Quiet settled in the car again. Lucian had thought Roxanne would offer him an explanation or words of rea*surance after he had shown understanding, but she remained silent for a long time.That ticked him off, but he couldn’t go back on his words and could only keep his emotions in check.Thankfully, Benny had notified him of this earlier, or he would have flipped his lid thinking about Roxanne and her indulgent demeanor working together with Jack.“You could take a break on this trip, too,” Lucian continued, not meaning a word he said. “The stories circulating online these few days must have affected you. I should have handled it better. I wanted to take you away for an excursion after my trip, but it seems that the medical consultation came at the right time.”Roxanne came back to her senses and seemed to remember something. “Sorry for troubling you with the comments online.”Lucian frowned. “I was the one who put you in this situation. I should be the one apologizing to you.”Roxa
I can’t believe I thought Lucian stretched his hand out to hold hands with me. He’s obviously not that childish. Noticing her silence, Lucian halted in his tracks and turned over his shoulder to ask in concern, “A penny for your thoughts?”His voice snapped Roxanne out of her reverie. She couldn’t help but blush upon recalling the reason she fell silent. “Oh, it’s nothing.”Lucian arched a brow. He clearly didn’t believe her explanation.Roxanne caressed her stomach. “I’m hungry after walking this far. Is there anything to eat nearby?”As soon as she uttered those words, Lucian acted quickly, snatching her hand before she could take it back.Roxanne felt her heart skip a beat as she stared at their hands incredulously.“Come on. Let’s go find a restaurant.”Lucian pushed the suitcase with one hand and held her hand with his other. He slowed down so he could walk beside her.Stunned, Roxanne allowed him to lead her forward.This quaint little town, nestled in the foothills, was known
They were slurping their pasta when Roxanne’s phone rang. Roxanne’s gaze shifted to the caller ID on her phone before she shot a quick, apprehensive look at Lucian. It was clear she was unsure whether to answer or not.Sensing her gaze, Lucian immediately knew who it was. “It’s Jack, isn’t it?”Roxanne nodded. “I told him I might be late, so he’s probably calling to find out what happened. I’ll head out to answer it.”She got up, ready to leave.However, Lucian stopped her. “You can answer it here. It’s related to work, anyway.”In other words, he was saying that Roxanne had no reason to hide from him if it was a work call.Roxanne returned to her seat and answered the call. “Mr. Damaris.”Jack’s tired voice rang out. “I’m sorry. I was busy with the medical consultation and just got a chance to look at my phone. What happened?”Roxanne explained that her car broke down halfway. She didn’t mention Lucian was with her.Jack a*sumed she was alone and expressed his concern.Roxanne expla
“If you enjoy it here, then we can go traveling often in the future,” Lucian said when they were on the way to the lake. “The past few years have been incredibly hectic, so I’m looking forward to taking some time off to relax during my vacations.” He was holding Roxanne’s hand. She stared at his side profile and felt a bitter feeling spreading across her heart.For the past six years, they had been out of touch and unaware of each other’s current status.Roxanne led a hectic but fulfilling life.On the contrary, Lucian didn’t seem to be doing well.“We can bring the kids here one day. I don’t think they have been in the mountains before.”Lucian stopped in his tracks and turned over his shoulder to look at her.They had arrived at the lake.Perhaps they were in the mountains, for the lake water was crystal clear. The branches of the drooping willows by the lake were swaying lightly in the breeze.Roxanne glanced at him and said distractedly, “I believe Archie and Benny want to travel
Lucian furrowed his brows and replied, “What else can I do? I don’t know anything about medical consultation. Since you are in the medical industry as well, give me some tips, then.” Jonathan held his forehead in exasperation.Is he seriously thinking of helping out at the nursing home tomorrow?The man let out a long sigh in his heart before replying patiently, “From what you’re telling me, Roxanne and Jack are staying in the same hotel now. Aren’t you worried at all? You know Jack has ulterior motives toward Roxanne…”The crease between Lucian’s brows grew deeper.He looked up at Roxanne’s room and saw that the lights had already been turned on.Recalling Jonathan’s words, Lucian could no longer sit still. Immediately, he opened the door and got out of the car.Jonathan was still blabbering nonstop over the phone.After heading into the hotel, Lucian made a reservation for the room next to Roxanne’s.It was already almost ten at night when Roxanne entered her room.She hesitated fo
“So, what are we going to eat?” Since he had already heard her stomach growling, Roxanne decided to be straightforward about it.Lucian retracted his gaze and replied, “I haven’t been here in a long time, so I’m not too sure if that restaurant is still in business. Come on, let’s head downstairs.”The two of them continued chatting as they made their way toward the elevator.That was when Jack’s door opened by a crack, and he could see them as they entered the elevator.The look in his eyes turned gloomy the moment he saw Roxanne’s outfit and recognized the man standing next to her.That’s Lucian! So, he’s the one who came to Jadeborough with Roxanne! I can’t believe Roxanne declined my dinner invitation only to go out for supper with Lucian! Is it true what the rumors say about their relationship improving because of Essie? If that’s the case, then it’ll be near impossible for me to win Roxanne over!Jack’s face darkened.The elevator slowly came to a halt on the first floor, and Ro
