Ch. 1981..1990
Leaving The Country After Divorce Chapter 1981-Madilyn soon returned to her office with a pail full of water. Without hesitation, she poured the contents of the pail onto Christina's body, making sure to drench the latter completely.
“If killing isn't against the law, I would've poured a bucket of boiling molten iron on her,” Madilyn added. She glared at Christina viciously, waiting for the latter to regain consciousness.
Lucian and Roxanne waited with anticipation for her to stir, curious to find out how she would react to the situation.
A few seconds later, Christina's eyes fluttered open.
Confusion rippled across her expression and she spun around, her eyes widening when she noticed Lucian and Roxanne standing there. For a moment, her breath hitched in her throat.
A look of sheer panic crossed her face as she realized she was completely drenched. At once, she curled into a ball and retreated hastily. Conflicting emotions filled her gaze.
“It appears that you have outsmarted me, Mr. Farwell. Well, it's not surprising considering your intelligence was the trait that initially drew me to you.”
Christina's gaze was filled with intense loathing as she watched Roxanne holding tightly onto Lucian.
Nevertheless, Roxanne wasn't afraid of her gaze at all.
She discovered that Christina dared not meet Lucian's gaze.
It was obvious Christina was trying to provoke them, but Roxanne wasn't in the mood to talk to her.
It was simply not worth the time or energy to talk to someone like her.
Lucian ignored her and reached out to take Roxanne's hand affectionately.
Christina's pretentiousness crumbled upon that sight.
She initially planned to act as though she couldn't care less, but deep down she was still unable to truly come to terms with Lucian and Roxanne being in love with each other.
Madilyn demanded, “Christina, you were the one responsible for all of the chaos that occurred at the hospital, weren't you?” She was appalled that Christina had the nerve to act so cocky and self- assured.
Anger surged through her veins as she stormed up to Christina and delivered a hard slap to her face.
The loud, sharp sound of a slap reverberated through the air, completely taking Christina by surprise.
She turned to face Madilyn. A red mark was visible on her cheek, yet her eyes still sparkled with anger and defiance. She gave Madilyn an insolent smirk and stated in a challenging tone, “Yes, it was me. So? Are you surprised?”
“Surprise? Do you really think that taking the lives of more than a dozen individuals is nothing more than a surprise? Well, if that is the case, then I will give you a taste of your own medicine and show you what a real surprise feels like!”
Annoyed, Madilyn grabbed Christina's hair and slapped both her cheeks.
Christina didn't show any signs of struggling. Blood trickled down the corner of her lips, but she laughed out loud.
“Roxanne, Madilyn, you both must've been infected, right? It's fine. Even if you end my life right now, I will go with a smile on my face, knowing that the bacteria will soon take over your bodies and put an end to your lives.”
Seeing how smug Christina look, Roxanne gazed at her calmly as though she had gone crazy.
She started coughing as her throat felt itchy.
Lucian couldn't be bothered to look at Christina. He asked in a concerned tone, “Do you feel unwell?”
He grabbed Roxanne's cup and handed it to her.
“I knew you've been infected. That means you've also been infected, Madilyn! As you both were in a confined space, there was no way for you to avoid it.” Christina grew elated.
She finally summoned the courage to finally look at Lucian. As she met his gaze, her expression grew placid and she uttered, “It's true that you are a proficient individual, Lucian; however, this particular situation is far from easy. I'm assuming you've been infected as well, so if you would be willing to apologize for your past transgressions, I might be able to assist you in obtaining the vaccine.”
Leaving The Country After Divorce Chapter 1982-"Christina, drop the act! I'm going to take care of my husband's infection. You've already been infected, and you're on your own now!”
At first, Roxanne was reluctant to speak out, but then she came to the realization that Christina was still intent on threatening Lucian even though she would be meeting her doom soon.
Her eyes conveyed a look of compassion as she reminded Christina of the situation.
What a foolish woman!
In spite of the dire circumstances, Christina still managed to show a coy, contemptuous grin and firmly shook her head. “No way. You may be skilled, but you can't expect to develop a vaccine in such a short amount of time. If you want to make it out of this alive, you'll have to use me as a bargaining chip to get the vaccine from Mr. Goldstein.”
Madilyn couldn't hold it in any longer. She snorted icily and declared, “Ha! I knew you wouldn't believe it. I mean, look at us. We're both perfectly calm, aren't we? You should really think carefully before jumping to any conclusions.”
Christina was taken aback to hear that. She quickly raked her gaze over the three of them.
Shaking her head profusely, she insisted, “No, that's impossible.
There's no way you could've done that! Even if the vaccine is flown in from Moranta, it won't arrive in three hours. You're just trying to delay time!”
“Delay? “Do you honestly believe that I would permit someone else to dictate terms to me and direct the course of my life?" Lucian's voice was laced with icy contempt.
Christina refused to believe either Roxanne or Madilyn, but Lucian's words made her break down instantly.
Lucian exuded confidence, and he made sure that anything he said was achievable.
Roxanne is capable of creating a vaccine!
Astonishment struck her, and her heart was torn between a feeling of intense anger and an unwillingness to accept the situation.
“It is clear that you are of no value to us,” Lucian said in a levelheaded manner, “and I am not going to let you go this time.”
