“Frieda, do you know them?” Ha*so couldn’t help but ask. Frieda slowly returned to her senses and glanced at him with furrowed eyebrows. The disdain in her eyes swiftly faded. “There’s bad blood between me and that woman.”“What did she do to you?” Ha*so asked, confused.Frieda pursed her lips and put on an angry look. “She stole my friend’s man. I can’t stand that.”Ha*so was momentarily stunned when he saw his goddess getting angry. He then stood up and a*sumed a posture as though he was going to help her get revenge. “I’ll teach that woman a lesson!”Frieda couldn’t help but roll her eyes. Quickly schooling her emotions, she gently kicked his leg under the table. “Sit down! Don’t act so rashly. It’ll be embarra*sing if you make a scene!”Because she kicked him very lightly, he thought she was flirting with him. He sat back down obediently and asked, “What do you plan to do, then? I’ll do whatever you ask!”Frieda smiled. “Let’s follow them and see what they’re up to.”Ha*so agreed
Archie and Benny watched silently and enviously from behind. They also wanted to wear matching outfits with their parents. However, they weren’t as bold as their younger sister. Knowing that Lucian was their father, they tended to act more reserved in front of him.Roxanne looked at the happy smile on Estella’s face, and her concern reduced greatly. She patted the girl’s head and said, “The dress really suits you, Essie. Let’s take it off now so the employee can bag them.”Estella shook her head without hesitation and grabbed Roxanne’s hand tightly.She did not want to take off the dress that quickly when it was rare for her to wear the same clothes as Roxanne.Roxanne could guess what the girl was thinking. Well, since we’re already wearing these matching outfits, I don’t think there is any difference if we wear them for a little longer. She went along with Estella’s idea and asked the employee to bag the clothes they were originally wearing.After following the employee to the cash
When she turned back, Roxanne saw Lucian pouring two cups of water and putting one each in front of Archie and Benny. She was puzzled. Is he doing that because they asked for it, or is it because he wants to relieve the awkwardness from earlier?Just as her mind was still in a chaotic mess, a cup of water suddenly appeared in front of her.Roxanne came back to her senses and glanced at the person next to her.Lucian smiled at her mysteriously, then retracted his hand from the cup and turned his attention back to the stage.After staring at the cup with mixed emotions for a long while, Roxanne thanked him in a small voice. She felt apologetic because she believed she had misunderstood him earlier.In order to show him that she didn’t hold a grudge, she took a sip of water from the cup he had given her.The children’s lips quirked up when they saw how the adults interacted. They thought Roxanne had lowered her guard.When the concert ended, Lucian and Roxanne left the auditorium with t
Roxanne instinctively glanced at the man walking in front of her before lowering her gaze to look at the flowers in her arms. She hesitated about giving the flowers back to him. However, before she could say anything, the three children came up to her. When they saw the flowers, they were elated.“Mommy, where did you get the flowers? They look pretty, and they match you so well!” Benny praised despite knowing who had given his mother the flowers.A wave of embarra*sment washed over Roxanne at the boy’s question. Right as she was about to lean over to hand the flowers to Estella, she recalled that the man was still holding her wrist.Evidently, that was something the children noticed as well.Upon her realization, Roxanne began to turn red in her face. Nevertheless, she forced herself to smile calmly at the children as she discreetly flung her wrist to break free of the man’s grasp.Yet, the man only tightened his grip.Roxanne frowned and turned to protest.When Lucian met her eyes,
Her words made Lucian frown as he grimly gazed at her to study her. If he did not mishear what she said, that meant that Roxanne was starting to waver in her stance.Roxanne blinked when her eyes met Lucian’s. Then, she averted her gaze with false calmness.A moment later, Lucian’s deep voice sounded out beside her ear. “I’ve never liked her romantically, and I’ll never marry her. That’s why there’s nothing for me to explain to you.”At that, shock flashed past Roxanne’s eyes.If this were to happen six years ago, she would never expect to hear this from Lucian.He never liked Aubree romantically? How can that be?She could still remember how Lucian had announced that he would only marry Aubree and no one else six years ago. In fact, he did not even mind resorting to emotional abuse to make her leave.If he’s saying this now, then what about what happened six years ago?Lucian’s eyes were on her, so he saw all of the emotions that appeared on her face.When he noticed her shock, he f
Estella pouted and was visibly upset. “I can play with the boys. I don’t need you taking care of me, Ms. Jarvis.” Roxanne felt a pounding headache when the little girl insisted on staying. She decided to try a different approach and said softly, “Why don’t you come another day, Essie? I will surely accompany you by then. I really don’t have the time today.”When the little girl was about to say something, Lucian suddenly voiced, “Essie, Ms. Jarvis told you she’s busy. Don’t disturb her further.”As Roxanne had mentioned the Damaris family just now, his tone was rather clipped.Estella was shocked by her father’s icy tone. She widened her eyes innocently and dared not say anything else as she gave Roxanne puppy dog eyes.The cold wind roused Archie and Benny from their grogginess. Likewise, they were taken aback by their father’s tone.The two boys exchanged glances with each other. We’d better not piss Daddy off in the future. He’s so fierce!Roxanne disapproved of Lucian’s stern man
At the Pearson residence, a sulking Aubree locked herself in her room. She was so pissed off about the photos Frieda had sent her in the afternoon that she had no appetite for dinner.She did not expect to receive more photos from Frieda when she was about to sleep.In the photos, the man, whom Aubree could not get to meet no matter what she did, was doing all sorts of service for Roxanne—putting his jacket on her, buying her flowers, and holding her wrist.The two looked just like a couple in love.Rage burned in Aubree as she looked at the photos.They were practically disregarding her position as Lucian’s fiancée.If word got out, not only would she be utterly humiliated, but her dream to become Mrs. Farwell would also be shattered.A vicious look crept over Aubree’s face when she thought of that.“That b*tch! Why did she even come back?”She shot up from her bed and flung the things on the table to the ground.Downstairs, Gina was just worrying about her daughter. Earlier, when s
That same night, Sonya was preparing to go to bed when Gina called her. Right after she picked up the call, she heard Gina sniffling from the other end of the line and Samuel’s shouts in the background.“Gina, what’s wrong? Did you argue with Samuel?” Sonya asked out of concern.Gina looked at the father-daughter duo, who was acting at the side. Then, she took a deep breath and choked out, “Samuel is angry at Aubree. I think you should hurry and come over. Aubree won’t listen to any of us right now, but maybe you can get through to her.”Sonya frowned and listened carefully. Indeed, she could hear Aubree’s sobs in the background.Because of the car accident before, Sonya was very considerate toward Aubree. Upon hearing the latter crying, she felt her heart clench. “Calm down and talk to me properly. What happened? What made them so worked up?”“It’s all because of…” Gina stopped her sentence midway as if she was reluctant to speak. She then sighed loudly and continued, “You should ju
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