For a moment, Roxanne did not know how to respond to Estella’s declaration of love. I mean, I like Essie too, but I have never entertained the thoughts of becoming her mother.After all, she has her own biological mother. If anything, children would probably prefer their biological parents more…A good example will be Archie and Benny. Although they don’t know the truth of their births yet, their attitude toward Lucian is clearly different from the rest.“You can’t?” Having received no answer from Roxanne, Estella lowered her eyes in disappointment and despair.Roxanne’s heart ached when she saw the girl’s disappointment, but there was nothing she could do besides giving her a merciless rejection. Patiently, she explained to the girl, “Essie, you’ll have your own mommy, and once you have your mommy, you’ll find out that liking mommy and liking me don’t feel the same.”Estella tightened her fists stubbornly and looked at Roxanne with tearful eyes. “I only like Ms. Jarvis!”“You won’t—
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
Elias knitted his brows when he saw his wife acting in that way. “I don’t remember any conflicts between the two of you six years ago. Why are you so biased against her?” “Are you saying that I’m unreasonable?” Sonya snapped, turning around to glare at him.The resignation on Elias’ face deepened. “I’m only stating facts. Why are you taking this so personally?”“Then we’ll go to her place to check it out right now! We’ll see if the kid really is hurt! Didn’t she ask us to pick Essie up from her house? We’ll go right now!”Elias knew that she was only saying that because she was furious, so he just drove them back to the Farwell main residence.Sonya was even more irked when she realized where they were heading, and she kept grumbling on their way back.Elias pretended not to hear anything she said.He was already relenting much by accompanying her to pick Estella up from the kindergarten.As Farwell Group’s chairman, he simply could not do something ludicrous like kicking up a fuss i
Roxanne’s heart was lodged in her throat as she made her way to the hospital. She floored the accelerator, on the verge of breaking the speed limit. Archie and Benny might be independent since young, but it was the first time one of them had gotten hurt.Roxanne felt a surge of anxiety wash over her.Upon arrival, Roxanne parked her car hastily and strode into the hospital.Pippa was considerate enough to text her the ward number after Benny was admitted to the hospital.Thus, Roxanne found them without any difficulty.“Mommy!”Archie firmly grasped her hand, squeezing it with such force that it caused her pain.Estella also clutched at the corner of her shirt.Roxanne patted their heads comfortingly before turning to Pippa. “Ms. Ward, what happened?”Pippa answered apologetically, “We’re not sure yet. The doctor at the infirmary said it might be a bruised cartilage. Benny is taking an X-ray inside.”Roxanne felt a stab of pain in her heart after she heard the news.“Ms. Jarvis, we’r
The next game was hopping on one foot. The kids filed to the equipment room to change into their sneakers. After changing into his shoes, Benny felt slightly uncomfortable. He a*sumed that it was probably because he had not worn these types of shoes in quite some time and wasn’t used to the fit. Nonetheless, he didn’t give it too much thought and kept going.Archie and Estella were urging him to hurry up, so he pushed aside the thought of his uncomfortable shoes and hurried over to them, beaming happily.This was an individual game, and Benny’s turn wasn’t until later.After Archie and Estella finished their turns, they stood aside to watch Benny play.“Remember to be careful. Safety comes first,” Pippa told them repeatedly.Ophelia stood aside and acted like she was ready to spring into action and protect the children at any moment.The three children had done a good job in the previous games, so when it was Benny’s turn, their friends cheered him on and watched him expectantly.Ben
Upon seeing that Roxanne was still in a daze, Lucian couldn’t resist lifting his hand and caressing her face. “You…”Roxanne was stupefied for several seconds before she belatedly snapped back to her senses. Mild embarra*sment showed in her eyes.While the man had sneaked up on her countless times when they were in Miralaea, she could more or less postulate the reason after the fact.But this time, I didn’t do anything. Why did he simply kiss me?Innocence was written all over Lucian’s face. “Sorry, I lost control.”At that answer, Roxanne’s eyes went wide in fury. However, she couldn’t really censure him either. All she could do was turn around as though nothing had happened and put the washed tableware aside.The two of them spent some time doing the dishes. When they exited the kitchen, Archie, Benny, and Estella pestered Lucian to play with them for a while.Only when it was rather late did Lucian drive home.Needless to say, Roxanne saw him off with the three children.When they
