While the boys were enjoying themselves, they were moving pretty slowly. Thus, after Roxanne watched them for a while, she also helped out.Soon, everything in the vehicle was carried into the mansion.Meanwhile, Estella climbed into the car to a*sist the boys. When she left, she spotted the white box on the pa*senger seat.Intrigued, she brought the box out of the car and asked, “What’s this, Mommy?”Everyone turned to the girl when they heard that.Upon eyeing the box, Roxanne subconsciously glanced at Lucian.He just stood at the side nonchalantly as though that box had nothing to do with him.Since the adults didn’t tell Estella she couldn’t touch it, and she didn’t receive a reply from Roxanne, she opened it out of curiosity.It was then Roxanne saw what was inside in the box.“It’s so pretty!” Estella stood on her toes and lifted her hand to let her mother see the object taken from the box. “Is this Daddy’s gift for you, Mommy?”In response, Roxanne lowered her eyes and saw a p
Before they knew it, darkness took over the sky. After acting as a driver and mover for the day and giving Roxanne a gift, Lucian naturally stayed back for dinner.Once they had their fill, he played with the children for a while before taking his leave.“It’s getting late, so I’ll be going home now. Essie—”Before he could even finish, Essie declined, “I want to stay with Mommy!”Lucian threw her a glance before continuing, “I’ll leave Essie with you for the next two days. Tell me if you can’t manage, and I’ll come and pick the children up.”Archie and Benny’s eyes lit up when they heard Lucian’s words.Given how smart they were, they caught the most important part of his sentence—he considered them his children.Even though they couldn’t address him as “Daddy” yet, he had already seen them as his own.Both of them were ecstatic when the fact dawned upon them.As for Estella, she was filled with delight upon receiving permission to stay with her mother.Stroking Estella’s face gentl
That night, Jonathan could barely sleep after receiving a message from Lucian. At daybreak the next morning, Jonathan strode into the Farwell residence.“Mr. Queen,” Catalina greeted him upon his arrival.Jonathan nodded in acknowledgment. “Where’s Lucian?”“He went up to his study after breakfast.”Jonathan then ended his conversation with Catalina and headed up.There was no way he could rest until he clarified with Lucian what the message from the night before meant.Just as he was about to knock, the door opened from the inside.“What are you doing here?”Lucian gave his guest a placid look before inviting him into the study.Jonathan almost choked on himself.Why is he even asking me that? I obviously want to know what he is trying to convey with the message last night. It’s one thing for me to do his bidding all the time, but what’s with throwing a hot potato in my direction out of nowhere? Because of him, I hardly slept a wink!“Lucian, aren’t you being unreasonable?”The exas
Aubree’s desperation was shared by Samuel, who had been bustling around for several days. Sonya’s promise gave him hope, and he thought she would really succeed in convincing Lucian to spare the Pearson family this once.Little did he expect that not only did Farwell Group’s oppression of the Pearson Group persist, but it even intensified. In fact, it was so bad that the Pearson family was on the verge of bankruptcy.His hard work in the past few days ended up in vain, resulting in his relatives knocking on his door and questioning him about it one after another.In just a few days, most of his hair had turned gray.At that very moment, Samuel was sitting at the desk in the study with a grim expression on his face. In front of him were a few staff members from the bank.At the same time, a handful of a*set transfer agreements were clearly laid out on the desk.After the bank’s staff member had reviewed one of the documents, he slid it over to Samuel. “Please sign here, Mr. Pearson.”