“I’m sorry. I really didn’t see you there.” Not wanting to escalate the situation, Roxanne apologized and adjusted her chair a little.The drunkards’ eyes lit up with lust when they saw her pretty face and amazing figure.Roxanne frowned in discomfort when she noticed them ogling her body.That was when she heard Lucian standing up next to her.She had wanted to stop him as she thought he was going to start a fight with the drunkards, but he simply stepped in front of her and shielded her with his large frame.“Given how packed this place is, it’s common for people to bump into each other. Of course, since you all think we’re at fault here, I’ll take responsibility and make it up to you guys. Which table are you seated at? I’ll have the stall owner put your expenses on my bill,” Lucian said while glaring at the drunkards.Roxanne breathed a sigh of relief when she heard that.Oh, thank goodness… I thought Lucian was actually going to fight them! He may be skilled and all, but they ha
Arriving before the room door, Roxanne glanced at the shirt on herself. “I’ll wash this shirt and return it to you.”Since they were at the food stall for quite some time and even got into a conflict with those drunkards, it was no wonder their clothes were reeking of barbecue and alcohol.Roxanne was undeniably a little thrown off by the smell.“You probably got a shock earlier, didn’t you?” Lucian asked, sidestepping the topic Roxanne brought up.It took Roxanne a good few seconds to process the man’s question. In response, she pursed her lips and smiled. “Yeah, a little. That was a big group. We should’ve just walked away. There’s no point getting entangled with them.”Lucian’s brows drew together. “I don’t like the way they look at you.”In other words, he was telling her he chose not to leave because those drunkards were blatantly taking liberties with her through their words.Roxanne was taken aback, but she slowly put on a smile on her face. “Thank you.”I was the one who sugg
Cory’s face was clouded over with disdain. “Obviously, I’m taking a picture of my lovely ex-boss. Aubree was the one who made me who I am today. How can I possibly forgive her so easily?” As he spoke, an ominous aura radiated from him as if he were a devil from hell. There was an imminent chill in the air that seemed to come from his sheer hatred toward Aubree.Frieda couldn’t help but shudder at his demeanor.“Have you gone insane? The Pearson family is already in ruins. How are you still not satisfied yet?”Cory snickered. “I won’t be satisfied until she truly gets what she deserves. Besides, she did this to herself!”He narrowed his eyes and began scrutinizing the people in front of him.“You don’t have to play pretend around me, Ms. Queen. Don’t you want to shut her up for good too? In fact, you’re probably still getting threatened by her, right?”Frieda’s eyelids quivered as she forced herself to look away. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”She might have done her best t
Due to Benny’s injury, the three kids didn’t attend their cla*ses at the kindergarten for the time being. As a result, Ophelia didn’t have the chance to make her move.Aubree repeatedly received disappointing updates from Ophelia when she contacted the latter on multiple occasions.Exasperated, Aubree invited Ophelia out once more.“Aubree, there’s nothing I can do either. Who would’ve expected that b*tch to stop the other two kids from attending school after that little b*stard got hurt!” Ophelia uttered helplessly.She thought she could still target Archie and Estella while Benny recuperated at home due to his injury.To her surprise, she received news that all three children had applied for leave the following day.Aubree clenched her fists. Hatred filled her eyes as she spoke. “That b*tch!”The two women grimaced, stumped at the development.While vexed, Ophelia carefully observed the changes in Aubree’s countenance, fearing the latter might get sick and tired of her.After a lon
Because of Benny’s injury, Roxanne took a leave of absence for all three of her children and stayed at home to take care of Benny for the time being. Fortunately, the ointment she had developed was very effective, and when she applied it to Benny, his wound healed up rather quickly.In the past two days, Lucian would often come to visit the kids.While Roxanne was busy taking care of Benny, she was also worrying about the projects at the research institute.In the end, she found out that, except for the project with the Damaris family, all the other projects were progressing smoothly.Due to the previous incident, the project with the Damaris family had to be handled by Roxanne and Roxanne only. As such, the project was stalled the moment she left.Since she was preoccupied with taking care of Benny, it took Roxanne a few days to realize that she had forgotten to give Jack a heads-up on the situation.Just when she was about to make a call to Jack to apologize, the man himself called
Meanwhile, Ophelia stepped out of the kindergarten with a grim expression. Thank goodness I handled the matter fast enough! Who’d have thought Mr. Bauer would launch an investigation as soon as he returned? Gosh. I almost blew my cover! Then again, this must mean that little b*stard’s injury was pretty bad…With that thought in mind, Ophelia curled her lips into a smirk.That b*tch Roxanne has ruined my chances of a happy and comfortable life! She deserves this little payback from me. Ha!Naturally, Ophelia needed to inform Aubree about the incident, so she quickly got into her car and dialed the latter’s number.Fortunately, the call got through after just a few rings.“How did it go? Did you succeed?” Aubree asked urgently.Argh. Life has been incredibly tough on me lately. I need some good news to cheer me up!“I greased the shoes of that Benny boy, and he fell really hard!” Ophelia said with a smug chortle. “Mr. Bauer even made a big fuss out of it when he returned, so I’m sure 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