The caretaker quietly entered the garden, carrying a tray. She ced a ss of in water next to Xavier and a cup of fruit tea beside Scarlett before retreating silently.


    Xavierzily leaned against the back of a lounge chair, his longshes casting a shadow over his eyes as he gazed intently at Scarlett. His slender fingers absently tapped on the armrest, and a hint of a fond smile tugged at the corner of his lips.


    Scarlett was so engrossed in the book that she lost track of time. Eventually, she reclined on the rocking chair, holding the book above her head,pletely absorbed in it.


    More than half an hour passed before Xavier quietly left the garden without her noticing. When she finally realized it, several hours had already gone by. The caretaker called out to her, reminding her it was time for dinner.


    Scarlett excitedly asked Xavier at the dining table, "Mr. Stroud, may I try shootingter?"


    She had read most of the book and felt confident enough to try it.


    Xavier gave a slight nod, his voice low and calm. "I''ll teach you after dinner."


    Scarlett, brimming with excitement, ate her dinner quickly.


    Xavier, who usually took his time with meals, sped up as well, indulging her enthusiasm. Soon, the two of them moved to another room.


    They opened the door to the shooting range, and the walls were lined with various types of firearms. In the center of the room, arge table was covered with a variety of scattered equipment.


    Scarlett''s eyes widened in awe as she took in the sight.


    "What would you like to start with?" Xavier asked, casually picking up a small handgun and turning it over in his hands like it was second nature.


    Scarlett''s gaze swept over the weapons: submachine guns, rifles, sniper rifles, handguns... She wanted to learn them all.


    But in the end, she chose the small handgun. She picked one up, testing its weight in her hands. It was solid, and she could tell instantly that it was a real firearm.


    Xavier walked over to the corner where the safe was, took out a box of small- caliber bullets, and selected a suppressor from the table before heading toward the shooting range.


    Scarlett hurriedly followed, listening as Xavier exined the safety precautions.


    "This handgun doesn''t have much recoil, but it''s loud, so you''ll need to attach the suppressor. Once you''re used to the sound, you can shoot without it," he continued.


    As he spoke, Xavier guided her hand on how to properly hold the gun,


    vel


    how to aim, and how to pull the trigger. At one point, he stood directly behind her, his arm


    stretching over her shoulder cing her small hand in hisrger one.


    Scarlett felt a bit uneasy, her back suddenly aware of the heat radiating from his


    solid chest. "Focus. Keep your eyes on the target."


    Scarlett stopped hesitating. After all, having Xavier teach her personally was a rare opportunity, and she wasn''t about to waste it.


    She focused intently, blocking out the presence behind her, ignoring the warmth of his touch. With a slight pressure from his index finger, Scarlett pulled the trigger with a sharp snap.


    "Bang!" Even with the suppressor, the sound was loud and clear. Scarlett quickly looked at the target, and to her delight, she''d hit the bullseye!


    "Mr. Stroud, I did it! I hit the target!" She was ted, eager to try again and keep practicing.


    Outside the shooting room, the caretaker, busy with cleaning, couldn''t help but peek inside, then rushed off to gossip with Edmund.


    "Edmund, Mr. Stroud is personally teaching Ms. Quinn how to shoot! This kind of treatment is more than even Mr. Percy gets! Do you think Mr. Stroud is training Ms. Quinn to be part of the Stroud family?"


    Edmund was unfazed and replied with a knowing look, "Perhaps."


    After all, training a future matriarch for the Stroud family was hardly


    anything out of the ordinary.


    Ke


    However, what was uncertain was whether Scarlett''s potential could be fully tapped into.


    The caretaker, filled with excitement, chimed in, "Oh, that''s wonderful! I really like Ms. Quinn. Not only is she sharp and pretty, but her medical skills are incredible.


    "She''s such a talent. I heard Mr. Stroud''s health problems are all cured by her. She''s truly our savior.


    "Ever since Ms. Quinn arrived, the atmosphere in the manor has felt lighter. If we could work alongside her, that would be fantastic."


    Edmund''s lips curled slightly, but he knew the truth. It was unlikely that they''d have that opportunity. Still, he didn''t let on about Xavier''s intentions.