For the first time in her life, panic swamped Aubree. She turned to her mother for confirmation. “Was Dad telling me the truth earlier, Mom? We’re really moving out?”Gina was likewise exceedingly reluctant to move out. Unfortunately, she had no other choice but to face reality. She nodded with a grim expression on her face. “Yeah. Very soon, we won’t be able to live here anymore.”After saying that, she urged earnestly, “Listen to your father, Aubree. Don’t do anything foolish again. Now that the Pearson family has ended up in such straits, we wouldn’t be able to help you even if we wanted to do so if something were to happen to you!”In the past, others might give the Pearson family some respect because of the Farwell family.At present, however, things had soured between the Farwell and Pearson families. In fact, the Farwell family went just short of announcing that they were the ones who brought the Pearson family down.Therefore, no one would care about the Pearson family anymor
After leaving the Queen residence, Frieda drove to the Pearson residence immediately. She saw the movers’ vehicles outside the Pearson residence when she was walking toward the entrance.Even though she knew that the Pearson family was in a difficult situation and targeted by many parties, she didn’t realize it was to this extent.When she recalled Aubree’s tone in the phone call earlier, realization dawned upon her.No wonder Aubree didn’t contact me these few days but suddenly called me today. She’s desperate.Upon realizing that, Frieda was overwhelmed with emotions.If she went up now, it wouldn’t end up well for her as Aubree would only vent her anger on her.Back then, the Pearson family rose to prominence with the Farwell family’s a*sistance.No one would have been able to predict that the family would fall from grace now!If this fate befalls the Queen family…Frieda couldn’t help but shiver upon that thought.No! I can’t be in cahoots with Aubree anymore! Who knows what she
With that, the two women were considered to have completely fallen out with each other. When Frieda stepped out of the Pearson residence, the smile on her face instantly vanished as a wave of regret and fury washed over her.If I knew this would happen, I wouldn’t have gotten close to Aubree! Her family is now destitute, yet she refuses to let me go!Her expression remained grim throughout the journey back to the Queen residence.Worried about Frieda, Jonathan had been waiting for her in the living room.His heart sank when he noticed the expression on her face as she entered the living room. “What happened? Did you and Aubree have a fight?”If I’m not mistaken, Aubree and Frieda have always been on good terms with each other. Since Frieda went over to check on Aubree, they shouldn’t have fought. Or could my suspicion be right? Are they hiding something from me?That thought weighed heavily on his heart, and he fixed Frieda with a penetrating gaze.Frieda’s long-suppressed rage final
At noon the next day, Jonathan brought Frieda shopping. They bought a bunch of gifts before driving to the restaurant where they were supposed to meet Roxanne. The restaurant was near the research institute. Due to the closeness of both locations, Roxanne thought she could head back to do some more work if their meeting ended early.Something in the research institute held her up, so Jonathan and Frieda were already waiting in the private room by the time she arrived.“I’m sorry, Dr. Jarvis. Did I interrupt your work?”Despite addressing Roxanne by her name in front of Lucian, Jonathan was mindful of his behavior and addressed her politely when she was present.Roxanne offered him a polite smile. Her gaze then landed on Frieda, and confusion crossed her eyes.If I’m not mistaken, Frieda never liked me. So why is she here today?Considering how busy she was handling various projects at the research institute, Roxanne did not want to be involved in any trouble.Jonathan rose to his fee
Originally, Sonya did not intend to cause trouble for Roxanne at such an hour.Yet she did not expect her son to release such a shocking announcement on the internet, and she only found out while she was having dinner.Sonya was so incensed that she didn’t even finish dinner. After throwing her cutleries in a rage, she set off and drove to Roxanne’s house.She was determined to make Lucian and Estella cut ties with Roxanne as soon as possible.Now that Sonya saw how dependent Estella was on Roxanne, her anger was further fueled.“Roxanne Jarvis, give me back my granddaughter,” she uttered frostily as if Roxanne had snatched Estella away from her.Sensing Estella’s nervousness, Roxanne gripped the former’s hand to soothe her anxiety. Next, Roxanne lifted her head to face the woman opposite her.If this had happened in the past, Roxanne might not know how to respond to a demand like this.However, things were different now. She was Estella’s mother, so she had the right to keep Estella
The boys were exhilarated for nearly the whole day after seeing the announcement in the morning.When night fell, Roxanne had just stepped into the house when Archie and Benny flung themselves at her in excitement. “Mommy!”She was slightly perplexed by their gleeful demeanor. “What’s going on? Did something nice happen in the kindergarten?”As soon as she ended her sentence, she glanced at Estella and was puzzled. If something did happen in the kindergarten, why isn’t Essie acting the same way as them?Upon detecting his mother’s confusion, Archie said, “Didn’t you see the news on the internet?”That confounded Roxanne even further. What news on the internet?Excitedly, Benny added, “Mr. Farwell claimed that we’re his children, just like Essie!”Did I hear that right? Lucian said Archie and Benny are his children? How’s that possible? Roxanne was stunned.He could tell his mother was befuddled, so he grabbed the laptop, clicked on a public forum, and showed it to her.Farwell Group’s