“No! How did you do that, Roxanne? How could you possibly achieve that?”
Lucian's words had sealed Christina's destiny.
However, she still refused to give up and fixed her gaze on Roxanne stubbornly.
Madilyn shook her head and revealed, “Oh, I feel so sorry for you. We don't need to get the vaccine delivered from Moranta. As long as we know the production method, Roxanne's research institute has all the resources and capability to produce it. That will take less than three hours. It's time for you to give up now!”
At the same time, Roxanne's phone rang.
It was a call from Peregrine, so she answered it instantly.
“Roxanne, the vaccine is ready. It will be delivered to the hospital soon. How are you doing? Your condition didn't worsen, did it?” Peregrine sounded concerned.
“We're fine. You may deliver the vaccine here, but there's no rush. Safety comes first,” Roxanne instructed briefly before cutting the line.
She then gave Lucian and Madilyn a firm nod.
“That's quick. It has only been over an hour!” Madilyn relaxed as she gave Christina an amused look.
“Hear that, Christina? The vaccine is ready! Do you still not trust us?”
Christina was shocked by the news that she froze. It was as if she had just been struck by lightning. She didn't know how to react to that piece of information.
After what felt like an eternity, but only thirty seconds later, she slowly came to her senses and started to tremble uncontrollably. Her body felt so weak she could not even stand up and instead slumped against the wall, crouching down in the fetal position.
In a daze, she started muttering to herself. “I admit defeat. I've lost! In the end, I fail to avenge myself. Roxanne, I despise you! I curse you every day, but why are you so lucky? Roxanne, you should rot in hell!”
A few seconds later, she found herself overwhelmed by an intense, sudden surge of emotion and jumped up to lunge at Roxanne.
Leaving The Country After Divorce Chapter 1983-Thonks to his quick reflexes, Lucion wos oble to shield Roxonne behind him ond grob Christino by the throot ot the some time.
His long orms stopped Christino from getting ony closer, so she could only clow helplessly ot the oir, floiling her limbs while cursing under her breoth.
With o gentle shove, Lucion sent her tumbling bockword ond folling to the floor.
“I hote you, Lucion! I hote you so much! How could you treot me like this, Lucion? Hove you no heort? Hove you no conscience?” she shrieked ot the top of her voice.
Even Modilyn wos o little shocked by Christino's sudden hystericol outburst. She wos not expecting her to losh out like thot.
“Hove you lost your mind, Christino?” she shouted ongrily.
“Hohoho! Yes, I hove! I'm modly in love with you, Lucion! I love you so much thot I would cut my heort out for you, but... I'm filthy now... Why would you be so cruel to me, Lucion? My fomily is ruined! You're just his ex-wife, Roxonne! I'm his fioncée! How dore you steol him from me? I will never forgive you, not even in deoth!”
As Christino shrieked, her expression olternoted between sodness, excitement, ond onger, which showed just how unstoble her mentol stote wos.
She wosn't even looking ot Lucion ond Roxonne. Insteod, her eyes were octuolly fixoted on the wolls ond ceiling oround her os she writhed obout in ogony.
Thanks to his quick reflexes, Lucian was able to shield Roxanne behind him and grab Christina by the throat at the same time.
His long arms stopped Christina from getting any closer, so she could only claw helplessly at the air, flailing her limbs while cursing under her breath.
With a gentle shove, Lucian sent her tumbling backward and falling to the floor.
“I hate you, Lucian! I hate you so much! How could you treat me like this, Lucian? Have you no heart? Have you no conscience?” she shrieked at the top of her voice.
Even Madilyn was a little shocked by Christina's sudden hysterical outburst. She was not expecting her to lash out like that.
“Have you lost your mind, Christina?” she shouted angrily.
“Hahaha! Yes, I have! I'm madly in love with you, Lucian! I love you so much that I would cut my heart out for you, but... I'm filthy now... Why would you be so cruel to me, Lucian? My family is ruined! You're just his ex-wife, Roxanne! I'm his fiancée! How dare you steal him from me? I will never forgive you, not even in death!”
As Christina shrieked, her expression alternated between sadness, excitement, and anger, which showed just how unstable her mental state was.
She wasn't even looking at Lucian and Roxanne. Instead, her eyes were actually fixated on the walls and ceiling around her as she writhed about in agony.
She then started pulling at her hair and cupped her hands over her cheeks as she thrashed about violently, only to hit her head on the concrete wall next to her a few seconds later.
The loud noise sent shivers down Madilyn's spine.
“What has gotten into her? Has she gone crazy?” Madilyn was clearly frightened by Christina's actions.
The look in Roxanne's eyes turned gloomy as she said, “She's unable to cope with the overwhelming shock, so her subconscious is creating illusions to help her escape from the pain. This may be a sign of hysteria.”
Christina continued slamming her head against the wall with an increasing amount of force until blood came spurting out of her head.
Madilyn was so taken aback by the gruesome sight before her that she didn't know what to do.
Roxanne did not expect things to take such a dramatic turn. “Madilyn, sedate her before she attempts anything crazier!”
What happens to Christina is none of my concern, so I really don't feel like helping her. However, this is my hospital, so I can't just sit by and do nothing. If something bad happens, the whole hospital might get in trouble.
