Ch. 211..220
Leaving The Country After Divorce Chapter 211
Roxanne frowned slightly and was about to reject Hugo Reynolds. Meanwhile, escaping from the crowd on the dance floor, Madilyn sat beside her directly and started to give Hugo a once–over.
Hugo had an elegant appearance. His chiseled facial features remained obvious under the bar‘s dim light. Although Hugo lacked a fit body, he was not too skinny. Besides, judging from his attire, Madilyn could tell that his outfit cost about one hundred thousand.
Hmm. I guess I can give him an eight out of ten?
After rating him inwardly, Madilyn agreed before Roxanne could decline him, “Sure! Do you have any friends? Ask them to come over!”
Hugo‘s table was right next to theirs. In fact, he had noticed them earlier when both of them danced together. Hence, he knew that they came together. Hearing Madilyn‘s agreement, Hugo did not hesitate and asked his friends to join their table. His friends were good–looking, and all of them dressed in expensive clothes. As they approached the table, they brought along their wine.
As they came over, Hugo‘s friends were polite enough to maintain a reasonable distance from Roxanne and Madilyn.
Upon scrutinizing the guys, Madilyn raised her brows as she questioned, “You guys are quite good–looking. Are all of you single?”
They responded, “How dare we sit here if we aren‘t single?”
Then, Madilyn swept a meaningful gaze at Hugo who had just approached her table. “How about him? Is he single as well?
Hugo merely smiled at his friends, hinting that he did not mind them telling her the truth.
“Hugo‘s been single for years. We have no idea what kind of women he‘s interested in anymore. However, today…” As they replied, they cast him teasing glances.
Hearing that, Hugo beamed and interrupted, “Stop talking. Let‘s have a drink, shall we?”
In unison, his friends swiftly changed the topic.
After having small talk with the guys, Madilyn got along well with everyone and soon filled the air with chatter.
In reality, Roxanne came to the bar to drink her sorrows away. Facing that situation, she had no choice but to appear unruffled in front of everyone, despite feeling uncomfortable.
Meanwhile, Madilyn was having a great time, and she moved to sit between the guys afterward. Subsequently, she played some drinking games with the others, leaving Roxanne to sit all alone at the side.
There was a space between Roxanne and Hugo after Madilyn left.
“I‘m sorry. Did we interrupt both of you?” Hugo asked apologetically.
Hearing his question, Roxanne was briefly stunned. “Don‘t worry. We‘re all here to have a drink. You‘re not disturbing us at all.” She smiled faintly.
He frowned and asked, “You don‘t seem to be in the mood for it. Are you in a bad mood?”
Roxanne pressed her lips into a smile, admitting it silently. At the same time, it showed her reluctance to continue the conversation with him.
Nonetheless, her indifference toward him piqued Hugo‘s interest.
Hugo could tell that she was unbothered to continue the conversation. Hence, he drank alone slowly at the side while fixing his eyes on Roxanne‘s face.
At the side, Madilyn noticed that the two of them were drinking alone. That very sight pulled at Madilyn‘s heartstrings. To break the ice, she suggested playing a card game whereby the person who got the King of Hearts card could instruct anyone to do anything.
Before Roxanne could refuse, Madilyn swiftly shoved a card into Roxanne‘s hand while she took the King of Hearts card.
“Seven of Spades and Five of Diamonds.”
Everyone looked at their cards.
Looking at the Five of Diamonds card in her hand, Roxanne could feel a foreboding feeling growing in her heart.
Madilyn gazed at her indifferently and voiced, “Since we know each other, I won‘t be requesting much. How about both of you drink a crossed–cup wine with each other? It‘s not too much to ask for, right?”
It was indeed a simple request in a drinking game. Refusing to be a total buzzkill, Roxanne agreed to Madilyn‘s request with a smile.
Hugo flipped his card, only to see he got a Seven of Spades. He glanced at Madilyn the matchmaker helplessly before turning to Roxanne and said, “Let‘s just clink our glasses instead of drinking a crossed–cup wine.”
Seeing the Seven of Spades in Hugo‘s hand, Roxanne could feel her heart sink slightly. It was at that moment she realized Madilyn‘s intention to match them up. She regretted agreeing to her request that readily.
