"We withdrew completely from the spotlight, related to your sister's scandal..." Roland said weakly.

Scarlett was stunned to hear that, "Sister Maggie?"

"Hmm, she is—" Roland took a deep breath before continuing his sentence. "Actually, this is the darkest part of our family story. But, because you are part of this family, you have the right to know..." He proceeded to share everything about what happened in the past.

"At that time, Maggie's status as a princess in this kingdom was a secret. She attended public school like other children. During that period, she met her boyfriend. However, when her boyfriend discovered Maggie's true identity, he began to blackmail her with inappropriate videos. Too afraid to tell us, Maggie paid that man every time he demanded money, which caused her immense stress..."

Scarlett was shocked to hear what happened to Maggie, and she couldn't hide her anger at that asshole. However, she remained silent, listening with sympathy for her sister.

"That videotape scandal almost drove your poor sister to the brink of death..." Roland paused and took another deep breath. "Fortunately, at that time, she met Mel Tan. Mel helped her erase all online and digital traces of the video recordings that the man had. We eventually detained the man and punished him for his crime against the royal family."

'Mel Tan? So Maggie was Mel Tan's best friend, too?' Scarlett was stunned to learn this new piece of information, which only deepened her curiosity about Maggie. She was aware that Maggie might harbor some resentment towards her because of Francis.

"It's because of Maggie that we got to know Mel Tan, and we consider Mel and her family part of our royal family." After a few seconds pause, Roland added, "Scarlett, I hope you'll keep this story to yourself. There's no need to mention it to Maggie..." 

"I understand, Father..." Scarlett replied with a reassuring smile. "But, have you told Sister Maggie about me?" She wanted to avoid any potential conflicts with her sister.

Roland fell silent. He hadn't discussed this with Maggie yet but intended to tell her soon.

Before Roland could say anything, Melinda suggested, "Brother, how about inviting our inner family to have dinner with Scarlett? You can introduce her to all of them..." She said, her gaze fixed on Roland as she awaited his response.

"You don't have to remind me of that, Melinda. I've got it all planned," Roland replied, then turned to Scarlett. "I hope you don't mind if I arrange a welcome party for you?"

Scarlett could only nod. She knew she didn't have much choice in the matter.

...

After their heartfelt conversation ended, Melinda busied herself in the kitchen, preparing their lunch. Meanwhile, Scarlett and Roland remained in the living room, discussing the progress of Mel's search for Rosalie Withers.

"Have you received any updates from Mel regarding her search?" Roland asked. Since Scarlett had become involved, Mel no longer provided him with progress reports; instead, she communicated directly with Scarlett. He was eager to learn about any developments and hoped there might be a clue leading to Rosalie's whereabouts.

"Sister Mel has been doing an incredible job," Scarlett began. "She mentioned that her technology identified Mom's face a few years ago in Norway. Right now, she's focusing on that location..." Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she spoke.

This news brought her immense joy. After several months of knowing that her mother was still alive, this was their first real clue about her physical whereabouts. It strengthened Scarlett's belief that her mother was still out there, somewhere, waiting to be reunited with her.

Roland exclaimed excitedly, "Mel never fails to impress us; she is so talented and kind."

Scarlett nodded in agreement. "Yes, I agree with you on that one..." She said sincerely. 

After meeting Mel Tan, Scarlett developed even greater admiration for her. She had also recommitted herself to honing her skills, as Mel had taught her several new things and challenged her to improve.

"Hopefully, we can find your mother soon," Roland said, his eyes filled with hope as he looked at Scarlett.

Observing her father's expression, Scarlett couldn't help but become curious about his true feelings for her mother. Did he still have lingering emotions for her? What would his reaction be if they ever succeeded in finding her mother?

Scarlett couldn't restrain herself from asking, "Father, do you still love my mother?"

Roland Gilwynn was suddenly struck by Scarlett's question, his eyes locked onto his daughter with an indescribable expression. For a moment, he remained silent, lost in his own thoughts.

All these years, he believed that the woman he loved would never reappear in his life. During that time, he had lost all desire to prolong his life or seek treatment for his illness, feeling as if his existence had become hollow.

However, with Scarlett appearing in his life and the possibility that Rosalie might still be alive, his once-empty heart slowly began to fill again. He could sense the return of feelings that had long been absent.

His feelings for Rosalie differed significantly from those he had for his late wife. His first marriage had been arranged, and he hadn't initially married her out of love. Although he eventually developed an affection for his late wife, it couldn't compare to the depth of his feelings for Rosalie.

Even now, he found it difficult to put into words the intensity of his love for Rosalie. The mere knowledge that she might still be alive was enough to make his heart shake, just as it had in the past.

"My heart will never change, even after all these years of separation. I still love her," Roland confessed, his voice trembling with emotion.

Scarlett was genuinely pleased to hear her father's heartfelt confession. She couldn't help but admire Roland's enduring love for her mother.

'You're fortunate to have this man in your life, Mom. And I feel equally fortunate to have him as my father,' Scarlett expressed her deepest feelings of warmth and admiration.

With sincerity in her voice, she said, "I hope you'll reunite with her soon, Father."