After staying silent for a few seconds, Lucian uttered, “Are you planning to find a father for Archie and Benny in a place like that? Do you think you can find a reliable man there?”Roxanne let out a chuckle. “I’ll only know if the man is reliable once we get to know each other. Of course, I can’t find out if the man is reliable if you keep interrupting us like what you did earlier. Mr. Farwell, if you’re so worried, why don’t you introduce someone to me?”“Roxanne!” A flash of anger passed through Lucian’s eyes.Roxanne averted her gaze in disappointment. “Mr. Farwell, since you don’t plan to do that, you should mind your own business from now on.”With that, she opened the car door and helped Madilyn out of the car.Through the rearview mirror, Lucian saw that Roxanne was struggling to walk while supporting Madilyn. Frowning, he got out of the car and wanted to give Roxanne a hand.Sensing Lucian’s intention, Roxanne immediately turned sideways to avoid him. Looking at the man, who
Arching his brows, Lucian asked, “Do you like Archie and Benny very much?”Estella nodded firmly in response.Archie and Benny have been nice to me ever since our first meeting. They also protected me in kindergarten. With the two of them around, the other kids didn’t dare to bully me anymore. I feel like a princess of kindergarten now!Estella’s eyes gleamed whenever Lucian mentioned the two boys.He felt conflicted upon seeing Estella’s hopeful expression.Still, it’s easier to let Estella interact more with Archie and Benny than to send her to recover at Roxanne’s house.Thinking of that, Lucian felt relieved. “Since you like Archie and Benny so much, you can ask Catalina to prepare more snacks before going to school in the future. Then, you can share with the boys,” he suggested.Estella tilted her head, unable to comprehend Lucian’s words for a moment.Stroking Estella’s head, Lucian added, “You should be nice to Archie and Benny and play more with them since they have been treat
Roxanne halted her steps, unsure what he was trying to say.Looking at the woman standing beside her, Lucian pursed his lips indifferently. “If I remember correctly, you once said that the children are innocent and should not get involved in our matters. However, does this only apply to Archie and Benny?”Upon hearing that, Roxanne turned around and met his gaze. “What do you mean?”Lucian raised an eyebrow. “You know that Essie likes you and would feel sad if she doesn’t see you. However, you refused to meet her multiple times, knowing that this might cause her condition to worsen. Isn’t Essie innocent in this matter? I don’t mind if it’s me you want to avoid, but there’s no need to do the same thing on her as well.”Roxanne was promptly taken aback when she heard that.Although she had considered if Estella would feel upset for not seeing her, Roxanne dismissed the thought as she had never seen herself as someone important. Besides, Lucian would definitely take good care of Estella.
Larry couldn’t help but feel amused after realizing the meaning behind her words.“You had studied under Professor Lambert for so many years. Do you still see yourself as that same nobody in the past who just went overseas? Those experts might not have heard of your real name before, but they had long heard of your other alias-Janet.”A flash of joy passed through Roxanne’s eyes.Following that, the woman rubbed hernose as she giggled.She was so accustomed to being humblethat she almost forgot that Janet, the other name she used, had some reputation internationally. “In that case, I’ll accept your offer.” Roxanne chuckled as she invitation card inside her handbag. put theLarry nodded. “It’s supposed to be yours.”“I saw on the invitation card that the conference will take place tomorrowafternoon. What time should we set off?” Roxanne asked.Seeing how thrilled she was, the joy in Larry’s eyes intensified. “Tomorrow morning. Both of us can get some rest upon reaching. We will be a
After Roxanne returned to the country with Larry, they basically stayed in Horington the entire time. Seeing that it was a rare opportunity for them to come to Bellridge, she seized the chance to do shopping nearby the event venue since it wasn’t time for lunch.After lunch, they returned to their respective hotel rooms to get ready for the conference in the afternoon.The conference officially began in the afternoon.Roxanne and Larry had arrived at the venue half an hour earlier.As Roxanne observed the people entering the venue, she could not help but grow increasingly apprehensive.Just as Larry had told her, the people who attended the event were all prominent figures in the medical field. Although she had never seen them in person, she had seen their pictures on multiple media sources reporting on medical issues.Larry brought her over to greet them.“You’re Janet?” The moment one of the seniors realized that Roxanne was Janet, a look of doubt crept up his face. “A woman? More s
In Horington, Lucian sent Estella to kindergarten earlier than usual the next morning after the unpleasant conversation with Roxanne the previous day.When he arrived at the kindergarten, there were only a few parents around the area.However, Roxanne was nowhere to be found.Estella obviously wanted to see her. She held on tightly to Lucian’s hand, refusing to go into the kindergarten.Lucian frowned at her stubbornness. Even so, he could only stand outside the kindergarten together with her.It was after a long time that Archie and Benny showed up. This time, however, Roxanne was not the one who came with them.When Lucian noticed that, his eyebrows furrowed even more as he walked up to Lysa while holding Estella’s hand. “Where’s Ms. Jarvis? Doesn’t she usually drop Archie and Benny off at school?”Ever since they parted ways at the hospital, Lysa had never met Lucian again. She did not know that Roxanne and Lucian had got into an argument.Therefore, with the thought of them still