However, Roxanne heaved a sigh of relief after hearing what Hugo said. Then, she raised her glass to clink it against Hugo‘s glass.
Leaving The Country After Divorce Chapter 212
Meanwhile in the VIP room upstairs, Lucian watched the middle–aged men with pot bellies toasting each other with a blank expression.
When he picked Estella up that afternoon, he noticed that she was in low spirits. Further to that. Estella had just thrown a tantrum at him upon reaching home.
I guess Essie‘s in a bad mood because she hasn‘t seen Roranne in a while. Perhaps she treated Essie aloofly? Regardless of the reason, I‘m still the one to blame. She‘s keeping a distance from Essie on purpose because of me.
Because of that matter, Lucian was feeling cranky the whole night.
He got even more irritated for not obtaining any satisfactory proposal from those men, albeit having a long day of discussion.
“Excuse me. I‘m heading out for some fresh air.” With that said, Lucian stood up directly.
The men dared not utter a word and watched him stride out of the room.
Lucian‘s private room was facing the dance floor downstairs. As he walked out, his gaze fell to the dance floor, and he saw a glimpse of a familiar figure.
Immediately, Lucian paused in his tracks.
The light flickered uncontrollably on the dance floor, and it caused Lucian to doubt his eyesight. As he attempted to look again, that familiar figure was already out of his sight.
He stood still, staring straight at the dance floor, hoping that he could locate that figure again. Nevertheless, he found nothing. Lucian retracted his gaze and started to scoff at himself inwardly.
I wonder what kind of magic power Roxanne has? I was merely checking the place out. Why would I have a figment of my imagination?
Just when he was about to turn around and return, he heard a loud noise coming from one of the tables downstairs.
That sound instantly attracted everyone‘s attention. With that, almost everyone in the bar shifted their attention to the table, including Lucian.
Lucian‘s eyes darkened at once when he saw the person from that table.
It wasn‘t an illusion! That familiar figure was indeed Roxanne! She must have returned back to her table after getting tired of dancing on the dance floor.
Lucian fixed his eyes on her and was quick enough to notice that she was getting surrounded by men. Apart from that, he also saw her grinning from ear to ear with one of them.
From the look of it, they broke into an uproar because of what Roranne did with that man. They look intimate together.
Meanwhile, Roxanne downed her drinks in one go after clinking glasses with Hugo.
Witnessing that, everyone cheered excitedly for them.
Roxanne put her glass down and sensed that something was amiss. She could feel someone looking in her direction from a distance when she drank the wine just now.
She lifted her head to glance up instinctively, but it was dark.
Strange enough, she had a hunch that it was Lucian.
With that thought in her mind, Roxanne suddenly lost her mood to continue drinking anymore.
“I‘m tired. I think I‘ll make a move first.” Roxanne smiled apologetically to everyone before approaching Madilyn and suggested, “It‘s getting late. Let‘s go back.”
Madilyn had been drinking for quite a while and was feeling quite tipsy. Hearing Roxanne‘s words, she nodded in a daze and murmured, “Okay. Have fun, guys. We‘ll leave first.”
With that said, she stretched out her hand toward Roxanne.
Roxanne strenuously helped her up while politely bidding goodbye to everyone.
“Let me help you girls.” Hugo stood up and continued, “You seem to be struggling. Let me help you get her into the car.”
Roxanne hesitated for a few seconds. Looking at the tipsy Madilyn, she agreed eventually, “Thank you for your help!”
After interacting with Hugo that night, she had a pretty good impression of him. Besides, Roxanne could not support Madilyn alone after having a few glasses of wine.
Seeing that she had agreed, Hugo went up to them and was about to lend Roxanne a hand. It was at that moment he heard a deep voice coming from behind. The tone of the man sounded displeased.
“I appreciate your kindness, but I‘ll send the girls back. Thank you, Mr. Reynolds.”
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Several people were stunned to hear that voice.
Roxanne‘s body instinctively stiffened at once.
She knew Lucian too well. By listening to his voice alone, she could imagine his frosty expression
at that moment.
Moreover, Roxanne did not know how to face the man behind her due to recent events.
However, Lucian had already walked in front of them.
