Estella stared right at Lucian after she was done talking.Estella stared right at Lucian after she was done talking. She could sense Roxanne, Archie, and Benny’s aversion toward Lucian.Estella had attributed their aversion to Lucian.She had been honest with Lucian in hopes that he would reflect upon himself and treat Roxanne, Archie, and Benny better so that they would warm up to Lucian.Maybe Roxanne would decide to stay then.At the thought that Roxanne would migrate overseas, the little girl turned wistful.Lucian’s mood took a roller coaster at his daughter’s remarks.Roxanne had said the very same thing.“Did she say that to Essie too? Is that why Essie came back sulking?” he wondered.Lucian wanted his questions answered. Hence, he asked, “Did Ms. Jarvis tell you that she doesn’t like me in the afternoon?”Estella shook her head.Somehow, Lucian heaved a sigh of relief when Estella shook her head. He knew that Estella had only made her own deduction after observing the way R
After some thought, Aubree pulled out her phone and called Sonya.After some thought, Aubree pulled out her phone and called Sonya. It did not take long before Sonya answered the call. “Is something wrong, Aubree?”“Mrs. Farwell, can you please come over? My arm hurts so bad, and I’m scared…” Aubree’s voice was full of unease.“Just give me a moment. I’ll be right over,” promised Sonya immediately.With that, the woman hurriedly got changed before striding out the door.Only after getting into her car did Sonya begin to wonder why Aubree called her if Lucian was with the young woman.“What about Lucian? Isn’t he with you?” inquired Sonya curiously.“I’m not sure where he is either. Maybe he’s working overtime. I didn’t call him because I didn’t want to disturb him. My parents weren’t answering my calls, so I had no choice but to trouble you.” There was a hint of sadness in Aubree’s voice.Hence, Sonya quickly comforted the young woman. “It’s okay. You only got hurt because of me, so
A hint of displeasure flashed across Sonya’s eyes at Aubree’s concern for Estella and at the thought of Lucian rejecting her suggestion.A hint of displeasure flashed across Sonya’s eyes at Aubree’s concern for Estella and at the thought of Lucian rejecting her suggestion. If her son had heeded her words over the years to have Estella spend time with Aubree, Estella might not be so attached to Roxanne, given Aubree’s fondness for Estella.Estella, too, would have no need for Roxanne.Aubree made a remorseful face. “To be honest, I’m still slightly envious of Ms. Jarvis and how she gained Essie’s favor so quickly. It would be nice if Essie were that fond of me.”Aubree glanced slyly at Sonya, who frowned at those words.“What nonsense!” she snapped. “If you are to become Essie’s mother, it’s only a matter of time before she becomes fond of you. Who does that woman think she is, anyway? I’ve told her I will make her life in Horington difficult if she tries to contact Lucian and Essie a
As she had fallen asleep late the night before, Roxanne slept deeply but was awoken by her phone ringing early the following morning.As she had fallen asleep late the night before, Roxanne slept deeply but was awoken by her phone ringing early the following morning. Unable to marshal her thoughts into coherence immediately upon waking up, she reached out blindly around her pillow for a long time before locating the source of the noise.Upon obtaining her phone and squinting at the screen, Roxanne answered groggily.Colby sounded very anxious on the other end. “Something’s happened, Dr. Jarvis.”Wide awake suddenly, Roxanne sat bolt upright. “What is it?” she asked hoarsely.“A shipment of medicinal herb supplies we expected to receive this morning is still nowhere to be seen.” Colby looked grave.The medicinal herb supplier the research institute partnered with was usually very punctual in delivering their supply.If a morning delivery had been promised, the research institute would
After a series of calls back and forth, the only knowledge the pair learned was how the partners truly felt and that somebody was complicating matters for them from the shadows.After a series of calls back and forth, the only knowledge the pair learned was how the partners truly felt and that somebody was complicating matters for them from the shadows. However, no medical supplies was sent to the research until then.In a panic, Roxanne thought of Larry as she remembered him mentioning during their last medical conference that he wished to establish himself in Chanaea and would likely stay in Horington.With his reputation in the medical world and the standing of the Morrison family in Horington, Larry would undoubtedly have connections.A dash of hope lifted Roxanne’s spirits by that thought. “I’m going to call a friend,” she said to Colby, before getting her phone to give Larry a call.The other end picked up almost immediately. “What can I do for you, Roxanne?” came Larry’s deep
Remembering their last meeting at the coffee shop, Sonya’s message was obvious. There would be consequences if she were to make any further contact with Lucian. I hadn’t actually met up with that man since that time.Roxanne had, in actuality, went as far as to make plans to relocate overseas with her children once her business in Chanaea was concluded.Hence, the timing of Sonya’s decision to strike at her now benefitted no one, not even Sonya herself.Roxanne’s head was throbbing hard. Somewhat vexed, she pulled out her handphone with the intention of calling Sonya up to question the latter.After dialing her number several times, she received as many automated responses, making it apparent that she had been blacklisted.A dejected Roxanne switched off her phone and went over to Colby at the side. “I’m sorry that the research institute has been affected because of my personal matters.”Having heard her phone conversation with Larry and the change in her demeanor afterward, Colby mo
After they chatted a little longer, Roxanne called Jonathan on the phone. It did not take long for him to answer her call. “Dr. Jarvis, is something the matter?”They had not contacted each other after Alfred’s birthday banquet, so Jonathan was a little puzzled that she had suddenly called him.Roxanne played it cool and asked, “Is Old Mr. Queen at home? I was thinking of visiting to check on his condition and recovery progress.”Jonathan agreed immediately. “That’s so thoughtful of you. He’s at home, so come on over.”After confirming that Alfred was home, Roxanne hung up, picked up her medical kit, and headed for the Queen residence.When she arrived at the gates to the Queen residence, the butler was already waiting there.The butler greeted her respectfully when he saw her. “Ms. Jarvis, Mr. Queen asked me to meet you here. He’s waiting for you in the living room.”She nodded and followed the butler toward the mansion.While walking, she pondered how to broach the subject with Jon
Roxanne chuckled without saying anything. Looking up at Jonathan standing opposite her, she said with a smile, “The reason for my visit this time is also because there’s something I need Mr. Queen’s help with.” Jonathan agreed readily. “How can I be of help, Dr. Jarvis?”Just as she was about to respond, Alfred waved his large hand dismissively. “Don’t talk about it here. Lunch should be ready by now. Why don’t you have lunch with us, Dr. Jarvis? The two of you can talk while you eat.”A torn expression flashed across Roxanne’s face upon hearing that.Instead of saying that my visit here is to seek Jonathan’s help, it’d be more accurate to say I’m here to confront him. But with Old Mr. Queen welcoming her so warmly, I don’t know if I’ll be able to bring myself to question Jonathan!“Dr. Jarvis, you have made a trip all the way here, so stay and join us for a meal,” Jonathan chimed in too.With that, he helped Alfred into the mansion.Roxanne had no choice but to follow them, abandoni