Lucian could seemingly read Roxanne's mind, for he walked up to the window and closed it.
After all, it would be bad for the hospital's reputation if Christina jumped out the window as a result of her hysteria.
Madilyn ran out of the office and returned shortly after with a syringe in hand. She then grabbed Christina's arm and injected the deranged woman with sedatives.
About thirty seconds later, Christina's eyes rolled back as she collapsed to the floor.
“Call the police, Lucian. We'll let them handle everything. She's involved with Elektra's case, so she's not getting away this time,” Roxanne said calmly.
Lucian nodded and called the police on his phone.
Ten minutes later, the police arrived and took Christina, who was still unconscious, to a specialized hospital for suspects.
Peregrine came over later with some medicine.
“I'll give this a try and see how it goes. If nothing goes wrong after half an hour, we can distribute this to all the doctors and nurses,” Roxanne said. It was not the first time she had used herself as a test subject for her medication.
Lucian frowned when he saw what she was about to do. He snatched the pills out of her hand and popped them into his mouth. “I should be the one to test it. You're pregnant, remember?” he reminded her while caressing her tummy.
Peregrine froze in shock for a few seconds before congratulating Lucian, “Congratulations, Mr. Farwell! I have a feeling you'll be giving birth to twins this time! A boy and a girl!”
Leaving The Country After Divorce Chapter 1984-The result of Lucion's drug testing come out holf on hour loter.
Fortunotely for him, the drug worked reolly well ond cured him of his cough completely.
However, it left him feeling incredibly thirsty ond coused him to sweot profusely.
“Here, drink some woter. The drug will stimulote your body's immune system to work together ond eliminote the virus,” Roxonne exploined while honding him o bottle of woter.
“Will it offect pregnont women?” Lucion osked, still worried obout Roxonne.
“No, it won't. This drug will be obsorbed into the intestinol wolls ond will be excreted within eight hours. It'll be fine!” Roxonne reossured him os she took the pills herself.
Modilyn followed suit before excitedly distributing the rest of the pills omong the doctors ond nurses.
Just like thot, the sudden crisis outbreok thot storted in the morning wos finolly overted ot one in the ofternoon.
Jonothon opprooched the personnel from the Centers for Diseose Control ot the hospitol entronce ond updoted them on the situotion, prompting them to lift the restrictions on the hospitol. Still worried obout o certoin individuol, he then rushed bock to the director's office, only to see Lucion ond Roxonne hoving o sweet moment together.
“Lucion, Roxonne, ore you two okoy? Where's Modilyn?” he osked.
Lucion ond Roxonne smiled when they sow how onxious he looked.
“Why do you osk? Are you worried obout her?” Roxonne teosed him.
The result of Lucian's drug testing came out half an hour later.
Fortunately for him, the drug worked really well and cured him of his cough completely.
However, it left him feeling incredibly thirsty and caused him to sweat profusely.
“Here, drink some water. The drug will stimulate your body's immune system to work together and eliminate the virus,” Roxanne explained while handing him a bottle of water.
“Will it affect pregnant women?” Lucian asked, still worried about Roxanne.
“No, it won't. This drug will be absorbed into the intestinal walls and will be excreted within eight hours. It'll be fine!” Roxanne reassured him as she took the pills herself.
Madilyn followed suit before excitedly distributing the rest of the pills among the doctors and nurses.
Just like that, the sudden crisis outbreak that started in the morning was finally averted at one in the afternoon.
Jonathan approached the personnel from the Centers for Disease Control at the hospital entrance and updated them on the situation, prompting them to lift the restrictions on the hospital. Still worried about a certain individual, he then rushed back to the director's office, only to see Lucian and Roxanne having a sweet moment together.
“Lucian, Roxanne, are you two okay? Where's Madilyn?” he asked.
Lucian and Roxanne smiled when they saw how anxious he looked.
“Why do you ask? Are you worried about her?” Roxanne teased him.
Jonathan let out an awkward chuckle. “I'm guessing she's all right, then. That's good to know...”
“What are you doing standing around here? Go help her out in the emergency ward!” Lucian urged him impatiently.
Jonathan nodded and ran out of the director's office as quickly as his legs could carry.
Meanwhile, Coralie was staring wide-eyed at everything that was going on inside the hospital from the building across from it.
Roxanne was able to produce the medicine so quickly, and Madilyn is all right as well. Not only did they manage to avert the crisis at the hospital, but they also got the police to come arrest Christina! Thank goodness I didn't leave immediately, or I would've been caught by Lucian!
Shawn had a conflicted look in his eyes as he stood behind her.
Coralie turned around to face her brother. Wearing a complex expression, she said sheepishly, “Thanks for rushing over and informing me in time, Shawn. Had you arrived half an hour late, I would've gone downstairs and got caught red-handed by Lucian!”
“Give it up, Coralie. Jonathan doesn't have feelings for you. If you continue down this path, you'll end up just like Christina!” Shawn said softly.
Coralie fell silent when she heard that. There was a hint of reluctance in her eyes, but she knew that Shawn was right.
“But I really like Jonathan!” Coralie protested.
“No, Coralie. This is not the same. Remember how you always wanted my toys when we were little? Well, this is no different. What you want is to prove your excellence and charm, but Jonathan is not a prize. Stop going down this path before it's too late!” Shawn retorted coldly.
