Next day, the funeral day. 

Scarlett stood at the entrance of the grand hall, her heart heavy with grief as she prepared to receive the mourners who had come to pay their respects to her late father, Jonathan Piers. 

The room was filled with somber faces and hushed whispers, a testament to her father's impact on his business and the lives of those around him.

As the CEO of Ocean Group, Jonathan Piers built the company with her mother from scratch. He earned him not only success but also the respect of his peers and employees. Today, his accomplishments and influence are reflected in the many mourners who gathered to say goodbye to him.

Although not directly involved with the company, Scarlett could recognize familiar faces from her father's business associates, partners, and employees.

Scarlett was moved to see them appear today to pay their last respects to her father. Actually, she didn't want to stand here —  she doesn't like to be the center of attention — but she couldn't avoid it since she was the only family her father had. Fortunately, she has the support of her husband, Xander, her uncle Noah Withers and her brother, Rex Morrison.

Xander stood by her side, his presence comforting her to meet the mourners. His unwavering support and love give her strength today, even when sadness threatens to overwhelm her. Occasionally she held Xander's hand tightly so she would be strong in accepting people who came.

As the mourners approached, Scarlett greeted them with a polite nod and a gentle smile, attentively listening as they shared their fond memories of her father.

Their stories brought forth a flood of memories, and Scarlett reflected on her experiences with Jonathan Piers. Although their relationship had become distant after he married Lauren, memories of their earlier years together, when she was a child, and even after Lauren's passing, remained vivid in her mind.

She remembered the moments of joy and laughter they had shared, the times when her father had shown his love and care. Despite the challenges they had faced as a family, those precious memories held a special place in her heart.

Scarlett felt a mix of emotions as the day drew to a close, and the last mourners said goodbye. The weight of her loss remains heavy on her heart, but she finds solace in the love and support surrounding her. She knew that the memory of her father would live on in her heart.

With gratitude in her heart, Scarlett took comfort in knowing she was not alone in her grief. Now there is her husband Xander, her uncle Noah and also Rex. They are now her family. 

****

Scarlett returned to the hotel with a much calmer state of mind, her sadness fading away after fulfilling her final duty as a daughter.

Now, her focus shifted to her mother's well-being and exacting revenge on Jude Withers. She was determined to avenge the deaths of her father and the people who perished in her house.

After dinner, she talks to her uncle in Xander's study room. She intended to disclose her plans regarding the Withers family, particularly her burning desire to confront the devil Jude Withers.

"Uncle, I believe you already know what I am about to do, don't you?" Scarlett locked eyes with her uncle, who sat across from her. "I refuse to wait for him to come after me. Instead, I will seek him out and kill him with my own hand!" Her voice shook with anger that had seeped deep into her heart.

Although Noah Withers appeared calm, he was inwardly taken aback by the anger radiating from Scarlett's eyes. While he agreed with her idea to come after Jude, he knew it wasn't the right time for Scarlett to confront Jude Withers. He couldn't allow that to happen, not at this moment.

"Scarlett, please listen... I won't stop you from going after him. However, you need to understand the extent of Jude's power. It's not wise to strike out against him just yet..." Noah attempted to convince Scarlett to calm down, to discourage her from acting recklessly in her pursuit of Jude Withers.

"That devil, Jude Withers, already aware of my identity..." Scarlett sighed deeply before continuing, "So, there's no reason for me to hide. Sooner or later, he will send someone else to kill me. So before that happens, let me confront and eliminate him first!"

Noah Withers chuckled softly at the determination of the young woman before him. "My dear niece, you don't know everything about Jude," he remarked.

"What do you mean, Uncle?" Scarlett asked, confused. 

Noah didn't immediately respond to Scarlett. He folded his arms across his chest and gazed out the window, contemplating the right words to explain what he knew. At the same time, the solitary moon illuminated the dark sky.

After a moment, he turned to Scarlett, who remained motionless, glaring at him. "Jude has been aware of your existence for quite some time," he spoke calmly, though a flicker of intensity glimmered in his eyes.

Scarlett's heart sank instantly upon hearing this revelation.

"Do you grasp the significance of this now?" Noah inquired.

Scarlett remained silent, but a sense of fear and worry weighed heavily upon her.

"It means, that despicable person, Jude Withers, deliberately spared your life..." Noah sighed deeply before continuing, "...In order to lure Rosalie, your mother out from her hiding. So, if you deal with him now, it's very likely that your mother will show up, and Jude will catch and kill her."

Scarlett's hands clenched into fists upon learning that her mother's life could be endangered by her actions.

"Is this what you wish for?" Noah's words made Scarlett vigorously shake her head. She couldn't allow that to happen.

"No, I would never do that," she finally uttered firmly. "I will wait until I am certain of my mother's safety, and then I will go after him to end his life," she declared, her eyes fixed sharply on Noah Withers.

"That's a perfect plan, my niece, Scarlett!" He smiled at her tenderly.