Roxanne didn’t know her falling ill affected Archie and Benny that much. For a few moments, she was at a loss for words. Thinking back, these two have been with me ever since they were born. In their eyes, I’m probably a superhero who always takes care of them and protects them. They had never seen me being that sick twice before. I suppose it’s only natural that they are spooked.The silence lasted for a while before she patted their heads with a complicated feeling. “I’m glad you two are concerned about me. Since both of you are afraid I’ll catch a cold, I can just stay on land and watch you swim.”The boys glanced at each other, hesitated for a few seconds, and nodded obediently.Roxanne smiled with relief. After she packed things up with the children, they went to the swimming pool by car.Thinking that they might visit often, she registered to be a member there.It was a swimming pool in the mansion district, so the environment inside was serene. The area was pretty big, too.Bec
The boys swam for nearly two hours. When they were done, Roxanne brought them to lunch.On the way there, she couldn’t stop thinking about what Archie had said to the man.She glanced at the children for a long time through the rearview mirror. Eventually, she couldn’t help but ask, “Why did you say that earlier, Archie? Why did you say Mr. Farwell is your daddy?”The reason she didn’t ask about it earlier was that she didn’t want to ruin their moods to play. However, she could no longer hold herself back.Upon hearing that, the boy glanced at her innocently. “Because he’s awesome and powerful!”Roxanne was stunned. For a moment, she couldn’t tell if he was lying or not.“Besides, I think if we call Mr. Farwell, he’ll probably rush over to our location.” Archie felt a bit odd when he said that.He didn’t like his father because his father wanted to marry another woman. However, he was confident that if anything happened to his mother, his father would arrive shortly after.If not for
Concurrently, at the hospital, Aubree received a call from her subordinate.“Ms. Pearson, we saw Roxanne driving toward a hospital.”She glanced at Lucian, who was sitting outside, and asked in a low voice, “Which one?”The subordinate replied, “I think it’s Primo Hospital.”Primo Hospital was the best private hospital in Horington. It was also where Aubree was currently staying.When she heard Roxanne was heading to her location, a glimmer of light flashed across Aubree’s eyes. “How long before they arrive?”“About five minutes.”“Got it. Continue to follow her. When she arrives at the entrance, give me a call.”“Roger.”Upon hanging up the call, Aubree put the phone aside and carefully glanced at Lucian. Seeing how he wasn’t paying attention to her, she shifted her gaze to the cup on the table and reached for it.Lucian was focusing on checking his company mailbox and didn’t notice what she was doing.Suddenly, a crashing sound was heard.It was soon followed by Aubree’s suppressed
Roxanne returned to her senses and protected her children behind her back. She gave Aubree a distant smile. “There’s no need for you to worry, Ms. Pearson. It’s just a minor illness.”Then she glanced at Lucian. “It seems like you’re busy with Mr. Farwell. I won’t bother the both of you further.”Without waiting for their replies, she grabbed her children and attempted to escape the couple’s line of sight.After she took two steps away, Lucian spoke. “Are Benny and Archie not feeling well?”His gaze brushed past the children and saw Benny’s pale face. He also noticed the boy was holding his abdomen with darkened eyes.The pale-faced boy turned around and uttered in an angry tone, “It’s just a stomachache! You should just take that lady to the doctor, Mr. Farwell. There’s no need for you to pay attention to us!”It was pretty obvious he was angry. The corridor was silent as his voice echoed in the stairwell.Sensing the hostility from the child, Lucian furrowed his eyebrows. He wasn’t
After a series of examinations, Roxanne discussed Benny’s condition with the doctor in the consultation room.Her concise and intelligent discussion took the doctor by surprise. After a while, the doctor asked with a smile, “Miss, which hospital are you working at? Will you consider working here?”Roxanne smiled humbly and replied, “It’s okay. I only know a little about stuff like this. That’s all.”With that, she reminded her sons, “Quick! Say thank you to the doctor.”Archie and Benny got off their seats and gave a solemn bow to the doctor. “Thank you, doctor.”The doctor was charmed by Archie and Benny’s cuteness. “You’re welcome. Remember to take your medicine on time when you get home. You’re lucky that your mommy knows a lot. Otherwise, things may have gotten worse, and you may have to be hospitalized. You should thank your mommy instead!”With innocent smiles on their faces, they turned and thanked Roxanne.She caressed their heads, took the prescription, and left with her chil
“Is your stomach aching badly? Do you want me to carry you?”Roxanne, who had come to the staircase, knelt down in concern and looked into Benny’s eyes.Benny cracked a mischievous yet gleeful smile. “It stopped hurting a long while ago, but I could sense that you felt like leaving early.”From the moment Mommy saw Daddy and the wicked woman at the elevator just now, there was a drastic change in her mood.Furthermore, when they were blocked in the corridor by Lucian, he could clearly feel the hostility Roxanne exuded.Coincidentally, both he and Archie resented the sight of Lucian, hence the excuse to get Roxanne to leave.Upon hearing Benny’s words, the relieved yet amused Roxanne gave his nose a playful scratch. “Next time, don’t scare me by telling me that you have a stomach ache while being sick. Instead, you should just say that you’re tired.”Roxanne was given a fright by Benny earlier. If not for the urge to avoid further interaction with Lucian, she would have brought Benny b
Upon emerging from the stairwell, Aubree, with a drastic change in her expression, hurriedly walked into the washroom. Gritting her teeth, she gently knocked her plaster-casted arm against the wall. The impact was instantly followed by her face writhing in agonizing pain. When she subsequently checked the time and saw that it was the usual hour for Sonya’s visit, Aubree rushed back up the stairs to her ward.The tremendous pain in her arm, plus climbing six to seven flights of stairs in a single breath, caused Aubree to be covered in sweat upon returning to her ward.Lucian, who was waiting inside, was about to call her when he heard the commotion beyond the door. After watching Roxanne leave with the children, he went to the orthopedic department to look for Aubree. When he didn’t find her there, he decided to return to her ward, where she was still nowhere to be seen.“Lucian, you’re back.” There was a hint of desolation in her voice.Lucian simply nodded. “Where did you go?”Aubre
Since it was already late when she stepped out of the hospital, Sonya headed back to the Farwell residence in spite of her anger. I must demand an explanation from Roxanne over what happened and also give her a stern warning. As for what to say, I’ll have to give it proper thought first.That night, Sonya didn’t sleep a wink, for her mind was entirely occupied by the matter.The next morning, Sonya had a simple breakfast before getting the driver to send her to Roxanne’s house.Meanwhile, Roxanne was having breakfast with the children.Benny, who was feeling much better after taking his medication, was enjoying his breakfast very much.When she saw how he had returned to his energetic self, Roxanne sighed to herself in relief.Just when she planned to take them to the research institute after breakfast, an unexpected guest arrived.Amidst the children having breakfast, Roxanne got up to get the door upon hearing the doorbell ring.At the sight of the visitor, Roxanne’s heart sank. Sh
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