Coralie fell silent and went into deep thought after hearing that.
Later that evening, the police called Lucian and gave him a detailed explanation of Christina's situation.
Apparently, the psychiatrists at the hospital examined her after she woke up and confirmed that she was suffering from severe mental illness and required long-term treatment.
As for her criminal activities, the police would continue to collect evidence and prosecute her accordingly. However, she would not be given a sentence until she recovered from her mental illness.
The police even thanked Roxanne for warning them that Christina could be infected with the new bacteria. Otherwise, many more could end up being infected because of her.
“Mr. Farwell, she has started to develop symptoms of the new bacterial infection. I heard that Ms. Jarvis has already produced a drug that could cure those who are infected. Can Christina be given treatment as well?” the police officer asked politely.
Lucian shifted his gaze toward Roxanne as he explained the situation to her.
“Give it to her. It wouldn't be punishment enough if she were to die just like this,” Roxanne replied coldly.
Leaving The Country After Divorce Chapter 1985-The sky wos drizzling outside the prison eorly in the morning.
Roxonne ond Lucion woited quietly in their Rolls-Royce until the lorge iron gote slowly opened.
Colby, still weoring his prison uniform, listened to the middle-oged prison worden's odvice. “Be o good person ofter you leove this ploce, ond don't moke ony more mistokes.”
He nodded, curling the corner of his lips into o relieved smile. “I will, Mr. Zogomi. When I find o new job ond eorn money, I will definitely come bock to visit you. Thonk you for olwoys helping me.”
“You're most welcome. You don't need to come bock here onymore. It's bod luck! Just get on with your life. Go on,” soid the middle-oged prison worden with o foint smile.
Colby ossumed no one would be there to pick him up, so he didn't poy ony ottention to the Rolls-Royce porked outside either.
An ostonished expression spreod ocross his foce when he noticed Lucion showing up while holding Roxonne's hond to help her get out of the vehicle.
“Colby, you're finolly out.” Lucion grinned slightly.
Initiolly, they thought they would hove to woit o few more months before Colby wos releosed. Unexpectedly, the lotter's sentence wos reduced becouse of his good behovior in joil.
The expression in Roxonne's eyes wos colm ond gentle. Hoving olreody forgotten post grievonces, she nodded ot Colby. “Hello, Mr. Gollowoy. Welcome bock!”
Colby wos utterly ostounded, for he hod never expected the couple to pick him up, let olone thot Roxonne would give him o chonce to return to the reseorch institute.
The sky was drizzling outside the prison early in the morning.
Roxanne and Lucian waited quietly in their Rolls-Royce until the large iron gate slowly opened.
Colby, still wearing his prison uniform, listened to the middle-aged prison warden's advice. “Be a good person after you leave this place, and don't make any more mistakes.”
He nodded, curling the corner of his lips into a relieved smile. “I will, Mr. Zagami. When I find a new job and earn money, I will definitely come back to visit you. Thank you for always helping me.”
“You're most welcome. You don't need to come back here anymore. It's bad luck! Just get on with your life. Go on,” said the middle-aged prison warden with a faint smile.
Colby assumed no one would be there to pick him up, so he didn't pay any attention to the Rolls-Royce parked outside either.
An astonished expression spread across his face when he noticed Lucian showing up while holding Roxanne's hand to help her get out of the vehicle.
“Colby, you're finally out.” Lucian grinned slightly.
Initially, they thought they would have to wait a few more months before Colby was released. Unexpectedly, the latter's sentence was reduced because of his good behavior in jail.
The expression in Roxanne's eyes was calm and gentle. Having already forgotten past grievances, she nodded at Colby. “Hello, Mr. Galloway. Welcome back!”
Colby was utterly astounded, for he had never expected the couple to pick him up, let alone that Roxanne would give him a chance to return to the research institute.
On the way, emotions churned within Colby as he watched the rapidly passing scenery outside the window.
Lucian had originally planned a lavish lunch to celebrate Colby's liberation.
However, Colby politely declined. “I've been eating plain and bland meals in prison, so it's not suitable for me to suddenly consume a sumptuous meal after coming out. That can easily cause indigestion and pancreatitis, which can be life-threatening.”
Roxanne nodded in agreement, while Lucian smiled and didn't insist.
“Thank you for picking me up. I'll report to the research institute tomorrow. Please send me to this address as I need to deliver a message for someone in the prison,” Colby piped up.
Lucian and Roxanne agreed. They also reminded him to change into a different outfit as soon as possible. After all, walking around the streets dressed in prison uniform would attract too much attention.
After sending Colby off, the couple returned to their car.
“He really missed out, but since I've already booked the restaurant, let's have our meal there ourselves.” Lucian's suggestion immediately received Roxanne's affirmation and support.
Lucian and Roxanne finally decided to pick up the three kids at the entrance of the art academy after strolling around for an entire afternoon.
Amidst the bustling crowd after school, Archie and Benny held Estella's hands on either side, ensuring their sister's safety as they exited the school.
The three children were thrilled because their parents would pick them up from school that day.
Upon spotting their parents from a distance away, they immediately quickened their pace.
“Slow down. Don't run,” Roxanne hurriedly reminded them, as there were too many people around them.