Hugo noticed Lucian‘s keen gaze on Roxanne. His expression changed immediately. “Mr. Farwell…?”
He did not know that Lucian had another woman apart from Aubree.
Nevertheless, suspicion began to creep into Hugo‘s mind when he saw Lucian‘s attitude toward Roxanne.
Lucian‘s expression turned cold when he recalled the scene of Roxanne clinking her glass with Hugo earlier. “Mr. Reynolds, you should be careful when flirting with women. You shouldn‘t approach those who already have children.”
As he spoke, Lucian threw Roxanne a meaningful glance.
A look of surprise flashed in Hugo‘s eyes as he heard the sarcastic remark.
Roxanne has children already? I didn‘t see that coming at all.
Roxanne did not expect Lucian to suddenly bring up the matter in front of a stranger and still used it to provoke her. Her expression darkened like a storm. “Yes, I do have two children. However, it doesn‘t affect my life nor what kind of people I make friends with. Mr. Farwell, you don‘t have to worry about me.”
The surrounding temperature seemed to drop as Lucian turned his gaze to Hugo and his friends. Pursing his lips, he asked, “Are you sure you want to talk about this matter here?”
They were very close to the dance floor. With their outstanding looks, they began to attract the crowd‘s attention.
Noticing the curious glances from the onlookers, Roxanne clenched her fists to suppress her rising anger. Supporting Madilyn, she turned on her heel and strode out of the bar.
Hugo subconsciously wanted to follow Roxanne. Nevertheless, he stopped in his tracks upon seeing that Lucian was walking closely behind her.
As the cold breeze blew against Roxanne, she began to sober up by the time she walked to the entrance of the bar.
When Roxanne was about to hail a taxi by the roadside, she heard clear footsteps from behind
her. It was immediately followed by Lucian‘s commanding tone. “Let me take you girls home.”
Without looking back, Roxanne turned down his offer. “Mr. Farwell, you don‘t have to do that. We can go home by taxi.”
Lucian‘s brows creased as he went straight for her jugular. “How long do you think you‘ll have to wait for a taxi in a place like this? Or are you willing to make Archie and Benny wait for your return?”
Hearing that, Roxanne froze.
Roxanne did not have time to explain to Lysa when she left the house earlier. Moreover, she did not know what Madilyn had said to them. Could Archie and Benny be waiting for me right now?
The stalemate lasted for a while as there was not a single vacant taxi on the road. Instead, Madilyn had fallen asleep.
A car slowly stopped in front of Roxanne. The passenger seat‘s window wound down to reveal Lucian‘s stern side profile. “Get in.” |
Roxanne furrowed her brows at his order.
However, Madilyn, who was standing beside her, shuddered in cold. Upon waking up, she saw a car in front of her and mistook it for a taxi. Without thinking, she opened the car door and settled inside.
Madilyn‘s behavior made Roxanne stiffen in shock. The latter leaned over to ask Madilyn to get out of the car. Nevertheless, Roxanne saw that her best friend had already dozed off.
After contemplating for a while, Roxanne followed suit. Looking at Lucian in front of her, she said faintly, “Thank you, Mr. Farwell. I guess I owe you a favor now.”
Lucian frowned without replying to her. He instructed the driver to send them to Roxanne‘s residence in a deep voice.
Soon, the car moved slowly and began to drive toward the destination.
Throughout the ride, the car was dead silent apart from the occasional sounds of Madilyn s mumbling.
The atmosphere inside the car was heavy.
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When they arrived at the mansion, Lucian suddenly spoke up when Roxanne was about to help Madilyn get out of the car.
“If you‘re worried about your children, why would you go to a place like that?”
Roxanne could see Lucian‘s frosty expression through the rearview mirror.
Pausing for a moment, she replied, “Mr. Farwell, you made the bar sound like some kind of shady place. Weren‘t you there too?”
“Unlike you, I was there for business. Ms. Jarvis, you sure have many men accompanying you earlier,” Lucian retorted.
Roxanne could not help frowning at his jibe. At that moment, she also recalled the words Lucian had said to her at the bar.
