淑女的欲望

Scarlett was amused at how happy Aunt Martha was and couldn\'t help but smile too. "Auntie, we are family," Scarlett said warmly before pausing as something crossed her mind. "Will you follow us to country M?"

"Yes, but maybe I won\'t stay long because your grandfather will be lonely. As soon as Xander flies there, I will return here to accompany him," Martha replied. She actually wanted to stay longer in country M to accompany Carter. Still, she couldn\'t bear to leave her in-laws alone in this country.

Scarlett nodded in understanding, Xander will stay here for a while to take care of her company. Actually, she asked Grandpa to come with them, but he didn\'t like flying long distances, so he refused.

"Two weeks should be enough for you to explore the city," Scarlett said eagerly, looking forward to sharing this holiday with Aunt Martha.

"Yes, I\'m really excited, Scarlett. This is my first time in Europe in many years. I haven\'t even been back to my country since my husband died," Martha said, her eyes reflecting a hint of sadness.

Even though she married into a powerful and wealthy family in this country, Martha remained the second wife. She could never replace Xander\'s mother, whose influence in society remained strong. However, Martha didn\'t mind this, as she had never sought to replace Xander\'s mother. She had married into the Rileys out of love for her husband, Patrick Riley, even though she knew he didn\'t love her in return.

It was only due to her father-in-law\'s kindness that she was able to survive in this family, despite Xander\'s initial disapproval of her. However, ever since Scarlett joined their family, things gradually changed. Xander became gentler with her and slowly started to accept her, though not wholly. For Martha, it was more than enough.

Sensing Martha\'s sadness, Scarlett quickly said, "Auntie, please don\'t dwell on the sad memories. Right now, I wish you to focus on packing and enjoying this trip. Country M is stunning. Although I haven\'t been there long, I promise to accompany you and make this a wonderful experience."

"I can\'t wait for it, Scarlett," Martha said, her eyes now beaming with happiness.

...

"Young Madam..." Logan\'s voice suddenly came from behind, startling both Scarlett and Martha. "I apologize for the interruption."

Scarlett looked at Logan, puzzled, "What\'s wrong, Logan?"

"We have to go now, or you\'ll be late," Logan reminded her about today\'s schedule.

"Oh, my goodness! How could I forget about the office?!" Scarlett immediately stood up from her chair. "Auntie, I have to head to the office now. I have an appointment with some staff there," she explained.

Martha understandingly smiled as she followed her to stand up, "Hmm, hurry up and go, Scarlett... Don\'t keep them waiting," she said. She smiles, watching Scarlett rush into the house with Logan.

****

Red Animation Studio Office.

When Scarlett arrived at her office, Zara and Cruz were already waiting for her. Engrossed in their conversation, they didn\'t notice her entrance, accompanied by Logan. Scarlett joined them on the couch, surprising them.

"Wow, Boss, your ninja skills are getting more and more perfect. I didn\'t even hear you enter the room," Cruz said, pleased to see Scarlett after several days of not having seen her. "What would you like to drink, boss?" he asked cheerfully while standing up from his seat.

"As always, thanks Cruz," Scarlett replied with a smile. She then turned her attention to Zara, who sat beside her. "So, why did you suddenly fly here?" She asked curiously, curious by Zara\'s unexpected visit.

"I\'m fine! Thank you," Zara playfully teased, avoiding the question. Scarlett rolled her eyes and urged her to answer.

"Oh, Zara, enough with the teasing. Please, just tell me," Scarlett insisted.

Zara pinched Scarlett\'s cheek affectionately before finally speaking, "You\'ve changed a lot, girl. How\'s your condition?" Her eyes sparkled with curiosity and genuine concern as she looked at Scarlett.

"I\'m fine! Stop beating around the bush, Zara! Answer my damn question... Gosh, why do I feel like my patience is now as thin as paper?" Scarlett responded with a slight glare, but the smile on her face showed that she was happy to see her friend.

"Hahaha..." Zara couldn\'t help but laugh at Scarlett\'s words. It was fun to see Scarlett upset, she looked cute. "Fine, I won\'t tease you anymore," she said, gesturing for Scarlett to get closer to her. Zara then whispered, "Someone proposed to me..."

Instantly, Scarlett\'s eyes widened in shock upon hearing Zara\'s confession. She pulled her head away to see Zara\'s eyes more clearly, trying to see whether she was telling the truth or starting to make fun of her again.

However, after staring at her for a few seconds, Scarlett realized that Zara was telling the truth. Her smile gradually bloomed, reflecting her happiness for Zara.

"Oh, Zara... congratulations!" she said while grabbing Zara\'s hands, gently squeezing them to express her happiness. "I\'m so happy to hear that... Ugh, Zara... Who is the man that can tame your wild heart?" Scarlett continued, genuinely curious to know the man. 

She knows many of Zara\'s male friends but has never heard of any of them being serious about Zara. They are all just friends with benefits for Zara.

A forced smile appeared at the corner of Zara\'s lips. "Thank you, Scarlett. However, I rejected his proposal."

Instantly, Scarlett\'s wide smile disappeared, replaced by a look of shock. She couldn\'t believe what she had just heard.

"Gosh! Why did you turn him down?" Scarlett scolded Zara. 

After so many times, this girl expressed her intention to settle down, tired of playing with men\'s hearts, but now, after someone proposed, she turned it down!? 

Scarlett was utterly speechless. 

"And, can you tell me who that man is? Do I know him?" 

Zara nodded.

"Who?"

"Your brother-in-law!"

Instantly, the room became silent.

Scarlett was shocked to hear that.

\'Carter proposed to Zara?\'