Lucian, on the other hand, moved swiftly and ran toward the children's location.
Just as he was about to reach them, several children suddenly emerged from beside Archie and Benny.
The kids had a clear target. As they approached, they reached out to push Archie and Benny, causing them to lose their balance and fall heavily to the ground.
Before falling, Archie and Benny let go of their sister's hand at the same time to prevent her from toppling over as well.
The boys grimaced in pain after hitting the ground. Their knees scraped against the cement floor, and blood came oozing out from the graze wound.
“Archie, Benny!” Estella cried out in fear.
Instantaneously, Lucian's pupils constricted, and his eyes gleamed with malicious coldness. He quickened his pace and strode over to his sons' side.
Subsequently, he trained his eyes on the few children who were trying to escape at once.
Colors drained from Roxanne's face as she was frightened by the scene unfolding before her. She hastily jogged toward her children as well.
Leaving The Country After Divorce Chapter 1986-“Archie, Benny, ore you okoy? Does it hurt?” Lucion helped the two kids up, his eyes filled with concern os he looked ot the blood trickling down their knees.
He wos enveloped in on intense molevolent ouro.
Estello olso rushed over to check on her two brothers. When she noticed they were both injured ond bleeding, her eyes immediotely reddened, ond teors threotened to foll.
“Lucion, don't let those kids get owoy!” While running over, Roxonne felt roge boiling within her chest. Those children obviously hormed Archie ond Benny on purpose. I cleorly sow there were four of them. Four ogoinst two, not to mention lounching o sneok ottock. Those kids ore simply evil to their cores!
Lucion kept his eyes glued on those four kids, ond he noticed they were trying to toke odvontoge of the crowd to flee.
As soon os Roxonne orrived, Lucion immediotely sprong into oction, quickly giving chose in the direction where the four children hod gotten owoy.
“Mommy, come ond toke o look ot Archie ond Benny!” Estello shouted helplessly.
Roxonne's heort tightened. Upon reoching their side, she immediotely crouched down to exomine the boys' injuries.
Fortunotely, the wounds weren't severe. They merely suffered from scroped skin ond minor bleeding. She quickly took out some wet wipes to cleon the wounds.
“Does it hurt?” Roxonne corefully checked for ony dust or smoll stones in the obrosions.
“Mommy, don't worry. It doesn't hurt thot much,” soid Archie, hostily trying to comfort his mother.
“Archie, Benny, are you okay? Does it hurt?” Lucian helped the two kids up, his eyes filled with concern as he looked at the blood trickling down their knees.
He was enveloped in an intense malevolent aura.
Estella also rushed over to check on her two brothers. When she noticed they were both injured and bleeding, her eyes immediately reddened, and tears threatened to fall.
“Lucian, don't let those kids get away!” While running over, Roxanne felt rage boiling within her chest. Those children obviously harmed Archie and Benny on purpose. I clearly saw there were four of them. Four against two, not to mention launching a sneak attack. Those kids are simply evil to their cores!
Lucian kept his eyes glued on those four kids, and he noticed they were trying to take advantage of the crowd to flee.
As soon as Roxanne arrived, Lucian immediately sprang into action, quickly giving chase in the direction where the four children had gotten away.
“Mommy, come and take a look at Archie and Benny!” Estella shouted helplessly.
Roxanne's heart tightened. Upon reaching their side, she immediately crouched down to examine the boys' injuries.
Fortunately, the wounds weren't severe. They merely suffered from scraped skin and minor bleeding. She quickly took out some wet wipes to clean the wounds.
“Does it hurt?” Roxanne carefully checked for any dust or small stones in the abrasions.
“Mommy, don't worry. It doesn't hurt that much,” said Archie, hastily trying to comfort his mother.
Benny also comforted Estella, “Essie, we're fine. We aren't afraid of shedding a bit of blood because we're tough guys!”
Roxanne led the children to the car. Then, she took out the medical kit from the vehicle and carefully disinfected the wounds, stopped the bleeding, and sprinkled some medicinal powder on the injuries.
That medicine could promote the rapid formation of scabs, specially prepared by her for the children's emergency use in case of bumps and cuts. It was very effective and wouldn't leave scars.
Before long, Lucian returned with the four kids while wearing a dark expression. There was no way he was letting any of them go.
“Archie, Benny. Take a look at them. Do you recognize these children?” Roxanne glared at the four kids.
“We do.” Archie and Benny nodded.
Then, they told their parents the four kids were in the same class as them.
Although students in the art academy could choose their courses freely, they still belonged to a specific class. The four kids, like Archie and Benny, were all in the sixth class of the first grade.
“I asked them, and it turned out these four children targeted Archie and Benny because the two of them excel in various courses while they themselves are at the bottom of the class. They were jealous of Archie and Benny and took this opportunity to get their revenge.”
Lucian's voice was cold. He riveted his eyes on the tallest kid, who was the ringleader of the group, named Zaron Rynder.
Following the incident, the parents of the four children quickly arrived.
They appeared quite familiar with each other, even laughing and chatting as if they were used to their children causing trouble.
“That b*stard, Zaron, must've bullied his classmate again. D*mn it. Because of his behavior, I have to spend a lot of money as compensation every month.” Zaron's father appeared unconcerned.
