Aubree was getting out of line. Afraid that Archie and Benny could hear her, Roxanne decided to open the door and confront her. “Are you done, Ms. Pearson? If you are, please leave,” she uttered.When Aubree saw that Roxanne had finally stepped out of the mansion, she became even more enraged. “How dare you come out! What is it? Are you hoping for Lucian to come over to help you?” she snarled at the sight of the latter’s face.Annoyed, Roxanne frowned. “As I’ve said before, I’ll distance myself from them. I only went to the kindergarten today because I wanted to know how Essie was doing. If those kids didn’t bully her, I wouldn’t have met Mr. Farwell, and no one would’ve known I was there.”Then, she enunciated a promise. “From now on, as long as Essie is well, I’ll stay out of your lives.”“You’ve got to be kidding me!” Disdain was written all over Aubree’s face. “Do you think I would still believe your words? Where are those two b*stards? Get them to come out! I want to show them t
Roxanne’s spirits finally lifted at the mention of their research. We successfully completed the first stage of our research this morning, proving that the efforts we’ve put in all this time haven’t been in vain. Starting tomorrow, we’ll be embarking on a new and even more challenging stage!Just thinking about the results their research would bring filled her heart with anticipation.She also greatly welcomed Jack’s a*sistance. “I’d be honored if you could come and help us, of course. Why would I find you a nuisance?”He let out a low chuckle. “That’s good to know. It’s late, so I shan’t disturb you any further. See you tomorrow.”Roxanne a*sented with a laugh.Thanks to Jack’s phone call, she gradually felt calmer. Finally, she drifted into a peaceful sleep while thinking about the new research she would be doing the following day.Early the following morning, she sent Archie and Benny to the kindergarten, then hurried to the research institute.She thought she was early, but to he
Arriving at the corridor with better ventilation, Jack asked Roxanne about her condition concernedly, “How are you feeling?” He had been near the flask’s opening as well, but his symptoms of poisoning were not as severe because he reacted in time.Roxanne’s head was spinning terribly. Still, she forced herself not to succumb to vertigo. Staring at the research facility’s entrance, she asked, “H-Has everyone moved out of the building?”The gas was very poisonous and spread rapidly.She was afraid there might be other researchers who were poisoned as well.The sight of her still worrying about others when she was in that sickly state tugged at Jack’s heartstrings. “Dr. Galloway is already evacuating the premise. Don’t worry.”After answering her, he grasped her wrist to check her condition.Instinctively, Roxanne wanted to avoid the physical contact, but she did not even have the strength to lift her arm.“Something is very off with this reaction. This poisonous gas shouldn’t be presen
Back at the research institute, Jack carried Roxanne into her office. Even though the hallway was spacious and he could’ve just treated Roxanne there, concerned employees would occasionally stick their noses into the situation.Plus, he also needed a quiet environment to treat Roxanne.At the same time, Colby returned to the hallway after sending the message only to find out Jack and Roxanne were gone.“Where’s Dr. Jarvis?”Colby grabbed one of the researchers, his expression grim.The researcher was briefly taken aback before pointing at Roxanne’s office. “I think I saw Mr. Damaris carrying her into the office.”A dark glint flashed across Colby’s eyes when he heard that. He then nodded at the researcher. “Thanks.”Before the researcher could respond, Colby strode toward the office.I just took my gaze off them for one second, and Jack took that window to create an opportunity for them to be alone. Luckily, I’m confident in my skill. I’m sure there’s no way Jack can easily succeed i
Please excuse me,” Jack said to the unconscious Roxanne before carefully reaching out to undo her button. Colby was grimacing as he watched Jack’s actions.Right as Jack undid Roxanne’s first button, a series of rapid footsteps rang out from outside the office.Colby’s eyes lit up, but he quickly suppressed his excitement and looked at the door in faked confusion.On the other hand, Jack was too focused on treating Roxanne, so he did not hear the sounds at all.For ventilation purposes, the door to the office was wide open.The very second Lucian stepped into the office, he saw what Jack was doing.“What are you doing?”Lucian already disliked Jack because of the latter’s relationship with Roxanne.Thus, he turned livid when he was greeted by the sight of Jack trying to take advantage of Roxanne while she was unconscious, and he dashed over right away.Before Jack could react, he was punched in the face and stumbled a few steps back before finally regaining his balance.“What are you
No. That’s not possible. Jack wasn’t around when I did it. Moreover, Roxanne’s unconscious right now, so I’m the only one with the right to check the surveillance cameras of the lab. No one will be able to check the footage without my permission. Even if Jack is suspicious about my involvement, there’s nothing he can do if I deny everything. With that thought in mind, Colby relaxed. “Weren’t you the one who has been working on the experiment with Dr. Jarvis lately? I wasn’t sure about your experiment’s details, and that’s why I didn’t dare to open the bottle right away—that’s why I asked you guys to take a look at it.”In other words, he was implying that he had stayed away from the lab countertop to ensure that the experiment would go smoothly without his presence.After hearing his explanation, Jack looked at him skeptically before saying, “Dr. Galloway, don’t you think it’s such a coincidence? Why did something happen precisely when I wasn’t around?”Colby shrugged, his expression
The seconds continued to tick by, but the doors to the emergency room remained shut. Lucian’s heart grew increasingly heavy as he waited in the silent corridor outside.There are at least five specialists in there! What is taking them so long? How is Roxanne doing? Maybe I should just open the doors and go check on her! No, I can’t do that! I need to be rational here. Stay calm, Lucian…Having dismissed that thought, Lucian slumped weakly against the bench in the corridor.It’s just like what the director said. Roxanne is a doctor who has saved countless lives in the past. She is kind, so I’m sure she’ll be all right. For the sake of the two kids, she will definitely do whatever it takes to make it through!He was snapped out of his train of thought when his phone started ringing all of a sudden.Thinking that it could be something important, Lucian quickly whipped his phone out of his pocket.However, his face sank when he saw Aubree’s name on the caller ID, and he declined the call
Cayden was still feeling uneasy even after he had successfully picked Archie and Benny up from the kindergarten. For some reason, he felt as though he could see Lucian’s shadow in their eyes when they were staring at him earlier.There’s no mistaking that suspicious look in their eyes. They definitely think I’m hiding something!Sure enough, Archie asked the moment he got into the car, “Mr. Lawson, is our mommy really with Mr. Farwell right now?”Unsure of what to say, Cayden pretended to not hear the boy’s question and continued driving toward Roxanne’s house.“Mr. Lawson, are you hiding something from us?” Benny started questioning him as well.Since they were unable to get any answers out of him, they began coming up with their own theories in the back seat.Fearing that they would end up hitting the nail on the head, Cayden said, “Why would I lie to you two? Mr. Farwell gave Ms. Jarvis a batch of medicinal herbs for her research, so she’s working overtime to take inventory. I thi
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