“Ms. Jarvis, since you already have two children, I advise you to clean up your act. Even if you don‘t care about your reputation, think about your boys. I wonder what will they think if they knew their mother has been frequenting that kind of place while chatting up some random guys,” . Lucian added slyly.
It was not the first time they had discussed such topic.
Roxanne did not know if it was because of the wine, but she could not suppress her anger at that moment. “Mr. Farwell, don‘t you think you‘re being nosy by meddling in my private life? So what
if I‘ve two children? I‘m single right now. What‘s wrong with me having a drink or two with another man? We‘re all adults here,” she retorted.
* Was
Lucian‘s frown deepened when he sensed that Roxanne was on the verge of losing her temper. He wanted to retort but ended up saying nothing.
Despite having two children, I can‘t argue the fact that Roxanne is a single woman right now. Given our current relationship, I‘m not in a position to interfere with her private life either. Still, I get p*ssed seeing her with another man,
After staying silent for a few seconds, Lucian uttered, “Are you planning to find a father for Archie and Benny in a place like that? Do you think you can find a reliable man there?”
Roxanne let out a chuckle. “I‘ll only know if the man is reliable once we get to know each other. Of course, I can‘t find out if the man is reliable if you keep interrupting us like what you did earlier. Mr. Farwell, if you‘re so worried, why don‘t you introduce someone to me?”
“Roxanne!” A flash of anger passed through Lucian‘s eyes.
Roxanne averted her gaze in disappointment. “Mr. Farwell, since you don‘t plan to do that, you should mind your own business from now on.”
OI
With that, she opened the car door and helped Madilyn out of the car.
Through the rearview mirror, Lucian saw that Roxanne was struggling to walk while supporting
Madilyn. Frowning, he got out of the car and wanted to give Roxanne a hand.
Sensing Lucian‘s intention, Roxanne immediately turned sideways to avoid him. Looking at the man, who was standing close to her, she said indifferently, “Mr. Farwell, you‘re right to say that people should be careful while choosing a partner. I‘m not interested in a married man. Since you already have a fiancée, you should keep your distance from me.”
Lucian‘s expression changed when he heard her remarks.
Roxanne continued coldly, “Mr. Farwell, if Ms. Pearson and Estella misunderstand the situation, it might ruin the happy life in your family. I don‘t know how to make amends for that.”
According to Aubree, Roxanne was the homewrecker six years ago. Hence, she did not want to come between them again.
Lucian‘s expression darkened like a raging storm when he saw her indifferent attitude. The atmosphere around him was filled with tension.
Nevertheless, Roxanne helped Madilyn inside as though she did not see his expression.
Leaving The Country After Divorce Chapter 215
Roxanne did not know how to face Estella due to her unpleasant encounters with Lucian. She would even avoid talking about Estella whenever Archie and Benny brought her up. It did not take long for the two sensitive boys to notice Roxanne‘s strange attitude toward Estella. Even though they were not avoiding Estella in school, their attitude toward the latter had become colder.
Estella hardly spoke since she had just learned to talk. She would only speak a few words when others brought up a topic that she was interested in. Estella‘s condition gradually returned to its original state when Archie and Benny did not take the initiative to talk to her. Furthermore, she had not seen Roxanne for a few days. Lucian was the only one who noticed the changes in Estella. A few days ago, Lucian could still hear Estella speak up occasionally after bringing her home. Nevertheless, Estella had been unwilling to talk for the past two days. Lucian was worried that Estella might suffer a relapse. However, the only person who could improve Estella‘s condition had made it clear that she wanted to keep her distance from Lucian. The man felt conflicted whenever he thought of Roxanne. After picking Estella up from school in the evening, Lucian wanted to guide her into speaking by following James‘ method. “Essie, how are you doing in the last two days? Are you in a bad mood?” That kind of one–sided conversation had been going on for several days. Nevertheless, Estella remained silent. Lucian thought it would be the same that day. Surprisingly, the moment he finished speaking, a sweet but pitiful voice sounded in the car. Pouting, Estella said dejectedly, “I didn‘t see…” “What didn‘t you see?” Lucian probed, feeling confused.
