Charles's POV:
I was just done talking about cooperation with Nicholas Wood when I called Scarlet.
On the other end of the line, Scarlett was acting like a spoiled child, completely unlike her usual self.I
was really curious as to what was going on.
When I arrived at the restaurant where Scarlett and Vivian was having dinner, James spotted me at
once.
"Daddy, daddy!"
The little boy spread his hands to me excitedly, calling me with his tiny little voice.I took him lovingly
into my arms.
"Did my little James have a good time today?"
I pinched my son's chubby face lightly, and he giggled happily.
From time to time, I eyed the door.
Soon, Scarlett and Vivian appeared at the door.I waved at them for attention.
Vivian didn't stay.
She bade goodbye to me before leaving alone.I handed James to Tracy, then took off my coat and
gently put it on Scarlett.
Then, I hugged her and held her protectively in my arms.
"Are you okay...?"
Tracy had told me that Rita had yet again appeared to harass Scarlett.
"I'm fine.I won't let myself suffer anything because of her!" Scarlett declared, determined.
I smiled at her fondly and pinched her nose.
Right then, Scarlett craned her neck to look behind me.
"Hmm? Who's this?"
"This is Nicholas Wood, one of our Grandpa's old friends' grandson."
"Nick, this is Scarlett, my wife."
Upon his introduction, Nicholas stepped forward and held Scarlett's hand like a gentleman.
He flashed her a bright smile and said amiably, "Hello, Scarlett.Nice to meet you.You're just as beautiful
as the rumor says."
"Nice to meet you, too.Nicholas."
Scarlett returned his smile with her own bright one, pleased by his mannerisms.
The sight spurred a small hint of jealousy in me.
Damn it, I shouldn't have let him come with me! I pulled Scarlett's hand back gently and held it tightly,
as if declaring my ownership.
"Nick, I apologize, but I have to take my wife and child home first.I hope we can have a chance to talk
about our cooperation in the future."
Of course, the implication was that he should leave as soon as possible.I made it all too obvious.
Nicholas gave me a knowing smile and left.
When we arrived home, Scarlett and James had fallen asleep in the car.I opened the car door carefully,
not wanting to jerk either awake from their happy slumber.
The sleeping Scarlett looked soft and sweet, a little different from her usual appearance.
Seeing her like this, my heart softened.
I felt warm all over, as if I was basking in the sun of the early summer.I couldn't help but take her hand
and interlock our fingers together, enjoying her soft skin and delightful warmth.
But at this moment, James suddenly made a sound and startled Scarlett awake at once.
"Charles, go and check if James peed again."
I nuzzled Scarlett's nose affectionately and said, "Don't worry.He's wearing a diaper."
After we got home and settled James down, I planned to go back to our room and enjoy the night with
Scarlett.
To my horror, when I opened the drawer, all the condoms were gone.
The realization was akin to feeling a basin of cold water poured on my head.
I froze, dismayed.I didn't want Scarlett to get pregnant again! It seemed I need to take a long, cold
shower to get rid of the desire burning in me.
It took me half an hour to douse the heat in me.
Being under the cold shower head for so long, I was freezing all over.
The second I went to bed, I instinctively sought a source of heat and held Scarlett tightly in my arms.
Her warmth soothed the cold from my long shower.
"Ugh...Charles, stay away from me.It's too cold! I can't fall asleep,"
Scarlett grumbled, pushing me.
I had a sudden impulse to tease her and said slyly, "How about I try something that could make both of
us warm?"
I pretended to take off her clothes, but Scarlett shot back teasingly, "You know, Charles, the moon's
shining brightly tonight.How about we make a baby?"
Before I could react, she quickly reached into my trousers and grabbed my crotch wickedly.
My body stiffened for a brief second as horror filled me.
I hurriedly shoved her hand away and rushed to the bathroom.
"I think I need another shower.Be back soon!" Scarlett cackled like a cunning fox, amused.
Scarlett's POV:
When I got up on the next day, Charles and James were still fast asleep.I went downstairs and made
breakfast.
Alice was going to take James out today.I found it a little upsetting, and I was worried if anything
dangerous would happen.
What Rita said yesterday alerted me to the possibility of danger, causing me to panic slightly.I told
Janet that she must protect Alice and James to the best of her abilities.
Alice took my hand and comforted me, "Oh, Scarlett.Don't worry too much."
I nodded, but I still couldn't get rid of my uneasiness.
As soon as I walked out of the mansion, I came across William.
Seeing him here was an unexpected surprise.
He approached me, his face grim.
"Scarlett, I'm here to remind you to be on guard against Rita." I was stunned.
"Why do you say that, William?" William sighed, his lips a grimace.
"I'm sure you've seen the news about Lily.Rita's blinded by her hatred, and you're the person she hates
the most.She won't let you off easily."
"William...do you know something that I don't?"
I eyed him with a suspicious glare.
William shook his head and looked at me, his eyes dead serious.
"I've warned her, but I don't know what she'll do.I'm leaving for New York for an important meeting, and
I won't be back until a month later.I can't keep an eye on her during this period.Please be careful,
Scarlett.Don't ever let your guard down."
"Thank you, William."
"Scarlett, you and my sister are really alike.I've lost her, and I don't want to lose you too.I don't want to
see you in danger."
William studied me, his face full of concern for me.
I thought for a while and finally said, "I promise, I'll be careful."
"Say, Scarlett.Are you willing to take me as your brother?"
William's question took me by surprise.
He looked at me expectantly, eyes shining eagerly.
That made me silent.
I didn't know what to say, and so I kept mum.
My reaction disappointed William somewhat, but he quickly smiled and said, "I'm leaving now."
Tracy approached me and stared warily after William's back as he walked away.
"Scarlett, I think William is hiding something."
Indeed, William was always so mysterious.
Why did he bother helping me? Was it simply because I looked like his sister?
"Tracy, I know what you're worried about.I won't claim to know William's real intentions, but I'm sure he
won't be our enemy."
62fb1bb41dcb31934bd49bda