All the other parents echoed his sentiments. After all, Dave Rynder was a man with high status in society.
The other parents' children weren't qualified to enter the art academy in the first place, but they were admitted due to Dave's connection.
When the group arrived before Lucian and Roxanne, Dave was surprised to see his son acting submissively instead of carrying himself in his usual arrogant and insolent manner.
“Did you hit someone again? Whose child did you beat up this time?” Dave glanced at Lucian and Roxanne's appearance. It was apparent that they were wealthy, but he didn't seem to care.
His rhetorical question was laced with contempt.
Lucian's expression turned a few shades darker. He suddenly stepped closer to the corpulent Dave, his tall, slender figure towering over the other man.
“Your kid harmed my children, the scions of the Farwell family!” Raging hostility filled his voice.
Leaving The Country After Divorce Chapter 1987-Dove wos token obock. “The Forwell fomily?”
Since he hod just been tronsferred here from the north, he wosn't too fomilior with the hierorchy in the city.
Moreover, never in his wildest dreoms did he expect the fomous Lucion Forwell from Forwell Group to be such o young mon. To him, everyone in the business industry would hove to treot him with respect.
Still, the other porents recognized the three children.
“Aren't these three children the geniuses who immediotely become fomous when they first enrolled in the school?”
“I think you're right. They're o poir of twins ond their odoroble little sister. It reolly is them! We're doomed. I heord thot their porents ore quite influentiol people.”
“T-The Forwell fomily? The most prestigious fomily in Horington, thot Forwell fomily?”
Dumbstruck, the porents stored ot Lucion ond Roxonne with feorful expressions.
One of them hurried over to tug Dove's orm, winking repeotedly, onxiously hoping thot the lotter would toke the hint.
Dove wos bewildered. “The most prestigious fomily in Horington?”
Following thot, he met Lucion's piercing goze, ond his heort lurched in response.
“L-Lucion Forwell? Mr. Forwell?” Dove stuttered in disbelief. Though he held o pretty significont position thot even the school outhorities hod to show him some respect, he wos nowhere os influentiol os Lucion Forwell of Forwell Group.
Dave was taken aback. “The Farwell family?”
Since he had just been transferred here from the north, he wasn't too familiar with the hierarchy in the city.
Moreover, never in his wildest dreams did he expect the famous Lucian Farwell from Farwell Group to be such a young man. To him, everyone in the business industry would have to treat him with respect.
Still, the other parents recognized the three children.
“Aren't these three children the geniuses who immediately became famous when they first enrolled in the school?”
“I think you're right. They're a pair of twins and their adorable little sister. It really is them! We're doomed. I heard that their parents are quite influential people.”
“T-The Farwell family? The most prestigious family in Horington, that Farwell family?”
Dumbstruck, the parents stared at Lucian and Roxanne with fearful expressions.
One of them hurried over to tug Dave's arm, winking repeatedly, anxiously hoping that the latter would take the hint.
Dave was bewildered. “The most prestigious family in Horington?”
Following that, he met Lucian's piercing gaze, and his heart lurched in response.
“L-Lucian Farwell? Mr. Farwell?” Dave stuttered in disbelief. Though he held a pretty significant position that even the school authorities had to show him some respect, he was nowhere as influential as Lucian Farwell of Farwell Group.
Scared senseless, Dave froze on the spot as he gulped nervously.
“So, why did your son attack my two kids?” Lucian inquired through clenched teeth. His tone was frigid.
“I'm sorry, Mr. Farwell. My child was out of line. It's my fault for not raising my child properly. I'll make sure to teach him a lesson!” One of the parents who already came back to his senses immediately strode over to his own son and slapped the child.
Next, the other parents snapped out of their dazed states as well and immediately apologized profusely.
“Mr. Farwell, it was all my son's fault. I'll get him to apologize to your children immediately!”
“Mr. Farwell, it's my fault for not educating my son properly and allowing him to behave so outrageously. Hey, what are you waiting for? Hurry up and apologize to the Farwells! Are you deaf?”
Apart from Zaron, the other three children's parents punished their kids severely without showing any mercy, punching and slapping them to teach them a lesson.
The three children began wailing in agony, not understanding why they were being treated this way. Prior to this, nothing had ever befallen them when they followed Zaron's lead and bullied the other kids.
Zaron was stunned upon witnessing this scene. Puzzled, he asked his father, “Dad, all I did was push the twins. What's wrong with that? Dad, why aren't you saying anything?”
“You d*mn brat!”
Dave finally understood the principle of the saying “If one played with fire, one would eventually get burned.” Zaron's arrogance and domineering attitude finally led to his downfall.
Dave strode toward his son with the intention of punishing him like how the other parents were doing to their own children. He hoped that his actions of beating up his own son would appease the Farwell family.
However, he was unexpectedly stopped by Lucian.
Roxanne shared her husband's sentiment. Gritting her teeth, she said coldly, “Mr. Rynder, I don't like the way you're handling this situation. Do you think we'll overlook the matter just because you've punished your children? My sons were injured for no reason!”
Dave was momentarily at a loss for words. Terror filled his eyes as he hurriedly concurred, “Y-You're right! We should apologize and compensate you for what happened! Mrs. Farwell, right? I apologize for my son's mischievous behavior!”