Estella mumbled, “Ms. Jarvis.” Then, she carefully counted on her fingers before stretching out four fingers. “Four days.” I haven‘t seen Ms. Jarvis for four days. It was Ms. Lane who picked up Archie and Benny every day. Even though Ms. Lane was also kind to me, I still miss Ms. Jarvis dearly. Waves of emotions surged within Lucian, knowing fully well that Estella could not see Roxanne because the latter was avoiding him on purpose. Nevertheless, he did not know how to explain the situation to Estella. Lucian had not seen Roxanne since their argument when he sent her home from the bar that night. As Roxanne said, the two of us are merely strangers right now. As that thought occurred to him, Lucian felt an inexplicable sense of displeasure deep down. After a while, he slowly broke out of his reverie.
Seeing how sullen Estella was next to him, Lucian suddenly felt that something was amiss. Wait. Didn‘t she talk with me just now? Realizing that, Lucian knitted his brows in amazement. As if nothing had happened, he tried to get Estella to talk again. “Essie, what did you just say? I didn‘t hear it earlier. Can you repeat it for me?” Estella simply kept her head low, revealing the round back of her head and her puffed cheeks. She turned a blind ear to his question. Despite the lack of response, Lucian patiently patted Estella‘s head before trying to guide her again. “You said Ms. Jarvis didn‘t pick up the boys from school.
Then, who was the one who fetched them these last two days?” As soon as he mentioned Roxanne, Estella slowly raised her head to look at him. Lucian‘s heart raced. He was expecting Estella to finally reply to him. Much to his surprise, Estella merely glanced at him before shaking her head silently. Then, she lowered her head again as if she refused to communicate with him.
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Lucian furrowed his brows. He could not help thinking of Roxanne.
How did she manage to make Essie speak gradually?
He was at his wit‘s end while facing the same problem.
Noticing that Estella only seemed to respond to the mention of Roxanne‘s name, Lucian inquired again, “Essie, did you want to see Ms. Jarvis that much?”
Estella nodded vigorously and gazed at Lucian expectantly. She seemed to think that he had a way to let her meet Roxanne.
When Lucian saw Estella‘s hopeful expression, his gaze darkened slightly. He silently averted his gaze. “She likes you very much, Essie. Maybe she‘s been busy with work lately. Hence, she didn‘t have time to pick up the boys. Don‘t worry.”
Not receiving the answer she had hoped for, Estella cast her eyes downward dejectedly. She nodded weakly in response.
No matter what Lucian said, Estella only responded by either nodding or shaking her head. She also fumbled around her bag for a notebook, intending to write down her reply for him.
Only the mention of Roxanne could evoke a more noticeable reaction from Estella.
The more Lucian tried to persuade her into talking, the more helpless he felt.
A while later, Lucian could not hold himself back from asking Estella. “Can you tell me why you‘re willing to talk at Ms. Jarvis‘ house? How did she teach you to speak up?”
That question could not be answered with a nod nor a shake of the head. Estella frowned, feeling troubled.
Estella became even more distraught at the thought of her time at Roxanne‘s house.
I want to stay with Ms. Jarvis a little longer.
Taking out a pen and paper, Lucian handed the items to Estella. “If you don‘t want to talk, you can write it down for me.”
Lucian did not want to let Estella stay silent for long. With his current relationship with Roxanne, he could not send Estella to her. Therefore, he wanted to see if he could learn from Roxanne‘s method.
Accepting the pen and paper, Estella wrote slowly: Archie and Benny will ignore me if I don‘t speak up.
A surprised look flashed across Lucian‘s face when he read Estella‘s reply.
So, the two boys are the reasons why Essie started speaking?
At first, Lucian thought that Estella would only relax when she was around Roxanne due to her
affection for the woman. Therefore, Estella slowly began to talk.
However, he never expected that Archie and Benny would play such big roles in improving Estella‘s condition.
Arching his brows, Lucian asked, “Do you like Archie and Benny very much?”
Estella nodded firmly in response.
Archie and Benny have been nice to me ever since our first meeting. They also protected me in kindergarten. With the two of them around, the other kids didn‘t dare to bully me anymore. I feel like a princess of kindergarten now!
Estella‘s eyes gleamed whenever Lucian mentioned the two boys.
He felt conflicted upon seeing Estella‘s hopeful expression.
