, not wanting Melinda to harbor negative thoughts about her mother.

"Oh, dear Scarlett, don't worry about that. Ben and Zara will help me..." Martha reassured her. She felt overjoyed because she now had a future daughter-in-law who genuinely cared for her son.

Scarlett smiled back at Martha, relieved that Zara could assist them. "Alright, Aunty, take care..." she said. After a brief chat, Scarlett could finally return to her bedroom and prepare to visit Melinda Gilwynn's house.

****

Before long, Logan's car stopped right in front of Melinda Gilwynn's residence. Even though this wasn't Scarlett's first visit—actually, it was her third—she still couldn't help but feel nervous.

"Young Madam, would you like me to accompany you inside?" Logan, who sensed Scarlett's hesitation, asked politely.

Taken aback by Logan's offer, Scarlett quickly shook her head and replied, "No need," with a faint smile, signaling to Logan that she could handle it on her own for now.

"However... Logan, please stay nearby. I have a feeling I won't be in there for long," she added. If Melinda reacted poorly to her confession, there would be no reason for her to linger in that place, right?

As Scarlett was about to leave the car, Logan watched with a concerned expression. He couldn't help but say, "Don't hesitate to call if you need anything, ma'am..." he reminded her.

"Thank you, Logan. I'll keep that in mind." Scarlett said appreciatively.

...

Scarlett was greeted by the butler at the main entrance, who led her into the house. She followed him silently while trying to calm himself down and shake off her nervousness.

'God! Please... please... make it easier for me to talk to Aunt Melinda. I don't want this matter to hurt either of us,' she silently prayed.

While Scarlett was busy trying to steady her heart, they finally entered the spacious living room. However, after just a few steps, she froze when she saw a familiar man in the living room, conversing with Melinda Gilwynn. That man was none other than her own father, Roland Gilwynn.

'W-Why is he here too?' Scarlett couldn't help but feel puzzled. Nevertheless, at the same time, her worry and nervousness began to dissipate. With her father present, she wouldn't need to explain anything to Aunt Melinda.

"Scarlett, you've finally arrived," Roland Gilwynn exclaimed with a broad smile as he stood up from his chair upon spotting Scarlett, who seemed stunned by his presence. "Why are you just standing there? Come join us..." He smiled at her.

Before Scarlett could respond to her father, her words caught in her throat when she saw Melinda gazing at her in shock.

"Oh, my goodness..." Melinda gasped in shock, her eyes fixed on Scarlett. She couldn't believe what she was seeing. "S-Scarlett... is that you? R-Really?" she stammered as she rose from her seat and approached Scarlett. This was hard for her to believe because they had met several times. Still, she had never suspected that Scarlett was disguising herself to conceal her actual appearance.

Melinda Gilwynn stopped just a step away from Scarlett, her eyes welling up with tears as she closely saw Scarlett from head to toe.