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
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