Next Morning.
As Scarlett exited the room, Xander's jaw dropped in astonishment. He couldn't believe his eyes. The woman in front of him looked nothing like his wife, Scarlett.
Her usual wavy ginger-red hair had been straightened, and black hair cascaded down her back. She wore glasses, heavy makeup, and a confident smile.
Xander's confusion is apparent. "Who are you?" he stuttered, trying to make sense of the scene before him.
Scarlett chuckled at his reaction. "It's me, Xander," she said, striking a pose to show off her outfit.
Xander couldn't help but be impressed. Scarlett was dressed in a casual chic style that he had never seen before. She wore black skinny pants with a pale gray shirt and a long black stylish coat for women over the shirt. She had even donned a pair of high heels, a far cry from her usual flat shoes or sneakers.
"You look amazing, babe..." Xander said, unable to take his eyes off her.
Scarlett grinned. "I thought I'd switch things up a bit," she said. Then she strolled toward Xander and kissed him. "What do you think?"
Xander pulled her close, savoring the feel of her in his arms. "Although I like your original look better, I like this new look more than if you wear your gray wig..." he said, grinning. "Maybe you should try something new every once in a while, babe!"
Scarlett beamed with pride as Xander complimented her transformation.
She had deliberately changed her appearance to avoid being recognized by her enemy in North City. This new style was foreign to her; she had never worn a long black hair wig or this much makeup before.
"Thank you, Xander. I'm glad you like it," she replied sweetly with a smile.
Xander released her from his embrace and examined her makeup more closely. He was in awe of how different his wife looked with just a few changes to her clothes and appearance.
"Why the sudden change in appearance, babe?" he inquired, curious about what had prompted her transformation.
Scarlett took a deep breath before responding. "I just wanted to look different before meeting my mother's family. Even if it is only slightly different. Do you remember the story I told you about my mother and how she suddenly appeared on island B and married my father out of the blue?"
Xander nodded, recalling the strange tale. "Yes, I remember. What does that have to do with your appearance?"
Scarlett hesitated for a moment before answering. "I did it on purpose. I'm worried about my mother's family being involved with bad people, so I wanted to take precautions. I hope I'm wrong about them..." Scarlett trailed off, taking a deep breath to calm herself.
Xander nodded understandingly. "I see. It's a good plan to stay safe. Don't worry, babe. Everything will be fine. I'll drive you to the airport and then straight to my office."
Relief filled Scarlett's face as she smiled gratefully at Xander. "Thank you, Xander. I appreciate it." She followed him to the elevator, feeling comforted by his protective embrace.
****
North District.
Scarlett and Logan arrived at one of the Riley Group's private airports in the North District at precisely 11 am after a two-hour flight from the capital.
Logan, still in awe of Scarlett's new look, couldn't resist glancing at her now and then. He couldn't help but wonder how Scarlett managed to look so different with just a change of wig and makeup.
'She's like Mystique from the Marvel movies...' Logan thought to himself, wondering if she could ever change her appearance so effortlessly.
"Why are you looking at me like that, Logan? Does my new look bother you?" Scarlett asked, noticing his constant stares. Logan quickly averted his gaze, directing attention to the black SUV approaching them.
Not hearing Logan's answer made Scarlett chuckle, and she turned to meet Logan's gaze. She saw an SUV approaching and stopped a few meters away from them.
As she got closer, Scarlett saw James getting out of the car. She was surprised to see him in this town.
"James!? what are you doing here?" Scarlett asked, walking towards him with a smile.
Logan quickly replied, "James just happens to have business in town. And Master Xander thought it would be beneficial if he came to help you ma'am..."
Scarlett's heart was filled with gratitude for Xander. She couldn't believe he had gone that far to ensure she got the help she needed without telling her.
'Thank you so much, Xander, ' She talks inwardly before turning to James. "Nice to meet you, James. Do you know why we are here?"
James gave a slight nod and an intense expression on his face. "Yes, Ma'am!"
Scarlett heaved a sigh of relief, feeling confident with James by her side. She knew how capable James was, he could handle anything, and he already showed his ability to help her on Island B.
"Alright, let's go..." she said, climbing into the car.
As James took the driver's seat, Scarlett wondered what other surprises Xander had for her.
"So, James, Xander gave you the information about what I'm looking for?" Scarlett asked, curious to know if James had all the necessary details.
James nodded. "Yes, he did. And in addition to that, I've investigated on my own and found what you are looking for..."
Scarlett was impressed. "Wow, that was fast! What did you find?"
James hesitated momentarily before replying, "Well, I'm not entirely sure if my findings are accurate yet. I'll explain more once we get to the hotel."
Scarlett understood James' caution and nodded in agreement. "Okay, that sounds good. Let's head to the hotel first."
As James started the engine and pulled out of the airport, Scarlett's mind raced with thoughts about the mission ahead.
Scarlett couldn't wait to hear the results of James' investigation. Still, she wanted to contact Seven and see how things were going. Why didn't that man report to her?
'Is he okay!?' Scarlett fears her pursuers have caught Seven!
