Upon seeing Scarlett's pierced gaze, Cruz gulped silently. 

"B-Boss, I'm sorry. I write about your pregnancy in our Food Slave group chat," said Cruz apologetically. "Ugh, boss, let me remind everyone to keep this matter..." He said, reaching for his cell phone.

However, before he could type anything, Scarlett stopped him.

"No need..." Scarlett stops him. She was sure that Zara had already informed everyone, who was close to them, especially Rex. She set aside her worries for the time being. 

Now, she needed to discuss progress in her office with Cruz because Xander had effectively isolated her from the outside world, including her work, for the last two days.

Scarlett and Cruz started to talk about the progress of the new RAS office in the country. Since Scarlett would be staying in this city for a few months, she had gathered all the CGI artists under Red Animation Studio residing in the nearby country to work at the new office.

She needed to meet them in person since their interactions had been limited to video calls thus far.

"Well, boss... Twenty people have reported and are scheduled to start next Monday. I hope you can come to the office that day to meet them," Cruz suggested.

Scarlett pondered for a moment, 'Xander should allow me to go out, right?'

"Next Monday?" 

"Yes, boss..." Cruz scanned the room, ensuring no one was in there, before continuing in a hushed tone, "Is Boss Xander still banning you from leaving the house?" he asked.

Cruz was curious. He heard from Logan that, Xander become overprotective after he found out Scarlett was pregnant. She was not allowed to go out alone. And if she has to go out Xander insists on accompanying her everywhere.

"Hmm, that's why I can't promise whether I can stop by the office or not," She answers softly. "However, don't worry, I'll try to talk to Xander..." she continued quickly after seeing the disappointment on Cruz's face.

Cruz could only nod in response to her words. Then, he remembered something, "By the way, Director Olson's secretary called and said Director Olson wants to meet with you."

"Really?" Scarlett's excitement grew. They had planned to meet, but it seemed impossible due to Harvey's filming schedule.

"Yes, boss!"

"When?" 

"His secretary said he'll follow your schedule. He is kinda free next week," Cruz paused, pondering the right time for their meeting. "Boss... how about meeting Director Olson on Monday? That way, you can meet with your CGI team, and then you can also meet with Director Olson. I thought Boss Xander would permit you..." he suggested.

"That's a great idea, Cruz!" Scarlett's smile widened.

Indeed, if Xander knew she was going to meet Harvey Olson, he wouldn't stop her.

"Very well, set up an appointment with Uncle Harvey for Monday, arrange the meeting at our office!" 

"I will make the arrangements, boss." Cruz nodded.

Scarlett and Cruz carried on with their conversation, delving into various topics.

However, before long...

Their conversation was interrupted when a maid quietly approached Scarlett and whispered something in her ear.

Scarlett's face immediately turned sour after receiving the message from the maid. Despite her annoyance, she managed to maintain her composure and instructed the maids to allow uninvited guests to join them.

Cruz, curious by Scarlett's reaction, "Are you expecting another guest?" he asked. 

She took a deep breath, her gaze fixed on Cruz. "An uninvited guest," she said, feeling amused. 

"What? How can someone enter this house without an appointment?" Cruz was taken aback. He had attempted to visit Scarlett a few times, only to be turned away by the guards who insisted on Scarlett or Xander's permission to enter the Royal Garden.

"Hmm, he's the most shameless person I've ever encountered!" Scarlett chuckled. She asked another maid to prepare warm tea and snacks for their unexpected visitor.

'Who could possibly arrive without an appointment?' Cruz thought. He cast a curious glance toward the door, waiting for the arrival of that mysterious person.

Before long, the door swung open, revealing a figure Cruz knew all too well. The familiar face wore a radiant smile as he stepped into the room. Cruz was rendered speechless upon seeing him, but he managed to maintain his composure and directed his gaze toward Scarlett.

"Sister-in-law," Theodor's voice boomed, filling the room. "Congratulations on your pregnancy, sis. Wow! This is excellent news. I can't believe I'm going to be an uncle so soon..." he said. 

Then, Theodor sat opposite Scarlett without waiting for an invitation. Expressing his gratitude, he thanked the maid who had just placed a cup of tea before him on the table.

