The Billionaire's Genius Wife

Xander felt strange when he heard Scarlett casually addressing Martha as her mother-in-law. However, he couldn't say anything now. He just kept his mouth shut and followed them.

A black van pulled up before the entrance when they all reached the front door. 

Scarlett was delighted to see Aunt Martha and Zara stepping out of the car. Meanwhile, Carter, unable to use his legs yet, required assistance from a medical team to exit the vehicle, and he had to use a wheelchair. She hurried over to Carter, warmly welcoming him to her home, and greeted Aunt Martha and Zara. 

Meanwhile, Melinda Gilwynn and Xander were standing behind near the door.  Melinda felt deeply moved to watch Scarlett's close interaction with her mother-in-law and brother-in-law. Seeing their bond, she experienced a mixture of jealousy and happiness. Even though Scarlett didn't grow up with her parents, this past year, she still got the love from Xander's family.

Melinda turned her gaze towards Xander, realizing she had never properly thanked him. "Xander, thank you... for giving our Scarlett a family that loves her so deeply," she expressed sincerely. When Xander met her gaze, she continued, "I hope you will always protect her for the rest of your life."

"That's my promise to her," Xander reassured her with a smile. "Don't worry, Aunt Melinda, my entire family adores her. Would you believe it if I told you that my Grandpa even favors Scarlett more than me and my younger brother?" he added with a chuckle, glancing at Scarlett.

Despite his grandfather's stronger affection for Scarlett, Xander felt no jealousy. In fact, he was genuinely pleased.

Melinda felt even more touched and respected Xander's family. "I'm delighted to hear that, Xander. I hope my brother and I can meet your grandfather," Melinda said.

"Sure, there will come a time when our entire family will meet," Xander nodded in agreement. He had indeed considered that possibility. However, for now, they needed Scarlett to accept the Gilwynn family first. And he had found a way to make it happen quickly.

"Aunty, actually, before Scarlett met me and she found out about the Gilwynns and her mother's family, the Withers, she already knew about your family," Xander revealed.

"She, know my family? Who?" Melinda was surprised to hear this.

"Your son, Theo," Xander replied, shaking his head slightly. He felt somewhat annoyed upon realizing what Scarlett and Theodor had kept secrets from him. 

"Theodor? He really knew Scarlett before you!? How did that happen?" Melinda was stunned. She had never heard about this from her son.

"Well, I can't share the details, but they both got acquainted through their business," Xander casually says. In reality, he had only recently discovered that Theodor, his best friend, was the person obsessed with Scarlett and had compelled her to disguise herself.

No wonder he had been suspicious when he witnessed Theodor acting like a servant in front of Scarlett; it turns out he got punished by Scarlett.

So, he gave up his intention of punishing Theo directly. He intends to remain silent for a moment, waiting for one of them to reveal the truth.

"Aunt, if you want Scarlett's relationship with the Gilwynns to thaw quickly, I suggest you call Theodor home," Xander advised. He didn't want Scarlett's matter with the Gilwynn family to linger.

"You mean?" Melinda was confused.

"As I mentioned earlier, Scarlett has known Theodor for years, and they are very close. She's very comfortable around him, so—"

"Oh, yes... yes... now I understand, Xander," Melinda nodded happily. "I will ask Allaistar to call—" Melinda halted her sentence when she noticed Scarlett and the others walking toward them.

...

"Xander, what were you discussing with Aunt Melinda? You both look so serious," Scarlett asked with a smile. She had noticed they had been standing apart from the group since earlier.

"Babe, it's nothing important. We're just talking about the sunny weather while waiting for Carter to get out of the car," Xander answered as he walked towards Scarlett and held her hand.

While Scarlett felt weird hearing Xander's words, Martha already approached Melinda Gilwynn.

"Hello," Martha greeted Melinda respectfully. "Ms. Gilwynn... it's an honor to meet you. Let me introduce myself, Martha Bell, Carter's mother—" Before Martha could finish her sentence, Melinda extended her hand.

"Just call me Melinda... I believe we're about the same age. And, you are my niece's mother-in-law, so there's no need to be too formal with me..." she warmly shook Martha's hand.

Upon hearing Melinda's words, "Scarlett's mother-in-law," Martha felt an instant warmth in her heart. Martha mused internally, curious whether Scarlett had referred to her in that way in front of Melinda.

"Melinda, yes, we're family. I'm so glad to finally meet you. And, you can call me Martha as well..." She smiled politely. 

"Great to hear that," Melinda said, then turned her gaze to the handsome young man in the wheelchair. "You must be Carter Riley, right?" She extended her hand towards Carter, who was observing her.

"Yes, that's correct. I apologize for meeting you in this condition, Ma'am..." Carter said with a faint smile, accepting Melinda's handshake.

"Everyone... Let's go inside and chat. It's quite chilly out here, and I'm concerned that Carter might get cold," Scarlett said.

They all soon moved into the living room to continue their conversation. Melinda, who shared a similar personality to Martha, quickly became close with her, and they engaged in a lively discussion on the seating area. 

Meanwhile, the medical team took Carter to a bedroom prepared explicitly for his best comfort, complete with the necessary medical equipment. Xander happens to accompany Carter. 

Taking advantage of the situation, Scarlett seized the opportunity to talk with Zara. She needed to discuss something important and led Zara outside to the garden terrace. 

"W-Why did you bring me out here?" Zara asked, looking puzzled when she saw Scarlett wearing a mysterious smile.

"Zara, I want you to stay here in this house. You don't have to go back to your apartment..." Scarlett paused, smiling as she observed Zara's shocked reaction.