Meanwhile, Aubrce had returned to the Pearson residence with her parents,The three retained a grim expression all along their way back.Upon stepping foot into the house, Aubrce kicked off the heels on her feet.Gina had wanted to comfort lier, but before she could, the latter already strode upstairs with a sullen look on her face.What followed next was an ear-shattering door slam.Looks like she’s really mad.Upstairs, Aubree clenched her fists tightly after slamming the door shut. She was trembling in rage as the voices of the crowd at the dinner party rang in her ears.You’d think that her marriage with Mr. Farwell is finally happening given how arrogant she is, but who knew…Didn’t the Pearson family rely on the Farwell family to get to where they are today? Just look at Mr. Farwell; I’m sure the Pearsons will have a hard time in the future!Alas, it was all for nothing after waiting for that long. Hah! What a joke!Ever since Lucian took Roxanne with him and left in front of ev
Roxanne shook her head. “No. I just arrived at work. Is anything the matter? It’s been a long time since you called me.”Since her return to the country, the two had barely contacted each other. Most of the time, Roxanne would be the one calling him to report to him on the progress at the research institute. And because Harvey was usually busy with research, his replies were normally curt.This was the first time Harvey actually called her.“Indeed, there’s something I need your help with.” Harvey went straight to the point. “There’s a project that I need you to follow up with its research and development. I’ll forward you the details in a while. Take a look at it.”Having learned that it was about work matters, Roxanne agreed readily.The two had a brief chat about that project before she concernedly tried to find out about Harvey’s return. “When are you coming back? Let me pick you up.”Harvey looked at his schedule and replied, “Probably not that soon. I’ll let you know before I re
Roxanne jolted in alarm and froze in her movement but still instinctively looked in the direction of the passenger scat.After getting a good look at the person’s face, the scowl on her face deepened. “What are you doing. Mr. Farwell?”Devoid of expression, Lucian shut the car door. “Nothing. My car has broken down. And coincidentally, I happened to see you here. Please drive me back, Ms. Jarvis.”The chilling aura surrounding his body was almost palpable.Well aware how the atmosphere would only become tenser if she continued probing, Roxanne ultimately staried the engine without uttering another word.Throughout the ride, the car was dead silent.Lucian locked his deep gaze on the woman next to him, his brows tightly knitted together. She’s so close with that dude… And they even met up just now. The way they interacted carlier inade it sem like they are a couple…At this point, Lucian could no longer hold his curiosity back and broke the silence. “That guy… Is he Archie and Benny’s
Benny dashed toward the living room excitedly. “We were playing with the Lego bricks that Mr. Farwell gave us! It‘s really fun!”On the other hand, Archie and Estella stayed by Roxanne‘s side. She was holding hands with the children, with one at each side as she watched Benny with a smile on her face.Obviously, the Lego bricks that Lucian had given them met their expectations in terms of the design and level of difficulty, and they loved the gift.In just one night, the three children had already made a base.However, no matter how Roxanne looked at it, that Lego set seemed boyish to her.She looked at Estella with concern in her eyes. “Essie, do you like this toy?”Estella‘s eyes lit up as she nodded fervently.As long as I can play with Archie and Benny, I‘m fine with playing anything!Seeing that, Roxanne felt relieved. After taking a look at the time, she played with them for a while more since it was still early.Archie and Benny were used to playing Lego with her, so each of th
Estella gripped the corner of the desk sadly.“Didn‘t you promise Mommy this morning that you‘ll learn how to talk slowly?” Benny gazed at her. “If you can‘t talk, you can call our names.We‘ve been calling your name, Essie, but you‘ve never said our names!”Estella parted her lips but nothing came out of her mouth. She grew anxious and was about to burst into tears.Seeing that, Archie and Benny gave her the pencil instead of forcing her to talk.However, for the next few days, the two boys grew distant from her at home and at the kindergarten.Every time Estella came to them, Benny would huff angrily, “We treated you well, but you wouldn‘t even call our names! We‘re going to ignore you!”Estella was devastated.For the next few days, Esiella played with Roxanne at home but had no playmates at the kindergarten.She could only watch as Archie and Benny played with the other children and ignored her entirely. Finally, she plucked up her courage to run to them.The boys shared a look an
Gina frowned. “Did Lucian go to her again?”Aubree plopped into the seat next to them furiously. “Duh! Everyone‘s saying that he‘s going to marry Roxanne. I‘m just a gold–digger who clings to him shamelessly. He doesn‘t even want me even if I offer him everything!”Gina and Samuel shared a look,They had heard this rumor, too. However, just like Aubree, they assumed the rumor would be scotched once Lucian agreed to the wedding.Alas, things weren‘t going their way.Gina patted Aubree‘s back in a comforting manner. “No matter what, we‘ll get his explanation soon. Calm down.” |“You‘re asking me to calm down? If we wait any longer, that b*tch will marry him soon!” Aubree declared as a crazed look appeared on her face.Despite her fury, Gina remained calm. “What Lucian wants may not be what the Farwells want. Didn‘t you see how his mother held a prejudice toward that woman previously?” she reminded Aubree.Aubree calmed down slightly. “Are you saying that…”“Let‘s pay the Farwell residen
Lucian stiffened momentarily before regaining his composure to nod. His face was devoid of expression as he said, “Got it. You may leave now.”Cayden nodded. Realizing that Lucian was in a foul mood, he walked out of the office and shut the door quietly.Inside his office, Lucian strode over to the window and stared out, feeling conflicted.For the past six years, his parents kept reminding him to get married to Aubree, but he would always brush them off.Thus, he assumed they understood his intentions.Alas, they ended up going against his wishes and announced the engagement to the outside world after urging him for six whole years.A long while later, he took out his phone to call his father.The call connected quickly.“What is it, Lucian?” Elias didn’t head to work today and was currently enjoying breakfast. After answering his son’s call, he cast Sonya, who was sitting across from him, a look.Sonya knew why her son had called. She took the phone from Elias.Elias allowed her to
“Why are you here?”The person mentioned in the news was standing at her door. He was dressed in a thin shirt, and his hair was slightly messy.After their previous fight, she knew Lucian would often come to visit.However, he was tactful enough to not show himself before her.This was the first time they met in person after the fight.After hearing the news earlier, Roxanne had no idea how she should face him.As the newscaster’s sound could be heard faintly, Lucian knew Roxanne should’ve heard about his engagement. He studied her carefully but realized she seemed calm.Shortly after, he broke the silence. “I’m here to pay Essie a visit. How is she doing?”Roxanne stepped aside to allow him entry. “She’s upstairs. I need to talk to you about her.”They entered the living room one after another. Roxanne gestured for him to take a seat on the couch while she occupied a single couch aside.Catalina served them coffee and left after realizing they had something to discuss.“What is it?”
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