Still, it‘s easier to let Estella interact more with Archie and Benny than to send her to recover at Roranne‘s house.
Thinking of that, Lucian felt relieved. “Since you like Archie and Benny so much, you can ask Catalina to prepare more snacks before going to school in the future. Then, you can share with the boys,” he suggested.
Estella tilted her head, unable to comprehend Lucian‘s words for a moment.
Stroking Estella‘s head, Lucian added, “You should be nice to Archie and Benny and play more with them since they have been treating you so kindly.”
Thinking of how kind the boys had been toward her all this while, Estella quickly nodded in response.
I have to treat Archie and Benny better so that they will play with me.
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The following day when Roxanne woke up, she realized it was almost half past seven
Immediately, she got out of bed and washed up. Without having time to eat breakfast, she hurriedly brought the kids to the kindergarten.
As Lysa was only in charge of picking the kids up, it was Roxanne‘s job to send them to the kindergarten on the way to work.
In order to avoid Lucian, Roxanne had been leaving the house very early in the past few days.
However, she could not wake up that day because she had worked late the night before.
Thus, Roxanne spent her whole journey praying she could avoid seeing Lucian.
However, things did not go her way. When she got out of the car, a Bentley with a familiar–looking number plate stopped behind her car.
A moment later, Lucian brought Estella out of the car.
Roxanne could not help but quicken her pace, wanting to send the kids inside the kindergarten as soon as possible and leave unnoticed.
“Good morning, Ms. Jarvis!” Pippa greeted her warmly.
Upon hearing that, Roxanne‘s heart sank as she stopped in her tracks.
Meanwhile, Lucian had already recognized the Mercedes–Benz in front of him when he got out of the car. When he looked over, he saw the figure of a woman leading two kids away.
It was obvious that the three were in a hurry. Thus, one would not believe it if Roxanne argued that she was not trying to avoid Lucian.
While standing hand in hand with her father, Estella‘s eyes drooped as she stared at the ground. It looks like I won‘t be seeing Ms. Jarvis today either.
Thus, when she heard the teacher‘s words, her eyes lit up as she immediately looked toward the kindergarten entrance.
“Ms. Jarvis!” Lucian had come up with all sorts of ways to make talk that day, yet all it took was one look at Roxanne for Estella to yelp excitedly.
Furrowing his eyebrows mysteriously, Lucian loosened his grip on Estella‘s hand and
allowed her to run over to Roxanne.
Roxanne had stiffened upon hearing Estella‘s voice and turned around a moment later.
Tilting her head to look up at Roxanne, Estella hugged onto her thigh, her eyes filled with excitement.
“You‘re here, Essie.” Roxanne‘s heart softened when she saw Estella‘s face. Then, Roxanna squatted down to pat the little girl‘s head.
Estella nodded with a smile before slowly asking, “Ms. Jarvis, why didn‘t you pick Archie and Benny up from the kindergarten?” After saying that, she put up four fingers and added coquettishly, “Four days. I miss you a lot.”
Upon hearing that, Roxanne‘s gaze softened as she struggled for an answer.
Although Roxanne knew Estella would be anxious if she did not see her, she also needed to avoid Lucian. Thus, Roxanne had no choice but to do so.
When Roxanne saw how upset Estella was, she felt guilty. After staying silent for a moment, she forced an excuse. “I miss you too. I‘ve been busy with work lately, so I don‘t have the time to pick them up from kindergarten. Don‘t worry. You‘ll soon see me every day after I finish my work.” After saying that, she averted her gaze in guilt.
However, Estella had taken her word seriously and nodded obediently. “I‘ll wait for you!”
Roxanne forced a smile. “Good girl. You‘re going to be late, so you should head inside with Archie and Benny.” After saying that, she could not help but advise her two children, “Remember to take good care of her.”
Archie and Benny were confused after seeing their mother‘s attitude toward Estella. Thus, they hesitated for a moment before nodding obediently.
After seeing them entering the kindergarten, Roxanne stood up and nodded at Lucian, who was behind her, as a greeting. Then, she turned around and was about to leave.
However, a large hand grabbed her wrist after she had just taken two steps.
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“Mr. Farwell, is there anything I can help you with?” Roxanne halted in her tracks and turned around to look at Lucian as if he was just a stranger.
