For a moment, Roxanne did not know how to respond to Estella’s declaration of love. I mean, I like Essie too, but I have never entertained the thoughts of becoming her mother.After all, she has her own biological mother. If anything, children would probably prefer their biological parents more…A good example will be Archie and Benny. Although they don’t know the truth of their births yet, their attitude toward Lucian is clearly different from the rest.“You can’t?” Having received no answer from Roxanne, Estella lowered her eyes in disappointment and despair.Roxanne’s heart ached when she saw the girl’s disappointment, but there was nothing she could do besides giving her a merciless rejection. Patiently, she explained to the girl, “Essie, you’ll have your own mommy, and once you have your mommy, you’ll find out that liking mommy and liking me don’t feel the same.”Estella tightened her fists stubbornly and looked at Roxanne with tearful eyes. “I only like Ms. Jarvis!”“You won’t—
Estella nodded obediently upon hearing her father’s words. Lucian lifted Estella into his arms before returning to Roxanne’s place. Just as they reached the entrance, they saw Roxanne’s car reaching the gates of the residential area. Lucian could recognize Roxanne’s car right away, and the moment he did, the temperature around him dropped. Essie was sobbing so badly because of her, but the only thing on her mind is her appointment with Jack. Is work that important to her? In the living room, Archie and Benny were about to open the door to look for Estella after the long wait. To their surprise, right as they opened the door, they were greeted by the sight of their grim father with Estella in his arms. Estella peeked into the living room when the door opened, but she saw no traces of Roxanne around. “Where’s Ms. Jarvis?” Estella asked, her eyes still red. “Is Ms. Jarvis not back yet because she’s out looking for me?” After that, she patted her father’s shoulder and said anxious
Hector exchanged a few pleasantries with Roxanne, and the conversation went back to business as she led Hector and Jack to visit a few sites. The tour of the research institute was nearly finished at noon, and they adjourned to the restaurant where she had made a reservation.Jack sidled up to Roxanne soundlessly after they exited the research institute and asked in concern, “You mentioned that you had to attend to family matters. What were they, if you don’t mind my asking? The Dr. Jarvis I know would never show up late to an appointment.”She smiled slightly, her lips compressed. “It’s nothing, just a temper tantrum by Archie and Benny.”Jack didn’t question her answer and smiled sympathetically with a nod. “It’s understandable for problems to arise when you have kids at home.”Hector turned toward both of them. “What are you talking about? My old ears didn’t catch it.”They hastily pasted a smile on their faces and hurried to walk alongside Hector.Colby wasn’t familiar with Jack
After lunch, Roxanne and the others returned to the research institute to continue discussing the details of their cooperation. When they came out of the restaurant, a flash of light flickered twice in a bush across the road before quickly disappearing.The person hiding in the bush only stepped out after he saw the group leave in a car.Looking at the photos he had just taken with his camera, the mysterious man nodded with satisfaction before hurrying away.At the Queen residence, Jonathan stood up in surprise when his butler entered the house with Lucian. “To what do I owe the pleasure, Lucian?”Standing beside Jonathan was Frieda, who could not help but feel guilty when she saw Lucian because of her meeting with Aubree. Even her voice was shaky when she greeted the man. “Lucian…”Lucian simply gave Frieda an indifferent look before shifting his attention to Jonathan. “Are you available now?”Frowning slightly, Jonathan could tell that Lucian had something important to discuss with
Frieda gave a perfunctory nod before turning around and entering her room. Only after watching her disappear behind the door did Jonathan walk downstairs. When he arrived at the backyard, he saw that Lucian was already chatting with Alfred.“I did that to save Dr. Jarvis from the predicament, so why are you thanking me?” Alfred gazed at Lucian in bafflement as the latter had started expressing his gratitude a short while into the conversation.Lucian maintained a polite mien in front of Alfred. After listening to the old man’s remark, he merely flashed a faint smile. “I’m well-acquainted with Dr. Jarvis, so I think it is reasonable for me to thank you on her behalf.”Alfred waved his hand nonchalantly. “All I did was mention the truth. Dr. Jarvis saved my life. I should help her with this small favor.”After saying that, Alfred asked Lucian about his and Aubree’s marriage. “When do you plan to settle down with Aubree? Both of you are not getting any younger, especially Aubree. After
“Why?” Frieda was perplexed. How else will Lucian see it if she doesn’t send it to him directly?Based on what Jonathan said, it seems that Lucian has done much more for that woman’s sake!If this keeps up, they’re really going to end up together.A look of disdain flashed in Aubree’s eyes when she heard the question, but she quickly suppressed it.“Lucian’s always known that I don’t get along with Roxanne, so if I send it even while remaining anonymous, he’s going to suspect me for sure.”Frieda creased her brows and composed herself. “Then what should we do? Are we going to just watch that b*tch go after two guys at the same time?”Aubree’s gaze darkened. “I have my own plans. We don’t necessarily have to let Lucian see these pictures.”Sometimes, it’d be better having other people see them.Frieda remained confused and was about to find out more when Aubree stood up and turned to leave.An odd feeling surfaced in Frieda’s chest as she gazed at the empty seat before her with a frow
With a stern face, Sonya slammed her phone in front of her son, the screen showing images of Roxanne and Jack in the middle of what appeared to be a happy conversation. “Have a look yourself!”Lucian gazed down at the phone, initially thinking that these photos were taken from the public uproar before.However, upon closer inspection, he realized that the woman was wearing the same outfit she had worn when she left this morning.Not only that, but Hector could be seen not too far away from the two in the photo.A look of irony flashed in Lucian’s eyes as he thought back to the excuse Roxanne had made when she left earlier today.She said she had to show up no matter what because Old Mr. Damaris would be there.Yet, in all of these photos, she was only talking to Jack and seemed to treat Old Mr. Damaris as though he was non-existent!Sensing the atmosphere around her son turn gloomy, Sonya continued to demean Roxanne.“I remember people saying that Roxanne only managed to become part
The sky was about to turn dark when Roxanne left the research institute. On the way home, her chest tightened as she thought that Lucian was still lounging around at her place.However, she returned to find only the three children sitting on the couch and staring at the computer screen.Roxanne scanned the living area, but the man was nowhere to be seen.“Mommy!” the boys greeted her as soon as they realized she had come home.Roxanne caressed their tiny heads while asking, “Where’s Mr. Farwell?”“He left a long time ago, but we asked him to let Essie stay so that we could wait for you to come back together,” Benny explained in his squeaky voice.The woman smiled when she heard that. Then her gaze fell on the little girl standing behind the two boys.Unlike her usual peppy demeanor, Essie now stood timidly behind Archie and Benny, not even saying hello.Clearly, she was still bothered by what had happened earlier that day.Realizing this, Roxanne knelt down and stared straight into t