Nicole

"Boss, Mr. Rex's assistant, didn't tell me what he would do during his visit. He said Mr. Rex is coming next week and reminded me to set up a meeting with you."

This is not the right time for Rex to come. She has a lot of things in her hands. If he suddenly appears here, then her source of headaches will increase.

"So, what did you say?" Scarlett wished Cruz would say she couldn't meet him.

"Of course, I said you would love to meet him. I also said you have plenty of free time to entertain him." He laughed happily.

Scarlett was about to choke.

Gosh! This guy, Cruz Reeves, is way too smart-ass to listen. It seemed she should consider finding a new assistant who was still innocent and easier to handle.

She can't stand an intelligent assistant like Cruz — this guy likes to improvise without consulting her.

"Boss, are you still there? Why don't you say something? Hello boss? Is the signal on island B that bad? Boss, it would be best if you went on vacation to Hawaii island or Bora-bora island. The signal on both islands is much better than island B...."

Scarlett was speechless.

"I hear you! However, I'm planning to replace you with someone else…." Scarlett wanted to answer like that, but she held it back. Because if she did, her foolish assistant would talk longer and waste her precious time; hearing him beg for mercy.

She took a deep breath before saying in a low voice, "I hear you. How about my studio? Is it ready?"

"Yes, boss. It's ready. The building is 100% complete with your house also finished. You can enter and use the facilities at any time..." Cruz reported excitedly, "Boss, when are you coming back?"

"Tomorrow!"

"Wow!! Really? That's great. I feel lonely living in this building alone, boss. Hahaha, I miss you..." Cruz had been in the capital for over a month to supervise the finishing of their new office in this country, but he rarely met Scarlett. They mostly talk only via video or phone calls.

Scarlett suddenly felt guilty. Even if she returned to the capital tomorrow, she wouldn't stay at her house because she would stay with Xander.

"Cruz, what to do!? Looks like you'll be living alone... Because I won't be living in my house for now."

"Huh!!? Did you buy another house? Why?"

Cruz was perplexed. His boss was supposed to live in a custom-built house for her. It is on the top floor of their office building. But now she is talking about living in another place!?

"I'll tell you later. And, about Rex, I will call him later…"

"Alright, boss!!"

Scarlett finally ended the call. She felt even more stressed after talking to Cruz.

"God, please give me a little break. Let me take care of my family matters before you give me other troubles…." Scarlett can't help but plead to God for his mercy.

Feeling stressed, Scarlett decided to head out to relieve her worries. She had to go to the beach and enjoy the view before tomorrow, busy with her new life in the Capital City's S District.

Before she went out, she took her baseball caps and shades.

Under the hot sun, Scarlett walked to the beach. She passed a large infinity pool that was bustling with visitors.

Scarlett quickened her step. She didn't want to stay near the pool. Somehow she was a little jealous, seeing everyone in the swimming pool was in pairs except her.

If only that cold guy Xander was by her side, she would show off to the women here if her future husband was sexier than their partner.

'Gosh! Scarlett stopped imagining such things! Xander is only your husband on paper…' she immediately shook her head, trying to get rid of her peculiar thoughts.

Just as Scarlett entered the beach area, she suddenly heard someone call her name. She suddenly stopped.

She recognized the voice. An annoyed expression appeared on her face as she turned around to see a young chubby girl walking towards her.

"Sister Scarlett... is that you!? Oh, my goodness... I finally found you. Sis, mom, and dad were really worried about you. Why did you run away from home, Sis!?" Nicole Piers stopped just steps away from Scarlett. Her face looked so worried.

Two hours ago, her father had asked her to find Scarlett. Even though she doesn't know why her sister ran away from home, she still looks for her. She had checked several hotels; this was the third one she had visited. She didn't expect to find her in the most luxurious hotel on island B.

"Sis, let's go home. Dad asked me to take you home now…." Nicole said again after seeing Scarlett not saying anything. "Whatever the problem, you better not run, sis…" she said in concern.

Scarlett felt exhausted. Just a few minutes ago, she felt like she could breathe a little easier — free from her family's problems, but she wasn't completely free yet.

Why are they still looking for me?

Looks like that perverted Old Frans is still pushing them.

But does Xander promise to settle it?

Scarlett felt confused.

She looked Nicole in the eyes, "Nicole, listen. Don't interfere, or I'll hate you too. Now, go home and tell father I will never return home." Scarlett said and continued walking to the beach.

"But sister…"

"You're a good girl Nicole. I have no reason to hate you. But, if you keep pushing me, I will see you the way I saw your mother!" Scarlett said without looking back.

Nicole was stunned.

Since they became sisters, Scarlett had been good to her. Scarlett never treated her as a half-sister but like her real sister. She liked Scarlett and respected her. And hearing her speak like this terrified her. Something must be going on at home to make her sister angry.

"S-Sis… I…" Seeing Scarlett leave, she couldn't help but shout. "Sister… I believe in you. Whatever you do now, I will believe you. You know how much I care for and love you, right?" Nicole looked at Scarlett with teary eyes.

Scarlett clenched her fists tightly when she heard Nicole's words.

She hated Lauren, but her heart softened when she saw Nicole. That little girl was innocent, but her mother was too greedy.

'I love you too, Nicole. I hope… one day we will meet again!'