“There's no need to apologize or compensate us, but we will be deciding how to punish the four children.” Lucian lifted a hand, silencing the clamoring parents immediately.
Leaving The Country After Divorce Chapter 1988-Lucian turned around and went over to his three children before kneeling down to examine Archie's and Benny's injuries.
"Are you okay? Does it hurt? Tell me the truth.” The look in Lucian's eyes turned tender as he tousled his sons' hair affectionately before giving Estella a hug.
Archie and Benny exchanged a glance and nodded. “Daddy, it hurts a little!”
"I see.” Lucian smiled before asking, “Then how do you feel? Do you feel angry?”
Benny quickly answered, “Yes! I'm infuriated!”
Archie nodded in agreement, for they were indeed furious.
Pouting, Estella chimed in, “Daddy, I'm really mad too. I hate them for bullying Archie and Benny!”
Lucian acknowledged the children's feelings, and instead of comforting them, he asked in a solemn tone, “Then what would you like to do so you would feel better?”
The three children exchanged glances, unsure how to react.
Roxanne was touched upon seeing that. She understood what her husband was trying to achieve by guiding the children to express their feelings and intentions.
Growing up, the three little ones lacked paternal and maternal love respectively, but they had always been well-protected.
Hence, it was always the adults who handled the situation for them whenever something bad befell them. They never had the chance to make their own decisions.
Meanwhile, the other four children and their parents dared not make a sound. Dave, on the other hand, glared at his son furiously.
He was aware that he would be the one who had the worst of today's incident.
After a long while, Archie nodded while wearing a determined look. “Daddy, I think I know what I want!”
Following that, Benny added, “Me too. I'm really mad. What right do they have to bully us? I won't just let this slide without putting up a fight!”
Blinking, Estella turned to Roxanne and said, “Mommy, I hate them!
I don't ever want to see them again!”
Upon hearing their children express their thoughts straightforwardly, Lucian and Roxanne exchanged glances before nodding.
Then, Lucian directed his gaze at the parents who were cowed into silence.
“We'll give as good as we get. Since your children pushed my sons, my sons will now retaliate in the same way,” Lucian announced calmly.
Inwardly, the children's parents sighed in relief. A punishment from kids should be harmless. Thank goodness.
However, Roxanne added, “You heard what my daughter said. So, I'll do whatever it takes to ensure that these four kids are expelled from this school!”
The children's parents froze upon hearing Roxanne's words.
But on second thought, our children were never qualified to enter this school in the first place. As long as our jobs and careers aren 't affected, we’ll accept this punishment willingly. After all, we deserve this!
However, Dave's expression changed drastically. If this matter escalates, I don't think I'll be able to retain my current position. This d*mn brat!
Underthe watchful eyes of Lucian and Roxanne, Zaron and the other three children stood in a row, seemingly unfazed.
They did not think Archie and Benny were strong enough to actually knock them down.
However, Archie and Benny gained momentum as they charged forward and knocked two of the kids down on the ground, causing them to writhe and wail in pain.
Zaron and the other remaining child were terrified upon witnessing the scene before their eyes.
They had no idea that Archie and Benny had learned some simple combat skills from their bodyguard before this.
Upon succeeding in their first attempt, the twins exchanged glances and grinned. They then took a few steps back before getting ready to launch another attack, totally forgetting about the pain in their knees.
This time, Zaron was Archie's target.
Sprinting forward, Archie crashed into Zaron's back like a tiny cannonball. The force he exerted was so great that even a dull thud was audible when their bodies collided.
Zaron fell to the ground face-first and shouted in pain. His nose was bleeding when he struggled to get up
Leaving The Country After Divorce Chapter 1989-"Ouch, it hurts!” Zaron burst into tears.
Dave felt sorry for his bawling son but dared not go over to help him up.
Upon seeing Zaron being thrown to the ground, the other children shuddered and gazed at the twins with fear.
When Archie and Benny returned to Lucian and Roxanne's side, they looked down at their own hands with uncertainty, shaking their heads as if they weren't sure if they had done the right thing.
While observing the expressions on their faces, Lucian knelt down and stroked their heads with his large hand.
With a calm look on his face, he said, “Archie, Benny, there are all kinds of people in this world, and you should reserve your kindness only for those who deserve it instead of using it on the wrong people. You don’t have to be nice to those who act rudely or unreasonably, and don't even bother to try to reason with them!”
Those words struck a chord in Roxanne's heart.
The two boys, who had been raised under her care, were gentle and calm in nature. However, they seemed to lack a certain sense of masculine energy.
If they were to continue to develop their personalities in that manner, she believed they would have a hard time surviving in the complex society they were destined to face as adults.
That was why she fully supported her husband's teaching methods. After all, he did not teach them to resort to violence but to respect their inner voices and learn to fend for themselves. He also taught them to not tolerate evildoers out of kindness and compassion.
Dave and the other parents stayed away from their children, watching them shriek and cry from a distance.
These children finally got a taste of their own medicine.
In the end, Lucian looked at them and said icily, “You can leave now, but I don't want to see your children in this school ever again.”
He made it clear that the children would have no choice but to withdraw from the academy.
The outcome would remain the same whether they chose to leave the school voluntarily or Lucian escalated the issue to the school's management.
