Estella nodded obediently upon hearing her father’s words. Lucian lifted Estella into his arms before returning to Roxanne’s place. Just as they reached the entrance, they saw Roxanne’s car reaching the gates of the residential area. Lucian could recognize Roxanne’s car right away, and the moment he did, the temperature around him dropped. Essie was sobbing so badly because of her, but the only thing on her mind is her appointment with Jack. Is work that important to her? In the living room, Archie and Benny were about to open the door to look for Estella after the long wait. To their surprise, right as they opened the door, they were greeted by the sight of their grim father with Estella in his arms. Estella peeked into the living room when the door opened, but she saw no traces of Roxanne around. “Where’s Ms. Jarvis?” Estella asked, her eyes still red. “Is Ms. Jarvis not back yet because she’s out looking for me?” After that, she patted her father’s shoulder and said anxious
Hector exchanged a few pleasantries with Roxanne, and the conversation went back to business as she led Hector and Jack to visit a few sites. The tour of the research institute was nearly finished at noon, and they adjourned to the restaurant where she had made a reservation.Jack sidled up to Roxanne soundlessly after they exited the research institute and asked in concern, “You mentioned that you had to attend to family matters. What were they, if you don’t mind my asking? The Dr. Jarvis I know would never show up late to an appointment.”She smiled slightly, her lips compressed. “It’s nothing, just a temper tantrum by Archie and Benny.”Jack didn’t question her answer and smiled sympathetically with a nod. “It’s understandable for problems to arise when you have kids at home.”Hector turned toward both of them. “What are you talking about? My old ears didn’t catch it.”They hastily pasted a smile on their faces and hurried to walk alongside Hector.Colby wasn’t familiar with Jack
After lunch, Roxanne and the others returned to the research institute to continue discussing the details of their cooperation. When they came out of the restaurant, a flash of light flickered twice in a bush across the road before quickly disappearing.The person hiding in the bush only stepped out after he saw the group leave in a car.Looking at the photos he had just taken with his camera, the mysterious man nodded with satisfaction before hurrying away.At the Queen residence, Jonathan stood up in surprise when his butler entered the house with Lucian. “To what do I owe the pleasure, Lucian?”Standing beside Jonathan was Frieda, who could not help but feel guilty when she saw Lucian because of her meeting with Aubree. Even her voice was shaky when she greeted the man. “Lucian…”Lucian simply gave Frieda an indifferent look before shifting his attention to Jonathan. “Are you available now?”Frowning slightly, Jonathan could tell that Lucian had something important to discuss with
Frieda gave a perfunctory nod before turning around and entering her room. Only after watching her disappear behind the door did Jonathan walk downstairs. When he arrived at the backyard, he saw that Lucian was already chatting with Alfred.“I did that to save Dr. Jarvis from the predicament, so why are you thanking me?” Alfred gazed at Lucian in bafflement as the latter had started expressing his gratitude a short while into the conversation.Lucian maintained a polite mien in front of Alfred. After listening to the old man’s remark, he merely flashed a faint smile. “I’m well-acquainted with Dr. Jarvis, so I think it is reasonable for me to thank you on her behalf.”Alfred waved his hand nonchalantly. “All I did was mention the truth. Dr. Jarvis saved my life. I should help her with this small favor.”After saying that, Alfred asked Lucian about his and Aubree’s marriage. “When do you plan to settle down with Aubree? Both of you are not getting any younger, especially Aubree. After
“Why?” Frieda was perplexed. How else will Lucian see it if she doesn’t send it to him directly?Based on what Jonathan said, it seems that Lucian has done much more for that woman’s sake!If this keeps up, they’re really going to end up together.A look of disdain flashed in Aubree’s eyes when she heard the question, but she quickly suppressed it.“Lucian’s always known that I don’t get along with Roxanne, so if I send it even while remaining anonymous, he’s going to suspect me for sure.”Frieda creased her brows and composed herself. “Then what should we do? Are we going to just watch that b*tch go after two guys at the same time?”Aubree’s gaze darkened. “I have my own plans. We don’t necessarily have to let Lucian see these pictures.”Sometimes, it’d be better having other people see them.Frieda remained confused and was about to find out more when Aubree stood up and turned to leave.An odd feeling surfaced in Frieda’s chest as she gazed at the empty seat before her with a frow
With a stern face, Sonya slammed her phone in front of her son, the screen showing images of Roxanne and Jack in the middle of what appeared to be a happy conversation. “Have a look yourself!”Lucian gazed down at the phone, initially thinking that these photos were taken from the public uproar before.However, upon closer inspection, he realized that the woman was wearing the same outfit she had worn when she left this morning.Not only that, but Hector could be seen not too far away from the two in the photo.A look of irony flashed in Lucian’s eyes as he thought back to the excuse Roxanne had made when she left earlier today.She said she had to show up no matter what because Old Mr. Damaris would be there.Yet, in all of these photos, she was only talking to Jack and seemed to treat Old Mr. Damaris as though he was non-existent!Sensing the atmosphere around her son turn gloomy, Sonya continued to demean Roxanne.“I remember people saying that Roxanne only managed to become part