Lucian’s expression hardened further as he observed Cayden’s nod. “Find out which hotel they are staying at.”At this point, Cayden knew what Lucian wanted to do. After a moment’s hesitation, he said, “Mr. Farwell, they will have a gathering tonight, and it’s just nearby. I’m sure Mr. Morrison and Ms. Jarvis will be present.”Lucian nodded. “In that case, let’s meet Mr. Zimmerman of Prosperity Corporation at that restaurant tonight.”Cayden nodded in agreement and contacted the CEO’s secretary to schedule the meeting.He was certain that the other party would not object to it.That night, Roxanne and Larry attended the gathering, an event hosted by the organizing committee of the conference.It took place at a high-class restaurant known as Ocean Restaurant. The restaurant was situated near the hotel where the medical conference was held that same afternoon.The organizing committee had already booked a private room for the attendees in advance. As soon as Roxanne and Larry entered th
Roxanne frowned and stepped back, putting some distance between them before greeting, “Dr. Chambers, it’s been a while.”The middle-aged man was a doctor working in the hospital that was a partner of Roxanne’s research institute. Roxanne had only met him several times before this, and aside from his last name Chambers, Roxanne knew nothing else about him.Seeing that he didn’t mistake another person for her, he got bolder and looked at Roxanne in a perverted manner. “I remember thinking you’re beautiful when we met at the research institute. Dr. Jarvis, now that I’ve seen you out of your research lab coat, I realize that not only you’re beautiful, but you also have a great body.”As he spoke, he slowly approached Roxanne. “Look at your face. It’s glowing. Let me touch it…”Noticing that he had stretched out his greasy hand toward her, Roxanne felt disgusted and slapped his hand away. “Dr. Chambers, you should know your boundaries!”He was startled for a couple of seconds before realiz
Roxanne had long guessed Sonya would treat her with an unpleasant attitude. Although she was displeased, she didn’t show it on her face.“It’s Essie and Mr. Farwell’s wishes that Essie stays here. As you’re her grandma, I have nothing to say if you want to bring her back, but I hope you respect Essie’s opinions.”Sonya frowned in displeasure.I’ve already asked Essie just now. I wonder what sorcery Roxanne has cast on her to make her refuse to go home. That’s why I turned to ask Roxanne, but I didn’t expect this woman to be so tactless!Sonya was livid.Just then, Estella spoke. “Grandma, I don’t want to go home. I want to stay here and play with Archie and Benny.”Estella looked at Sonya pitifully.Usually, when Estella wore such an expression, Sonya would have gone along with her wishes. However, she was filled with rage right now, so Estella’s look only added fuel to the fire.“You have to go home even if you don’t want to. You belong to the Farwell family. How can you stay at some
Ten minutes ago, Catalina had been instructing the rest of the household staff on their chores when she heard the doorbell ring.The moment she opened the door, she saw that it was Sonya.Before Catalina could greet her, Sonya questioned her, “Where’s Essie? Tell Essie to come out. Tell her that her grandma is here.”Catalina was put in a difficult position.Estella had not been in the manor for the past few days.She had thought that the little girl was with Sonya.However, judging from Sonya’s reaction, Catalina knew there and then that Estella was with Roxanne.It was obvious that Sonya must have discovered that, and that explained her anger.As a servant, Catalina did not know how to answer her question. In the end, she replied, “I will inform Mr. Farwell right away.”She was about to go and seek help from Lucian when Sonya stopped her in her tracks.“I want to see Essie. If she doesn’t come down, I will go up myself.”With that, she began to walk upstairs.Catalina had no choice
“Please wait for a moment as Mrs. Farwell is taking a nap. I’ll tell her you’re here.” After inviting Aubree to sit on the couch in the living hall, the butler was ready to go up to call Sonya.Aubree knitted her brows and responded, “It’s okay. I can go up and check on her.”The butler knew Sonya doted on her. He hesitated but eventually agreed to allow her to go upstairs.Aubree responded with a nod. After plastering a smile on her face, she took the stairs and went up.Sonya had just woken up from her nap in the master bedroom upstairs. Upon hearing a knock on the door, she opened it right away.“Mrs. Farwell.” Aubree grinned politely. “I hope I’m not disturbing you.”Sonya, too, responded with a smile when she realized it was Aubree. “Not at all. I just woke up.”Aubree walked up to her and held her arm affectionately. “I brought you lots of gifts. Let’s go down and check them out.”“Aww, you’re too sweet.” Sonya glanced at her. “You didn’t have to do that. I’m happy that you’re h