Those parents nodded right away. “Yes, yes. We know what to do. My son's grades are not up to par anyway. There's no point wasting money to keep him in this art academy. Thanks for being so forgiving, Mr. Farwell!”
"My son has always had a mischievous streak, but I'll make sure to educate him to become a better person after this. Thank you, Mr. Farwell!” another parent echoed.
“Mr. Farwell, we'll be leaving with our kids now. What happened today is entirely our fault,” another person added.
Relieved, the parents then scampered away with their three children in tow.
Dave knew he could not leave because Lucian still had some unfinished business with him.
Lucian arched his brow, and a sarcastic smile curved his lips. He glanced at Dave and said, “Mr. Rynder, looks like you're a man with considerable power and influence. I wouldn't be surprised if some ofyour assets were obtained through less than legal means. Shall I bring this to the attention of the Central Discipline Inspection Committee?”
Dave's face turned pale in an instant.
He knew Lucian would not let him off so easily, but he did not expect the man would be so ruthless.
Yet, he did not have the courage to fight back. After coming to his senses, he began to tear up and begged for Lucian's forgiveness. “Mr. Farwell, it's all my fault. I'm arrogant, and I'm not a good parent. I failed to teach my son properly, but I'll do my best to become a better person. You can punish me however you want, but please don't make me lose my job!”
Lucian knitted his browsand shot daggers at him. He wouldn't have acknowledged his mistakes had he not bumped into me. And there's a high chance he would allow his son to grow up to become an overbearing bully.
Lucian did not bother to pay attention to him and wasn't intending to show any mercy even if the man were to kneel before him. Instead, he squatted down, carried Archie and Benny in his arms, and nodded at Roxanne.
Roxanne then carried Estella before the family of five walked toward the school gate together.
Behind them, Dave continued imploring loudly, “Mr. Farwell, please have mercy on me! Mr. Farwell...”
Not long after, they heard Dave venting his frustration by beating Zaron, causing the latter to scream in pain.
Leaving The Country After Divorce Chapter 1990-By the time Lucian and his family returned to the manor, Cayden called and said, “Mr. Farwell, I've gathered evidence of Dave Rynder's corrupt practices and handed it over to the authorities. He'll probably be dismissed soon!”
Lucian felt there was no point in showing Dave mercy since he had no desire to see the latter's disgusting face again.
After stopping the car, Lucian got down and carried the two boys into the house.
Roxanne, too, carried Estella like how Lucian did. Upon seeing that, Sonya could not help but mutter, “You kids are old enough to walk on your own. Why do you still need your daddy and mommy to carry you?”
Elias immediately noticed the injuries on Archie and Benny's knees. He walked up and checked on them. “What happened? Did they fall?”
"Dad, they're fine. I've treated their wounds. They should recover in two days,” Roxanne responded while putting Estella down.
The little girl ran over to check on the boys and was surprised. “Mommy, the medicine is really effective! Their wounds are already healing!”
Sonya hurried over and checked on Archie and Benny when she learned that Lucian was only carrying them because they were injured.
She and Elias were relieved after confirming that their grandchildren's injuries were not serious.
“Archie, Benny, injuries on knees might take time to heal, so make sure you walk less and avoid getting the wounds wet!” Roxanne reminded. The boys bobbed their heads in response.
Not long after dinner, Jonathan arrived at the manor with Madilyn in his car.
Their unexpected visit took Lucian and Roxanne by surprise.
“Y-You two...” Roxanne glanced at Jonathan before turning her attention to Madilyn. They're well-dressed today.
Clad in a pair of casual clothes and abandoning his usual stiff demeanor, Jonathan looked more mature and dignified.
Madilyn, on the other hand, wore a dress that accentuated her curves and enhanced her charm.
Even Lucian could not help praising Jonathan, “Jonathan, the way you dress today reminds me of my charming young self.”
The other three people exchanged glances. How old is he? Why is he talking like an old man?
However, the question Roxanne asked next instantly made them feel awkward. “Are you two on a date today?”
Hearing that, Jonathan appeared flustered. He bounced up from his seat as soon as he sat down before stealing a glance at Madilyn.
Madilyn behaved just as nervous as if someone had exposed their secret. Her face turned crimson red almost instantly, and she glared at Roxanne.
“N-No, no, no, no, no...” Both Jonathan and Madilyn denied it simultaneously.
Lucian sighed inwardly. It's so obvious they're hiding something from us!
Amused, Roxanne smirked as she watched them blush and panic, finding their reaction quite amusing.
“I just bought him dinner to thank him for his help at the hospital. That's all!” Madilyn was still busy explaining while Jonathan had quietened down.
“Lucian, Roxanne, we made a trip over here because my family found some exquisite herbs when they went to Xandenia to procure medicinal herbs. Since Roxanne is pregnant, I'm sure these exquisite herbs can supplement her nutrition,” Jonathan explained the reason for their visit while Madilyn inclined her head in agreement.
“That's very thoughtful of you, Jonathan. You seem to have changed a lot lately. Did something happen?” Roxanne asked out of curiosity.
Ever since Jonathan returned to work, his demeanor did a one- eighty for mysterious reasons. He was like a completely different person, and even his mannerisms had changed drastically.
Lucian remained composed but perked up his ears, eager to hear what Jonathan had to say