The sky was about to turn dark when Roxanne left the research institute. On the way home, her chest tightened as she thought that Lucian was still lounging around at her place.However, she returned to find only the three children sitting on the couch and staring at the computer screen.Roxanne scanned the living area, but the man was nowhere to be seen.“Mommy!” the boys greeted her as soon as they realized she had come home.Roxanne caressed their tiny heads while asking, “Where’s Mr. Farwell?”“He left a long time ago, but we asked him to let Essie stay so that we could wait for you to come back together,” Benny explained in his squeaky voice.The woman smiled when she heard that. Then her gaze fell on the little girl standing behind the two boys.Unlike her usual peppy demeanor, Essie now stood timidly behind Archie and Benny, not even saying hello.Clearly, she was still bothered by what had happened earlier that day.Realizing this, Roxanne knelt down and stared straight into t
Roxanne sensed that Estella was staring at her, but she did not react. Just now, all Cayden said was that Lucian was busy with work.As Lucian was the CEO of Farwell Group, it was natural for him to be busy.However, Roxanne felt that Cayden was actually referring to her, insinuating that she had neglected her children as she was too busy with work.Lucian’s words from that morning rang in her ears again.Is work really that important?Roxanne kept asking herself the same question. She worked hard because she loved her job, and she also wanted to provide a better life for her children.Yet, her good intentions had seemed to backfire on her.“Ms. Jarvis…” Estella noticed Roxanne’s silence and began tugging at the hem of the latter’s clothes. “I don’t want to go back.”Roxanne snapped back to her senses and lowered her gaze to eye the little girl.When she met Estella’s innocent gaze, her heart softened. Nevertheless, she had to coax the girl. “Be a good girl, Essie. It’s very late, an
Jonathan had wanted to try persuading him further, but Lucian cut him off, “I have a meeting to attend. We’ll talk about this some other time.” Jonathan had no choice but to get up and leave the office.After stepping out of Farwell Group, Jonathan thought about the advice he had given Lucian earlier and regretted every single word he said.If I had known things were that bad between them, I would’ve changed the way I worded my sentences! Now, look what I’ve done! Not only did Roxanne show no interest in Lucian whatsoever, but he has also given up on winning her over! Honestly, I feel really bad for Essie. She really likes Roxanne and wants her to become her mother someday. The best part about this is the fact that Roxanne is her biological mother. However, she’s in for a huge disappointment, as Lucian has already given up on winning her over. There’s only so much a child like Essie can handle…Of course, Lucian had thought about the exact same thing.He showed up outside the kinderg
Meanwhile, in the CEO’s office of Farwell Group, Jonathan was sitting in front of Lucian with a teasing smile on his face. “I hear a portion of medicinal herbs from Herbscape Group’s overseas branch has been shipped back to Horington.”Lucian simply nodded without saying anything in response.“Back then, I suggested you lend a helping hand, but you refused to do so. Now, look what has happened!” Jonathan continued with a chuckle.I thought he was actually going to ignore Roxanne completely, but he ended up intervening anyway!“Well? How did Dr. Jarvis respond to you lending her a hand?” Jonathan asked.The look on Lucian’s face turned gloomy the moment he heard that.When Jonathan didn’t get a response from Lucian, he slowly came to realize that he had said something he shouldn’t have.From his expression, it’s obvious that their relationship has yet to improve. In fact, it might even have gotten worse. This doesn’t make any sense, though…Noticing the confused frown on Jonathan’s fa
“What is it?” Aubree asked with a scowl. Frieda retrieved her phone and showed her a few photos.There was a tent in the first photo. Not far away from the tent was a white skirt.Nothing else was shown, but Aubree’s face was already grim.I know the tent. It was the one Roxanne and the little b*stards set up that day. The white skirt is most probably the one I wore that day.The photo didn’t show anything else, so the person who took the photo was obviously targeting her.In the following photo, Aubree could be seen wearing that white skirt. She was holding a white medicine bottle with an unknown substance inside.The photos showed what Aubree had done that day.Finally, the series of photos ended when Aubree finished positioning the bacterium and made her exit.Aubree’s face was as dark as thunder by the time she scrolled to the last picture.“Where did you get these?” she demanded.Frieda quickly explained, “I don’t know. Someone sent them to me yesterday with a text.”She hurried