Lucian didn’t expect his father to be in such a hurry to go and pick Estella up. After hanging up the phone, he glanced at the time. Seeing that it was still relatively early, he wanted to phone Roxanne to inform her about the situation. But on second thought, he snagged his jacket and went downstairs.Downstairs, Catalina had just prepared dinner. When she saw her employer coming down, she hollered, “The food is ready, Mr. Farwell.”Lucian halted in his steps for a fleeting second. “Go on and eat. I’m not having dinner at home.”Having said that, he left in huge strides without waiting for a response from her.Catalina stared at the man’s back, bewildered for a moment. In the next heartbeat, understanding dawned upon her.Aha! Who else could induce such an expression on Mr. Farwell’s face? He must be on his way out to visit Ms. Jarvis once more. Thus, he’s also likely having dinner there!Roxanne had just finished cooking dinner and led the three children to the dining table. They h
Elias frowned, and when he spoke, his voice was tinged with a hint of exasperation. “I’ve long since told you to let Lucian make the decisions himself when it comes to his marriage. Everyone is free to live their own lives. Why must we meddle so much?”Disapproval was written all over Sonya’s face. “How could I possibly allow that? Is Lucian’s marriage his business alone? Never mind if he wants to marry some other woman, but why must it be that woman?”Why must it be Roxanne? Worse still, she comes with two little bastards!Seeing that she was still dissatisfied with Roxanne, Elias patiently cajoled, “No matter who he wants to be with, that’s his business. He matured into an adult ages ago. We can’t interfere in everything.”But still, Sonya remained obstinate and griped, “If he had finalized his marriage with Aubree earlier, all this wouldn’t have happened.”After saying that, she shot the man beside her a chagrined look. “You’re no better. It’s because you allowed him free rein in
Roxanne’s life was soon back on the right track while Lucian’s was still in chaos. Lucian considered going to Roxanne’s place in the evening after handling all the accumulated work in Farwell Group. However, he received a phone call from his mother, who asked him to return home as soon as possible.Lucian furrowed his brows at his mother’s annoyed tone. Nevertheless, he still drove back to the manor.As soon as he stepped into the house, he was greeted by the sight of Sonya sitting on the couch.“Why are you here?” he questioned with a frown.Sonya turned to look at him and said unhappily, “If I hadn’t come here, I wouldn’t even know you were back!”He had not mentioned to anyone about him going overseas with Roxanne.Sonya had come over every day to ask her son for an explanation but always ended up empty-handed.When she called him and mentioned Roxanne and the kids, he would always give a half-hearted response before hanging up.Hence, Sonya had nowhere to vent her anger.Since th
Roxanne was moved by his words but remained hesitant. “Perhaps, but I lack enough knowledge of cancer to support the research on an anti-cancer medicine.” Over the past few years, she had been more focused on researching how to treat patients through acupuncture. She simply didn’t know enough about medicinal herbs to be confident in developing an anti-cancer medicine.Sensing her worries, Jack said, “I won’t lie. Only a few medical books kept in the Damaris residence touch on this research. However, the reason the research in those books was halted was due to technical issues at the time. It was also these books that inspired me.”Roxanne’s eyes glinted upon hearing that. If I can take a look at those books, perhaps I’ll get some inspiration, too. Then again, those books are properties of the Damaris family. I don’t know if he’s willing to lend them to an outsider.“The books about traditional medicine I lent you in the past were a part of that collection. If you’re interested, I can
While the reporters’ photos depicted a woman standing at the helicopter door, Jack knew Lucian was behind it. He thought the matter had ended when the celebrity scandals dominated the public consciousness that afternoon. Thus, the next day, he planned to meet up with Roxanne by using the project as an excuse.To his surprise, her a*sistant told him she wasn’t in the research institute.In fact, he received the same answer over the next few days.By then, no matter how stupid Jack was, he could still realize what was happening.He knew Roxanne had left with Lucian, so he wondered how long it would take them to return.To his surprise, it was a whole week, and that enraged him.Jack was still upset as he spoke. “Even though the development of our project was about to begin, the person in charge of the research institute was nowhere to be found. What do you think I should say about that, Ms. Jarvis?”When he brought up the project, Roxanne felt guilty and apologized further. “I’m really