淑女的欲望

He nodded.

"Did you ever think that my mother was one of them?" 

Scarlett's question confused Roland, prompting him to ask, "What do you mean, Scarlett? Please explain more clearly so I can understand." 

Scarlett fell silent for a few moments, unsure where to begin explaining to her father about the Withers and her identity as an assassin.

"Father, you are aware of Withers family business, right?"

"Yes, they control underground businesses in X Country," Roland replied. That's what he had heard from his intelligence sources some time ago. However, he wasn't entirely sure about the extent of their business and its details. He didn't dig into more information about them.

"That's correct. They are involved in various illegal enterprises, including firearms sales, casinos, nightclubs, and many more. But only a select few know they are deeply involved in the assassin business, at least on their continent..."

Roland's expression stiffened upon hearing this.

"Assassins? They really have that kind of business?" Roland asked. He had heard it before but always assumed it was just a rumor.

"Hmm, they have. And my mother was a talented female assassin within the Withers family," Scarlett's voice trailed off as she noticed her father's gasp in shock. 

Scarlett didn't rush to continue her sentence but waited until her father said something. 

After a few minutes of silence, Roland asked, "So, what you want to say here is that your mother was an assassin?" Hearing his own question made his heart tremble slightly.

"Yeah, that's one thing I wanted to tell you. Oh, Father, I didn't share this information to scare you, but Uncle Noah told me my mother is the most talented in the family. Unfortunately, she is a woman, and they perceived her to need extra training than Withers' male descendant. So, she underwent extra training to be able to take over the family business..." Scarlett continued to explain.

Roland found it hard to believe his daughter's explanation fully. 

It was too difficult for him to accept that Rosalie was an assassin and a potential future Withers underground business leader.

"Scarlett, my daughter, no matter how much I want to believe you, I can't. I won't jump to any conclusions about your mother until I hear it directly from her," Roland took a deep breath before continuing his sentence. "And, to me, whoever she is, in my eyes, she is still your mother, the woman I love!"

Scarlett didn't comment on his statement, but she continued her words.

"And I want to share the second piece of information with you..." Scarlett smiled faintly before saying, "I inherited my mother's talent. I joined an organization that forced me to take other people's lives—"

"Scarlett, what do you mean, my dear!?" Roland panicked upon hearing Scarlett's words. He sat up straighter and stared more intently at her. How could his daughter become an assassin, too?

Once again, Scarlett ignored her father's question and asked, "Have you heard of the Fox organization? Founded on the American continent?"

Roland's face darkened upon hearing that name. Indeed, he knew about that ancient assassin and spy organization. 

"They are professional spies and assassins, right? Why are you asking about them?" he asked. 

"Because that's my organization. I'm one of the Fox members." Scarlett finally felt relieved after sharing this information. 

"WHAT!?" Roland shouted in shock. "My dear daughter, don't make things up. This kind of thing is not something you can joke about. How can a graceful woman like you become a member of the Fox?" he said. It's hard for him to believe.

"Father, I'm not giving you false information. I'm telling the truth," Scarlett said seriously. 

Once again, Roland fell silent.

Now, he tried to remember his investigation results after they first met. However, none of the information he found about her could link her to the Fox.

But seeing how serious she was now made his heart sink because he could clearly see Scarlett wasn't lying. 

"So, are you really an assassin? I mean, you… are you ever killing people?" 

"Yes, but I never kill innocent people!" Scarlett stated. 

Roland didn't know how to react at this moment. He was so confused and feared for her safety.

"Father, I'm not saying this for you to believe it or not. I'm telling you so you won't be surprised when you come to Norway with me and see who my colleagues are and how we work..." Scarlett continued after seeing her father much calmer.

Roland's hands clenched slightly at her words. 'So, she is indeed speaking the truth!'

"Scarlett, please take care of yourself. I don't want to lose you too..." Roland feared for Scarlett's safety because he knew her daughter's world was dangerous. If someone knows about her identity, they will hunt her down. 

Hearing how concerned her father was made Scarlett feel warm. But now, she is curious to know something. 

"Father, are you not afraid of my reputation? And my job is to take other people's lives?" She curiously wanted to know his answer.

"Why should I be afraid? You are my daughter. Whatever you do out there, I don't care. But I'm quite apprehensive about your safety, Scarlett..." He paused, staring at her with concern.

He added, "I know that kind of job is very dangerous. Many people will definitely want your life if they know your true identity."

"Don't worry. I'm a core member of The Fox. I'm quite capable of protecting myself. Besides, we have someone who will keep our identity safe; even Sister Mel, the talented hacker in this world, will never discover my identity as a Fox member."

Roland felt relieved to hear that.

"Father, please... keep this secret only for yourself. Don't even tell Simon," Scarlett added.

"I will," Roland nodded in agreement with Scarlett. "I won't tell anyone about this..." He was silent for a moment. "Scarlett, does Xander know about this?"

"Only you and Xander know. Even my Uncle Noah doesn't know about my involvement with the Fox. But he knows that I'm capable, just like my mom..."