"Thank you, Theodor..." Scarlett's voice trailed off softly as she smiled at him. 

Now Scarlett understood why her husband grew increasingly annoyed whenever Theo visited them. This man seemed to make himself at home, becoming more and more comfortable with each passing day when he visited their house.

...

Theodor was taken aback by Cruz's presence in the room. A warm smile graced his face.

"Cruz, you're here too? My apologies, I didn't see you earlier!" He raised his teacup in a polite gesture toward Cruz.

"Sir Theodor, it's nice to meet you," Cruz greeted him respectfully.

"Why do you address me like that again, Cruz? I've mentioned it before, you can call me brother." Theodor shook his head, a hint of disappointment in his voice. 

Theodor continued, "You are my sister-in-law's trusted person, so we do not need formality. Just call me brother!" 

Cruz swallowed nervously, torn between his urge to address Theodor as such. However, the memory of Scarlett scolding him, makes him stop. 

"Sir, I cannot simply befriend someone like you," Cruz replied with utmost respect. "You hold the title of prince in this country. How could I..." His words trailed off as he noticed Theodor raising his hand.

"Oh, please, Cruz! Enough with the excuses. There's no need for that. Just call me whatever you feel comfortable with," Theodor had grown tired of hearing such lines whenever people discovered his true identity. 

Cruz, "..." 

Theodor then glanced at Scarlett.

"Sis, you did this, didn't you?" Theodor asked. He knew it must be Scarlett who forbade Cruz to call him that because they had been friends for a month, Cruz had called him casually. But, when Scarlett arrived, Cruz's attitude toward him suddenly changed — Cruz kept his distance from him.

Still busy eating her apple pie snack, Scarlett paused as she looked at Theodor.

"Did what?" she asked innocently, pretending not to understand his question but inwardly finding it amusing.

"Forget it!" Theodor chuckled, noticing Scarlett's expression. "Where is Xander? Is he still at the office?" he asked, diverting their conversation.

"Xander has a meeting this afternoon. Why do you ask? Do you have an appointment with him?" 

"No, just curious. I thought he was at home keeping you company," Theodor said.

Scarlett ignores his words, her mind slightly distracted. "Theo, how did you find out about my pregnancy?" she asked. She had ensured that Xander did not reveal the news of her pregnancy to anyone.

Theodor gasped.

Excitement had clouded his judgment upon learning of Scarlett's pregnancy, causing him to overlook the potential consequences of coming here. Now, he found himself in trouble.

If Scarlett discovered who had informed him, she would also uncover his relationship with that person. How troublesome it had become!? 

A wave of confusion enveloped Theodor, leaving him pondering the situation. After a few moments of thinking, a brilliant idea began to form in his mind. 

"Ah, sister-in-law..." Theodor smiled gently at her before continuing his words, "I have finished my tea... I should be heading home now. I will see you tomorrow. Please remind Xander, having dinner at my home, alright..." He rose swiftly from his chair and strode towards the door.

However, after just a few steps, Scarlett's voice called out his name with a cold, icy tone that sent shivers down his spine, reminding him of their secret relationship as master and slave. Theodor secretly gulped, cursing himself for being stupid.

"Theodor Parker!!" Scarlett glared at him, her face slowly turning into an ice princess ready to attack her enemy.

However, Scarlett's cold demeanor only for a second, her expression softened, transitioning from cold to warm, as she smiled broadly at Theodor. 

"Brother Theo, I haven't finished speaking with you..." Her tone sounds playful.

Scarlett couldn't simply let him go when she sensed he was concealing something from her. No, she wouldn't allow it. She is determined to make him spill everything.

Ensuring Theodor had resumed his seat opposite her, she called a maid to refill his teacup.

"Now that your cup has been refilled, let us continue our conversation," she grinned, relishing the sight of Theodor's pallid face.

"Now tell me, who told you!?" 

"Ugh, sister-in-law, I'm full. I can't drink tea anymore. Can we continue our tea time tomorrow or the day after tomorrow?" Theodor said while grinning, still trying his luck to avoid the topic.

Scarlett, "..."