For some inexplicable reason, however, only their father’s countenance flashed across theirminds whenever they imagined a man with their mother.How strange. We’ve never seen Mommy and Daddy standing side by side, but we instinctively feel that Daddy is the only one who’s worthy of standing by Mommy’s side. Therefore, it’s best that we keep a distance from Mr. Galloway!“Thank you, Mr. Galloway, but my mommy already has a date tonight. So, it’s okay,” Archie declined politely.Colby looked at Roxanne in mystification.Throughout the day, he hadn’t heard her mentioning about a date that night.Roxanne swept a gaze over Archie and Benny. While she couldn’t fathom why they lied, she still went along with them. “I have a dinner date with my best friend tonight. I’ll take a rain check.”At that, Colby flashed her a warm smile. “I’m all muddled from work that I forgot to ask whether you have plans later. In that case, I’ll head off first.”After saying that, he bid Archie and Benny farewel
Enraged at the end of the day, she had asked Frieda out to shop in a bid to dissipate her anger.However, never had she expected to hear such news.Countless renowned doctors were helpless in the face of Old Mr. Queen’s condition, yet Roxanne managed to cure him. That aside, Jonathan even signed a contract with her, promising to supply medicinal herbs to the research institute at half the price! In that case, haven’t my efforts of urging the medicinal herbs suppliers in Horington to boycott her research institute been in vain?At that line of thought, Aubree’s gaze turned chilly. “Didn’t I arrange for a medical team to treat Old Mr. Queen? Were they not effective? Why was she allowed to take over his treatment?”While saying that, she glanced at the woman who was meters away from her with fury blazing within her.I’ve gone to such lengths, but she still managed to find a medicinal herb supplier in Horington! She must have laughed at me behind my back!Frieda was startled for a moment
Archie and Benny proceeded to compare Aubree with Roxanne from head to toe. In the end. they felt that she was all too far beneath their mother.Daddy actually abandoned Mommy for that woman? How blind of him!After inwardly disdaining him for a while, Archie suddenly remembered the conversation in the restaurant earlier. He leaned close to Roxanne and inquired, “Mommy, what did you mean when you said that the woman sabotaged you just now? Did she pick on you?”Roxanne didn’t want to involve her two sons in the mess, so she denied it casually, “It’s nothing. It was just a work issue, and it has been resolved.”No sooner had she said that than Archie’s determined voice rang out beside her ear.“She did pick on you, then! What happened exactly? Hurry up and tell us, Mommy!” The boy’s petite face was stretched taut, and he frowned in an adult-like manner.“Didn’t we promise each other that there can be no secrets between us, Mommy? You can’t lie to us!” Benny seconded.Roxanne’s brows kn
Archie and Benny nodded.When they saw Roxanne leave, their eyes glinted with mischief.Roxanne was not the slightest bit suspicious of the boys.After all, they had always been obedient children who never showed any signs of aversion toward kindergarten. Naturally, they would not pretend to be sick to avoid school.After ending the call, Roxanne brought the boys some warm water and indigestion pills.The children did everything they were told.Roxanne had wanted to go to the research institute. However, she chose to work from home in the end since the children were unwell.After settling Archie and Benny, Roxanne got up and went into the study.When the boys heard the study door shut, they were instantly in high spirits and they no longer showed signs of exhaustion from earlier.Benny switched on the laptop on his bed, smiling happily when he saw that his virus had not been cracked.“That evil woman must be at the office at this time,” Archie said with certainty while looking at the
Aubree bit her lip. In the end, she had no choice but to give in.Samuel shot her a glare and dialed Lucian’s number, asking the latter to send some men over to solve the problem.Upon receiving the news, Lucian merely asked Cayden to pick someone randomly from the technical department and send him to Pearson Group.The employee sent by Lucian was clearly more skilled than the ones at Pearson Group.The employees of Pearson Group were powerless against the virus for the entire morning, yet Lucian’s employee took only one glance before he started tapping away on the keyboard.Those who were in the same industry could easily see that the virus had almost been cracked byFarwell Group’s employee.Meanwhile, Roxanne returned to the study after making sure that Archie and Benny were fine.Archie returned his gaze to the laptop screen and studied the stock prices.After he studied it for some time, a series of codes appeared on the screen.“Benny, look!” Archie immediately called out to Ben
Lucian’s hand hung in the air, and his voice stopped abruptly as he turned around helplessly to watch his daughter reach the car.He watched her climb into the car before retracting his gaze and scanning the remaining children.Even so, there were no signs of the twins.“Mr. Farwell…” One teacher noticed he seemed to be looking for someone. Her heart skipped a beat, and she hurried over cautiously.Lucian shifted his gaze and stared at the person in front of him expressionlessly. “Where are the twins? Have they been expelled?”The teacher lowered her head guiltily. “Not yet. I wanted to tell them about the news when they came to school. But Ms. Jarvis called me this morning, saying the boys were feeling unwell, so I didn’t get to tell—”“Okay,” Lucian said curtly and strode to the car without waiting for the teacher to react.In the car, Estella hugged her schoolbag and rested her head on it, her eyes downcast. She looked as if she was pondering something.Seeing Lucian entering the c
Estella blinked, and her sobs reduced. Still in disbelief, she pursed her lips.She had heard Lucian talking to her teacher with her own cars, and the two boys were absent from kindergarten that day.How could there be such a coincidence?Lucian sensed her doubt, which made him feel even more helpless. “There’s no need for me to lie to you. They didn’t go to school today because they were unwell. You’ll see them tomorrow.”Estella continued to purse her lips aggrievedly. Suspicion was written all over her face.Lucian was at a loss for what to do. “How should I make you believe me?”Never did he expect Archie and Benny to have such an important place in Estella’s heart. They were so important to the point that she did not believe his words.Estella hesitated for a moment and let Catalina put her down. She then picked up a small notebook from the pile of mess and scribbled something while sobbing. Her squiggly writing read: Confirm!She wanted to hear the boys tell her that they were n
Archie and Benny exchanged gazes when they saw Estella in such a state. They found her cute yet pitiful at the same time.“We weren’t feeling well this morning. We’re much better now. Don’t worry,” Archie reassured earnestly.Benny turned to Essie and made a face. “Look at you, all scared like that. We’re just taking a day off. Can’t you be away from us for just a day? You little minion.”A sense of relief washed over Estella when she heard their words, and she broke into a smile.Lucian, who was standing at the entrance of the dining room, looked conflicted when he saw Estella finally smiling,It took me so long to coax hcr, yet it was nothing compared to the trio’s words. Not only did she stop crying. she even smiled.After standing there for some time and watching the boys making Estella grin from ear to car, he stepped into the room, wanting to take her home.They had only come over because Estella wanted to confirm things with her own eyes. Now that it was done, it was time for t
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