Upon meeting her gaze, Lucian furrowed his eyebrows.
The attitude Roxanne had now was as distant as the time when they first got divorced. It was the same attitude that had caused Lucian to perform unexpected acts.
Back then, Lucian thought Roxanne would really disappear from his life if he did not attract her attention.
As Lucian did not answer, Roxanne tugged her wrist back with a frown. “If there‘s nothing much, please let go of me. I still need to go to work.”
Both their outstanding looks quickly garnered attention. After all, not only were they attractive, but the parents of the kindergarten were not ordinary people. Thus, most of them knew who Lucian was.
Many of them had already turned around to look in their direction.
Roxanne feared it would be too scandalous if they continued to be seen with each other for another second longer.
If that happened, she would soon be facing a lot of trouble.
Lucian finally snapped to his senses when he noticed her struggle. While loosening the grip on her hands, he spoke with a complicated expression. “After talking with Estella yesterday, I realized that her speedy recovery was mostly because of your efforts. Thus, it‘s only right for me to show you my appreciation.”
Not only was that an excuse to ask Roxanne to stay behind, but it was also something he meant from the bottom of his heart after his experience the day before.
At first, Lucian thought Roxanne was just someone to cheer Estella up by staying by her side. Thus, he did not expect Roxanne to bring such a significant impact on Estella.
It must have taken Roxanne a great deal of effort to make Estella talk again.
Upon hearing that, Roxanne replied blandly, “That‘s all right. You have helped me quite a lot recently. Besides, I‘ve told you that we don‘t owe each other anything, so there‘s no need for that.”
After saying that, Roxanne nodded before making her way past him and into the car.
“Perhaps, you can see the gesture as I‘m trying to get on your good side,” Lucian started lowly.
Roxanne halted her steps, unsure what he was trying to say.
Looking at the woman standing beside her, Lucian pursed his lips indifferently. “If I remember correctly, you once said that the children are innocent and should not get involved in our matters. However, does this only apply to Archie and Benny?”
Upon hearing that, Roxanne turned around and met his gaze. “What do you mean?”
Lucian raised an eyebrow. “You know that Essie likes you and would feel sad if she doesn‘t see you. However, you refused to meet her multiple times, knowing that this might cause her condition to worsen. Isn‘t Essie innocent in this matter? I don‘t mind if it‘s me you want to avoid, but there‘s no need to do the same thing on her as well.”
Roxanne was promptly taken aback when she heard that.
.
Although she had considered if Estella would feel upset for not seeing her, Roxanne dismissed the thought as she had never seen herself as someone important. Besides, Lucian would definitely take good care of Estella.
Besides, Lucian would pick up and drop off Estella every day. If Roxanne did not deliberately avoid them, there was a high chance she would bump into them.
“Essie has been sad that she didn‘t get to see you. However, as her father, I admit I‘m not on the best terms with you. Thus, what I can do is treat you to a meal to thank you for taking care of Essie, and also take this opportunity to ask you to spend more time with her.” Lucian‘s tone was polite yet distant, leaving no room for argument.
Although Roxanne did feel guilty toward Estella, she furrowed her eyebrows upon hearing Lucian‘s ending statement. “Perhaps you‘re too used to doing business, but let me tell you that not all matters can be solved with a meal or two. I‘ll head to work now if you have nothing else to say.”
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A faint scowl appeared on Lucian‘s face. Just when he wanted to speak, the sound of a ringtone interrupted the awkward atmosphere between them.
Roxanne averted her gaze apathetically and took out her phone from her bag. When she glanced at the caller ID, she saw that it was Larry calling.
At that, she secretly sighed with relief. Larry‘s phone call came to my rescue!
After nodding toward Lucian, Roxanne picked up the phone and walked to her car.
This time, Lucian did not try to stop her.
Walking past Lucian, Roxanne could feel herself easing up.
Meanwhile, Lucian recalled the caller ID on Roxanne‘s phone while staring at her retreating figure. If I remember correctly, that man even had a meal privately with Roxanne. They seemed to have had a good time, too. Hmm, I didn’t expect them to be so close.
At that realization, Lucian‘s expression abruptly darkened.