The next morning, words about Aubree’s injury became public knowledge. Sonya contacted Aubree to show her concern.“Aubree, I heard you were injured. Is that true?”Aubree sat on the edge of her bed and stared at her wounded ankle. Her expression was cold, but she replied nicely, “I accidentally fell down, but I’m fine. You don’t have to worry about me, Mrs. Farwell.”Sonya furrowed her brows. “How did you fall? Didn’t you visit Lucian yesterday? Does he know that you’re hurt?”Aubree sounded conflicted as she responded, “Mrs. Farwell, you should stay out of this.”“He knows about it, doesn’t he?” Sonya immediately guessed.Every time Lucian mentioned his relationship with Aubree, he would tell me to stay out of it. Even Aubree is saying the same thing now!At that thought, Sonya grew breathless with anger. “Tell me how you got hurt.”A smug look flashed across Aubree’s eyes as Sonya was close to the truth.She pretended to be hesitant for a few seconds as if struggling with what to
Lucian’s phone rang when he arrived at the hospital entrance. It was the landline from home.“When are you coming back, Daddy?”Estella’s demure voice sounded from the other end as soon as he picked up.“I’m on the way,” Lucian replied softly. “Go to sleep first, I’ll be home to see you soon.”Estella promised and hung up quickly after that.It was already late at night when Lucian arrived back at his manor.Then, he made his way to Estella’s bedroom as soon as he got home just like how he had promised her.To his surprise, he found the child still awake. She watched him enter indignantly without saying a word.Lucian frowned. “What are you angry about this time?”“You’re back so late!” Estella complained.I would love it if Daddy spent all night with Ms. Jarvis, but he was with Ms. Pearson. I dislike her! Counting in the travel time, it would not take him more than an hour to make it back.Lucian’s brows twitched at the child’s complaint.The child had never complained when I was ou
“Daddy!” Estella urged a moment later when she did not receive an answer from her father. Shaking himself out of his reverie, Lucian nodded resignedly at his daughter.Only then did she let go and watch him go down the stairs.Aubree was beside herself with anxiousness as she waited downstairs and remained in doubt as she watched Lucian descend the stairs.That little b*tch’s private word with Lucian is obviously trying to get him not to send me to the hospital.Aubree was aware that Lucian spoiled Estella and was even delaying marrying her because of the girl.I wonder if I would have to go to the hospital alone because of her.Aubree could not quell her racing heart, even when Lucian stood firmly before her.Lucian turned to address the family doctor. “I must trouble you with Ms. Pearson, Dr. Elswick.”Aubree’s eyes widened at those words when she realized she was correct in her hunch that he did not intend to keep her company.“Do you hate me that much, Lucian?” Aubree hung her he
Sorry, I… was thinking about something earlier, so I accidentally missed the step,” Aubree murmured in feigned contrition after Catalina had helped her onto the couch. Standing behind the two of them, Lucian said nothing to that.Aubree’s heart sank, and she hypocritically remarked, “I probably twisted my ankle by accident. Let me rest for a while before going over to Mrs. Farwell’s place to tell her about your condition.”Having said that, she acted as though she was afraid that he would worry and flashed him another smile.She initially thought that her comment would garner the man’s sympathy.At the very least, he would allow her to stay over that night.To her disappointment, Lucian merely bobbed his head blithely. Subsequently, he crouched before her.For a moment, she was at a loss.A heartbeat later, a sharp pain came from her ankle, upon which her expression instantly changed.“Does it hurt?” Lucian queried in a deep voice, a hand grasping her injured ankle.Gritting her teet
Lucian cast a look at Archie and Benny indifferently. A strange feeling inexplicably welled up within Archie and Benny when they met his gaze.The look in Daddy’s eyes when he regards us seems to have changed.In fact, they felt that the man seemingly didn’t want to look at them for long, his gaze only staying on them for a brief moment before leaving in the next heartbeat.“Mr. Farwell?” Benny couldn’t help venturing.Lucian merely inclined his head a fraction. “Ms. Ward will wait with you both.”Having said that, he held his hand out at Estella once more.Estella was reluctant to leave, but she could tell that her father appeared to be angry.After a moment’s hesitation, she ultimately reached out and took his hand.Archie and Benny, on the other hand, could only quieten down and watch helplessly as Lucian left with Estella.“Is Daddy mad at Mommy, Archie?” Benny stared at his brother pitifully.Archie remained expressionless, but disappointment glinted in his eyes.That was also t
At a single glance, Jack saw right through his parents. Exasperation inexorably swamped him. “Since you’ve investigated Ms. Jarvis, I’m sure you already know that she’s an exceedingly outstanding doctor.”With regard to that statement, Titus and Priscilla had no rebuttal.During the investigation, they had already learned that Roxanne studied under Harvey and was even his top student.That alone was sufficient for them to acknowledge her medical attainments.However, that didn’t mean they could accept the fact that she was a divorcee with kids.Jack could tell that his parents were still influenced by public opinion, so he had no choice but to continue explaining things to them helplessly.“I reckon you’re both aware of the project the Damaris family established recently.”In response, Titus and Priscilla nodded noncommittally.Despite being away from the Damaris residence most of the time, they still kept themselves informed about the Damaris family’s activities.At that, Jack nodde