The search lasted the entire morning.The grim-faced Cayden, who returned with his subordinates in the afternoon, said, “We found nothing, Mr. Farwell.”Admittedly, Cory was an excellent private investigator.Cayden could not help but wonder how he had managed to keep in touch with his employers.Not only did Cayden not find any evidence of how the mastermind instructed Cory to spy on Roxanne, but he also could not find proof that could expose Cory’s identity as a private investigator.Cory began playing the sympathy card. “Mr. Farwell, I told you no one instructed me to do anything.”Lucian waited for half a day but did not get the answer he was looking for. His eyes blazed with fury when he saw the pretentious innocent look on the culprit’s face.“If no one put you up to this, why did you stalk her?” he asked.Cory blinked innocently. “B-Because I find Ms. Jarvis attractive. I wished to snap photos of her since I was trying my hand at photography.”He had felt nervous before Cayden
Meanwhile, Lucian, too, ordered Cayden to investigate the issue.With Farwell Group’s financial capability, the investigation was carried out effortlessly.In less than an hour, Cayden had managed to bring the private investigator to Farwell Group.It was not until the private investigator was led to Farwell Group’s entrance that he realized something was off.“D-Did I do something wrong? Why did you bring me here?”Cayden cast him a cold glance. “Why are you asking me that? I’m not the one who calls the shots here. You’ll find out soon.”The private investigator’s legs trembled when he heard Cayden’s words.The only person who came to mind when he thought of the person who called the shots for Farwell Group was none other than Lucian Farwell.The private investigator had recently been following Roxanne around on Aubree’s orders. During those times, he had indeed seen Roxanne interacting with Lucian.Yet, he paid no mind to that.After all, he was merely doing as instructed. He did no
Upon hearing that, the doubtful Roxanne and Madilyn exchanged glances.They had spoken to nearly all the research institutes that could develop that specific bacterium in Horington, and only that research institute confirmed that their laboratory had previously lost the bacteria.Although it happened half a month ago, the bacteria could remain viable as long as they were appropriately preserved.Madilyn was aware of that and didn’t hesitate to ask, “How did you guys lose the bacteria back then? Do you guys have any findings now?”The person’s answer did not disappoint them. “One of the researchers should have taken it,” he said frankly.Madilyn was filled with confusion when she heard that.“Although we have no solid evidence, we were certain about that. Two days after the bacteria went missing, that researcher suddenly quit. We haven’t heard from her since then,” the person continued.Before Madilyn could speak, Roxanne asked, “What’s the name of that researcher?”The person on the o
At the side, Estella had her head lifted and gazed at Roxanne, looking hopeful.Roxanne’s gaze flickered. Only after obtaining Lucian’s promise did she forcibly suppress the worry within her.“Got it. I’ll take good care of Essie for the next few days.”Lucian indifferently inclined his head a fraction in acknowledgment. Shortly after, he took his leave and left.Roxanne watched as his car disappeared into the distance before bringing Archie, Benny, and Estella into the mansion.All three children were already starving to the point that their stomachs growled incessantly.Without tarrying, Roxanne prepared some quick and easy breakfast to fill their stomachs first.After having breakfast, she had the children play by themselves while she stood up and went into the study.She simply couldn’t sit back and do nothing about the person who used the bacteria on the children.Worse still, Lucian left Estella at her place. Hence, she wanted to catch the culprit as soon as possible to eliminat
“Have you and the kids been here?”Lucian came to a stop under a gigantic tree.Stopping with him, Roxanne looked around before shaking her head. “No.”That tree was located at the edge of the woods.Yesterday, she had been with Archie, Benny, and Estella in the woods or by the waterfall.As such, they indeed hadn’t been to that particular spot.Nodding in understanding, Lucian motioned for her to take a look at the bottom of the tree.Roxanne followed his gaze and took a closer look, upon which she made out a vague footprint.From the looks of it, it obviously belonged to an adult.As the footprints moved toward the edge of the gra*sy area, they grew increasingly faint.Therefore, she had no way of knowing whether the owner of those footprints had gone anywhere near the tent.However, it was certain that someone else was there yesterday other than her and the children.In fact, that person had been watching from the side while she was playing with the children.That realization had a
After Archie, Benny, and Estella had dozed off, Roxanne turned off the small night light in the tent.Consequently, the tent was pitch-dark right then, and she had no idea whether Lucian was asleep on the other side.Well, I didn’t hear any movement in a long time, so he has probably gone to sleep.At that thought, Roxanne quietly got up and left the tent. She sat outside under the moonlight alone and stared blankly into space.The weather had been great for the past two days. The moon shone brightly, but there weren’t many stars in the sky.For safety reasons, Lucian had the headlights turned on, illuminating the tent’s surroundings and rendering it like daylight.As Roxanne looked at the scenery around her, her mind gradually began drifting.Too many things had happened that day.At first, the children suddenly contracted a bacterial infection. Then, she inexplicably ended up in the same space as Lucian.Both of the incidents had her emotions turn into a jumbled mess.While she was