Why did you leave in a hurry? I didn’t hear you mentioning going back to Horington when we had breakfast.” Lucian’s voice rang from the side, histone unfathomable.Scowling, Roxanne turned over and answered him coldly with another question, “Mr.Farwell, I’m also curious why would you leave your fiancée behind in Bell ridge and go back to Horington by yourself?”— At the mention of his fiancée, Lucian’s gaze darkened.She pretended that she hadn’t noticed the change in his expression as she continued, “Mr.Farwell, you’re going to get married soon.You should spend more time with your fiancée at this critical juncture.”When Lucian was about to reply to her, the woman next to him took out a small blanketand covered herself with it up to her face.She then turned her back to him and lay down.Through the blanket, her muffled voice sounded.“I’m tired.I need to rest.Mr.Farwell, please be quiet.” With that, she closed her eyes, and Lucian could only see the back of her head.In the end,
Roxanne frowned, but she didn’t urge him to move aside.When almost of the people got off the plane, Lucian rose to his feet placidly.The two then got off the plane one after the other.Meanwhile, Larry and Cayden were already waiting for them outside.While they were on the plane just now, Larry saw Lucian sitting next to Roxanne, but the plane had takenoff, so he couldn’t do anything about it.Upon seeing Lucian, Larry merely greeted the former out of courtesy, then turned to look at Roxanne.“You don’t have a car.I’ll send you back.” Roxanne replied with a smile, “Thanks, Larry.”As she spoke, she completely ignored the man beside her and strode over to Larry’s side.Seeing the woman, who had been giving him the cold shoulder, smile at another man, Lucian was naturally displeased and extended hishand to grab her wrist.The smile on Roxanne’s face gradually faded as she turned around to face Lucian.“Mr. Farwell, what else do you want?” Lucian gazed into her eyes, but he couldn’t
“Larry, don’t simply make assumptions without evidence.” Roxanne averted her eyes apprehensively.“No matter what kind of feelings he has for me, we are just friendly strangers now.There’s nothing more than that.Besides, he is about to get engaged to Aubree.” Ever since she met Lucian again, she had several guesses about how Lucian felt about her, but she had never thought of the possibility of him liking her.Besides, she also had a feeling that it was not a romantic interest.After all, she could still how much Lucian liked Aubree six years ago.This is not the way Lucian behaves when he has feelings for the person.Upon seeing her denying the claim, Larry knitted his brows slightly and keep his silence.The car rolled to a stop at Roxanne’s doorstep.Thinking about the little ones at home, Roxanne reluctantly gathered her thoughts, beamed at Larry, and said, “Thanks for the trouble.” He nodded and saw her out of the car.He then said in a deep voice, “Please consider what I have
Estella had lived with them for a period of time.She had seen a variety of figurines in their rooms, so she knew how much they would like the gift.Yet it seemed to take them forever to receive the gift.She nudged them and urged, “You like these, don’t you?” They tried putting up a stern face to deny her statement, but looking at the figurines, they just couldn’t say it out loud.Eventually, they relented and said, “It’s too expensive.Mommy won’t let us take it.” Estella didn’t expect them to reject her.They also brought up their mother.She pouted, lowered her eyes and stood pitifully before them, looking as if she would start crying at any moment.Seeing that, they exchanged a look and said hastily, “Since it is from Essie, we will take it.Please help us thank Uncle Lucian.” Only then did Estella start to smile again.Roxanne continued her work at the research institute the second day after she returned from Bellridge.When she was away for the past two days, she asked Colby to
After dinner, Roxanne and Colby went separate ways, returning to their own homes.When Roxanne arrived home, Lysa had fetched the two kids back.They were playing with Legos on the carpet.Archive and Benny immediately surrounded Roxanne when they saw her enter.Roxanne patted their heads and asked concernedly, “Have you two taken your meals?”They nodded obediently and blinked their eyes at her.“Mommy, Ms.Ward said she’s bringing us to plant trees this weekend.” Roxanne was slightly taken aback at the mention of that matter.She gazed downward and beamed at her children.“Yes.I know that.” With that, she pretended to be nonchalant and entered the living room.Archie and Benny trailed behind their mother and followed her to the side of thecarpet.She crouched down and fiddled with the partially-built Lego pieces as a conflicted look spread across her face.She pondered the whole journey on her way back.In the end, she was left with the same conclusion.She might run into Lucian or
Estella lowered her head and muttered aggrievedly, “Ms.Jarvis…”She yearned to meet with Roxanne.Hearing Estella’s words, Lucian’s face darkened instantaneously.He had been too occupied lately, so he had not considered Roxanne would also participate in that activity.However, at the thought of how Roxanne was evading him, Lucian highly doubted she would personally bring Archie and Benny to join the event.He figured Roxanne might even disallow them to go altogether.The screen of his phone lighted up.Pippa sent a message in the WhatsApp group: No guardian has texted me in private thus far, so I assume everyone will be coming.This activity will enhance the bond between children and their parents.I’ll take this opportunity to wish everyone a great time in advance.The screen slowly dimmed afterward.Lucian’s resolution wavered.He patted Estella’s head and croaked, “I got it.It was weekend soon. Roxanne brought the kids to the kindergarten early in the morning.That was the first
Lucian strode over through the crowd without Roxanne realizing it.Standing in front of her, Lucian gazed down at her with an unfathomable look on his face.“Essie, Ms.Jarvis has to take care of Archie and Benny.Let’s not bother her,” Lucian uttered in a hoarse voice after a few moments and bent down to hold Estella’s hand.Feeling reluctant to leave, Estella turned sideways to avoid her father’s hand.Then, she inched closer to Roxanne and said stubbornly, “I want to stay with Ms.Jarvis.” Lucian and Roxanne’s expressions froze after seeing Estella’s reaction.Many people around them had been keeping an eye on Lucian’s every movement.As a result, they were all staring in Roxanne’s direction.Panic surged within her like vomit.When she made the decision to join the activity with Archie and Benny, Roxanne had actually anticipated something like that would happen.Still, she did not know how to react when she was stuck in that awkward situation.According to her plan, she should have
After taking Estella, Roxanne now had to carry two children on her lap.Hence, her seat was getting a little cramped.Furrowing his brows, Lucian said softly, “Let me take Archie.” Roxanne was taken aback upon hearing that.Thinking of Archie’s relationship with Lucian, she felt conflicted.Moreover, she had noted how her son resented Lucian and didn’t think Archie would agree, especially since Archie was usually cold and indifferent.But to her surprise, the boy in her arms actually stretched his arms toward Lucian.Roxanne’s and Lucian’s expressions shifted as soon as they saw Archie’s response.S A hint of surprise flashed across Lucian’s eyes as he had not expected Archie to agree to his offer.Then, he reached out and carried the boy over.As for Roxanne, she lowered her gaze as an inexplicable sense of fear rose within her.Archie only did that because he did not want Roxanne to tire herself out.Although he had stretched his arms toward Lucian, his expression was tense.And onc
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