Jonathan’s jaw dropped open in disbelief. If they aren’t his, why does he look so calm in comparison to me, who is freaking out?“What are you thinking?” He shot Lucian an incredulous look. “If you want to help Roxanne by stopping the haters online, then you can just publicize your relationship with her and issue warning letters through your lawyer. Why would you do this?”If it was revealed that the CEO of Farwell Group had claimed to be the biological father of his ex-wife’s children even though they were not his, no one would believe it. It sounded pretty ridiculous, but that was exactly what Lucian did.“If I only did that, the netizens will still a*sume the worst about the boys’ father.” Displeasure flashed across Lucian’s eyes as he explained, “The kids are innocent. If she’s willing to marry me, it will only be a matter of time before the boys become mine, too.”Lucian knew very well that the last thing Roxanne wanted was to drag the kids into her mess, so he was more than wil
Soon, some recalled Roxanne’s previous scandal after reading the statement. One comment read: So what happened between Mr. Farwell and Aubree Pearson?Another read: Isn’t that obvious? Aubree is the homewrecker. She was the one who faked the rumors so Roxanne would give up on Mr. Farwell!One netizen replied: But what about Roxanne and Jack? They had been involved in two scandals. Besides, they seem to be on good terms.Another comment read: Isn’t that obvious? They are both capable doctors. Besides, the recent medical consultations were all initiated by the Damaris family. It’s normal for them to be on good terms!Many online users expressed their disapproval of Aubree, while the rest offered their support and blessing to Roxanne and Lucian.Now that Roxanne and Jack’s relationship was clarified, everyone thought Roxanne and Lucian were the perfect couple.One comment read: I heard that Roxanne had participated in various medical consultations recently. A while ago, someone ran into
The medicinal herb company owned by the Damaris family was mainly run by their own people, leaving outsiders nothing but envy. Lucian went silent after hearing that.However, that piqued Jonathan’s interest. “Why? Is Roxanne working with the Damaris family again? Do you need my help with anything?”Lucian managed to detect the hint of derision in his voice and snickered. “Go on and acquire the Damaris family’s medicinal herbs company if you’d really like to help.”Jonathan rubbed his nose sheepishly and said, “Well, anything but that.”“Then there’s nothing you can do. Bye.”Lucian hung up the call right after that.Jonathan’s face was full of reproach as he watched his phone screen go dark.That was the second time Lucian had woken him up in the middle of the night and hung up after dropping a bomb on him.It had taken him considerable effort to finally drift off to sleep.Great. It looks like I won’t be able to sleep at all tonight, either!Jonathan lay back down in bed, scrolling
It was already past nine at night when Roxanne reached home. As she got out of the car, she felt anxious and guilty for leaving the children alone at home.Hence, she hurried into the mansion, but as soon as she entered, she was greeted with the lively sounds of the children playing with each other and running around.Roxanne stopped in her tracks and looked inside the living room, surprised.Initially, she thought Madilyn had come over, but Lucian was sitting on the couch instead.As if sensing her presence, the man turned around to look.When their gazes met, Roxanne’s shock intensified. “What are you doing here?”Didn’t we agree on meeting some other day?Upon noticing her return, the children stopped playing and gathered around her, yearning for affection.“Mommy, you came home so late! Daddy’s been waiting for a long time!”Roxanne ruffled the children’s hair, but her gaze was still locked on Lucian.Lucian sat on the couch, crossing his legs. The button on his collar was undone
Lucian had mentioned visiting Roxanne in the past few days, but she rejected him by saying she had work to do. When he heard Estella mention that Roxanne was rarely home, he finally realized how hard she had been working recently.“Are you free tomorrow at noon? Let’s have lunch together,” Lucian suggested.He was determined to let Roxanne get some rest.Roxanne fell silent for a few moments when she heard the time he mentioned before replying apologetically, “Sorry, I’m not free.”Lucian frowned. “Why? Is there work that you have to complete?”Roxanne scratched her nose sheepishly. “I’ve promised to meet up with Mr. Damaris for lunch tomorrow to discuss a project.”Jack Damaris?Lucian’s expression instantly darkened.We’ve hardly been in contact these few days, and yet she’s been contacting him?What the elderlies from the nursing home said echoed in Lucian’s mind once again.After all, he and Roxanne did not work in the same industry. Plus, the woman was a workaholic, causing thei
I can’t believe the Queen family is the culprit! I… I a*sume that with our friendship of years, even if they refuse to help us, at the very least, they won’t hit us when we’re down. Yet, they are the reason we ended up in such a state! If that’s the case, why did Frieda come to our house yesterday? Did she come to shed crocodile tears? Gina glared at her daughter resentfully. “You knew about it, didn’t you?”Aubree’s involvement in the company’s affairs meant that she must have known who the culprit was, yet she still permitted Frieda to visit her, much to Gina’s bafflement.If I knew the Queen family was behind this, I wouldn’t have allowed Frieda to enter our house!Aubree’s eyes had also turned red. “So what if I did know? It was the Farwells’ order! Lucian drove us into a corner all because of that b*tch!”I refuse to give up just yet! Even if I end up in hell, I’ll drag that b*tch down with me!Her words made Gina feel as though the world was crumbling around her.She could not
At noon the next day, Jonathan brought Frieda shopping. They bought a bunch of gifts before driving to the restaurant where they were supposed to meet Roxanne. The restaurant was near the research institute. Due to the closeness of both locations, Roxanne thought she could head back to do some more work if their meeting ended early.Something in the research institute held her up, so Jonathan and Frieda were already waiting in the private room by the time she arrived.“I’m sorry, Dr. Jarvis. Did I interrupt your work?”Despite addressing Roxanne by her name in front of Lucian, Jonathan was mindful of his behavior and addressed her politely when she was present.Roxanne offered him a polite smile. Her gaze then landed on Frieda, and confusion crossed her eyes.If I’m not mistaken, Frieda never liked me. So why is she here today?Considering how busy she was handling various projects at the research institute, Roxanne did not want to be involved in any trouble.Jonathan rose to his fee