Colby’s expression changed again and again. After a long moment, he finally said awkwardly, “This is Dr. Jarvis’ privacy. Mr. Damaris, I only brought it up to you because I thought you knew about it. But it seems to me now that you aren’t aware of it, so let’s drop that topic.”Jack raised his brows and glanced at Colby. The dubious look in his eyes was enough to tell what he was thinking at that moment.Colby was startled for a few seconds, feeling embarra*sed. However, on second thought, he knew he would have to get in the Damaris family’s good book if he wanted to soar to a career height on par with Roxanne’s.Suppressing the unpleasant emotions in his heart, he started sharing his history with Roxanne. “I met Dr. Jarvis when she was living abroad, and we worked together multiple times after that. After returning to the country, I thought I would lose contact with Dr. Jarvis. But surprisingly, she returned to the country shortly after I did. She even started operating this researc
Roxanne finally arrived at the Farwell residence. She tried her best to suppress the disquiet in her heart before pressing on the doorbell. This time around, it was still Catalina who answered the intercom.A look of helplessness showed on Catalina’s face when she saw who the visitor was.“Catalina, is Essie back yet?” asked Roxanne as she eyed her cautiously from the screen.Catalina sighed quietly to herself and shook her head when she recalled Lucian’s instructions. “Not yet.”Roxanne’s gaze darkened when she heard her reply. She forced a smile and asked, “Then can I go in and wait for her?”Catalina could not bear to turn her down. However, she still shook her head in the end and said, “It’s better that you leave.”Lucian had looked displeased when he returned home with Estella and instructed Catalina to deny Roxanne entry if she came.Although Catalina felt sorry for Roxanne, she dared not disobey Lucian, particularly when Lucian was obviously still very angry.Roxanne’s eyes sh
“If there’s nothing else, I’m hanging up now.” Lucian waited for a moment before preparing to end the call when the two boys did not speak.“Mr. Farwell, wait a minute!” The boys hurried to stop Lucian after hearing his words.Lucian paused, complying with their request.Cautiously, Benny glanced over at his mother while holding onto Archie’s watch. He said, “Mr. Farwell, are you busy at work? If so, you can send Essie to us. We’ll take good care of Essie together with Mommy.”After uttering the words, Benny waited with bated breath for Lucian’s reply.After all, Lucian had rejected their request to go visit Estella just moments ago. Hence, it would not be a surprise if this request was rejected as well.In fact, he’s quite likely to reject it. Still, it was worth a try. Maybe Daddy will even agree to it!Roxanne had not expected the boys to come out with their request so suddenly, leaving her feeling anxious.A few moments later, Lucian’s voice sounded from the phone. “There’s no ne
After giving it some thought, Archie looked toward the room on the second floor with a frown. As usual, the elder child had more to consider before deciding.Mommy is upset and worried about Essie. We shouldn’t go out without her knowledge. She’ll fly into a panic!As for Benny, he continued to persuade his brother, “Essie may still feel uncomfortable when she wakes up. I’m sure she’ll feel better if she sees us. On top of that, we can also let her know Mommy is worried about her!”Having heard that, Archie was slightly swayed. After some time, he finally came to a decision.Soon, the boys furtively opened the mansion door and ran straight to the roadside. After hailing a cab, they headed to the Farwell residence.Naturally, the cab driver was shocked to see two children getting into his car. After hesitating for a moment, he voiced, “Hello, kids. Where are your parents?”“We’re going to our daddy’s house! Mommy has given us some cash for the fare,” Archie replied in an adorable voic
Estella lowered her gaze discreetly and burrowed into Lucian’s embrace. Ms. Jarvis smells so much better than Daddy! Lucian scoffed at the irony of the situation. Essie only likes Roxanne so much because of the bond between a mother and a child.Little did he know, Roxanne was feeling the same about Estella.He thought that Roxanne had chosen her job over Estella.“Daddy, don’t feel remorseful, okay?” Estella remembered the phone call that made her cry. In a sheepish and cute tone, she added, “I only want Ms. Jarvis to be my mommy.”Upon hearing those words, Lucian was reminded of the phone call, and he went silent for a few seconds after Estella repeated the question.Annoyed, Lucian wanted to refute Estella’s words. However, he quickly recalled James’ advice. In the end, Lucian took a few seconds to calm himself down.Once he had suppressed his anger, Lucian replied vaguely, “I won’t marry someone you don’t like. Besides, I’m not planning on getting married anytime soon.”“I only l
Lucian watched the kids go up the stairs as a myriad of emotions rushed through him. Just now, Archie and Benny said Roxanne told them to come. She kept calling me throughout the day, but I haven’t picked up any of her calls. I thought she would’ve given up since she knew I was angry. Who would’ve known that she would use the boys against me? At first, she told the boys to call me. After that, she even told them to come and see Essie. Undeniably, she’s gotten smart. However, why didn’t she just come when she has already done so much? She knows that I wouldn’t refuse her if she were to come with Archie and Benny. Could it be that she’s also angry at me? But why should she be? Catalina sensed Lucian’s anger and uttered carefully, “Mr. Farwell, I’ll send some snacks up for Ms. Estella and the boys.”Upon hearing that, Lucian regained his senses. In order to push those thoughts aside, he rubbed his temples forcefully.He then rose to his feet from the couch and uttered in a hoarse voice,
“Were they wearing their watches when they left?” Madilyn, who was calmer than Roxanne, asked with a frown. At once, a light bulb went off in Roxanne’s mind. At the same time, regret and frustration inundated her.Too many things had happened today that everything else fled my mind when I realized that Archie and Benny had gone missing, leaving panic all that remained. Luckily, I went over to look for Madilyn!Following Madilyn’s reminder, she called Archie and Benny without delay.Alas, Archie didn’t answer even after a long while had pa*sed.She then called Benny, but still, no one picked up.As Roxanne and Madilyn listened to the ringing tone drifting out of the phone, their hearts sank to the bottom.There were too many reasons that Archie and Benny weren’t answering the calls.The worst possibility flashed across their minds…Roxanne dug her nails into her palms to force herself to remain calm. Unlocking her phone, she checked the GPS location of Archie and Benny’s watches.Only
Slowly getting to his feet, Lucian pinned a dark look on Roxanne, who stood at the door. “I really don’t know when you learned to use your kids to set me up, Ms. Jarvis.”Roxanne’s eyes flickered, her gaze mystified.When had I ever done such a thing?Glimpsing the innocent expression on her face, Lucian frowned and started to head in her direction slowly.The instant Roxanne noticed his intentions, her heartstrings drew taut, and she backed away warily. Throughout it all, she kept a distance from him.“Why are you drawing away if you’re not feeling guilty, Ms. Jarvis?” Lucian sneered.Upon hearing that, Roxanne hesitantly stopped retreating, her brows furrowing imperceptibly. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”His gaze gloomy, Lucian demanded lowly, “Don’t tell me it wasn’t because you were sure I wouldn’t ignore the kids’ calls that you had Archie phone me, Ms. Jarvis?”Again, Roxanne clenched her hands by her sides and remained silent.It’s true that I did such a thing, but
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