“Larry, is something the matter?”
After Roxanne picked up the phone, they exchanged pleasantries until she got into the car. Then, she took the initiative to ask about Larry‘s reason for calling.
At the other end of the line, Larry replied with a chortle, “Why are you acting so distant toward me? Can‘t I call you even if there‘s nothing much?”
Without Lucian by her side, Roxanne had loosened up quite a bit. Smilingly, she answered, “Of course, you can. However, I‘m sure most people wouldn‘t call this early in the morning just to chat.”
It was not like Larry did not know about her schedule. After all, Roxanne would usually be sending the kids off to kindergarten or on the way to work at that hour. Thus, there was no way Larry would suddenly call without reason.
Upon hearing that, Larry stopped the small talk and changed the topic. “I called to arrange a time to meet as I have something to give you. What time are you free? Is this afternoon okay?”
After pondering for a moment, Roxanne answered, “I’m fine to meet up during lunch hour. Are you alright to meet near my research institute?”
Larry promptly agreed.
After hanging up the call, Roxanne was confused about what Larry had said during the call. I wonder what he wants to give me. He‘s acting so secretive too.
It was afternoon when Roxanne wrapped up her work and walked out of the research facility. When she saw the GPS location sent by Larry, she saw he had picked a Chanaean restaurant near her research institute.
After packing up her things, she quickly headed over.
By the time she arrived, Larry was already there waiting for her.
Roxanne sat at the seat opposite of him. “My apologies. You must have been waiting for a long time.”
Larry smiled nonchalantly. “I‘m used to it. Anyway, you must be famished from working the entire morning, so I‘ve already ordered for you. I hope the food suits your tastes.” After saying that, he signaled the waiter to serve the dishes.
After the dishes were served, the duo chatted while eating.
“You mentioned you wanted to give me something during the call. What is it?” As Roxanne was hungry, she immediately dug into her food as soon as it was served. Only after listening to Larry talking for some time did she look up and ask.
Larry took out an invitation card with a grin. “There‘s a medical conference in Bellridge that many experts from the medical field will show up. I thought you might be interested, so I asked them for another invitation.”
Upon hearing that, Roxanne‘s eyes lit up. After all, if even Larry regarded them as experts, the people attending must be at least on the same par as her professor, Harvey Lambert.
As such, she would beg to have an opportunity to discuss medical knowledge with them.
Leaving The Country After Divorce Chapter 220
Roxanne put down her fork at the thought of being able to receive some guidance from those prominent figures. After taking the invitation card, she expressed her gratitude. “Larry, thanks for being so thoughtful. I truly look forward to it!”
Her current image resembled a child who had received candy.
Larry‘s eyes sparkled with happiness as he found it rare to see her being that eager. “You’re welcome. Previously, you left in a hurry after performing surgery on one of the elders in my family. Thus, I wasn‘t able to thank you properly. Every day, my elders will nag me to treat you to a meal as they felt very bad about it. Therefore, you can treat this as a token of gratitude.”
Roxanne was filled with anticipation about attending the medical conference. When she heard his comment, she nonchalantly smiled at him. “I was in a hurry to pick up my kids. Besides, I just did what‘s within my capabilities.”
After that, she queried in concern, “By the way, how is that elderly faring? I didn‘t have the chance to conduct another body check–up after the operation that day.”
Larry replied, “He got transferred to the general ward after the surgery the day after. All he needs now is to recuperate. It‘s all thanks to you.”
Not daring to take any credit, Roxanne merely smiled and changed the topic. “You‘re the one getting invited to this medical conference. Are you sure it will be fine if I tag along?”
Larry could be said to have achieved some accomplishments in the medical field. Coupled with his family background, those medical experts thought highly of him. Many people had even expressed their admiration for him publicly.
As for herself, she was a nobody whose name might be unheard of by those experts.
Roxanne was worried that her appearance would lower the standards of the conference.
Larry couldn‘t help but feel amused after realizing the meaning behind her words. “You had studied under Professor Lambert for so many years. Do you still see yourself as that same nobody in the past who just went overseas? Those experts might not have heard of your real name before, but they had long heard of your other alias–Janet.”
A flash of joy passed through Roxanne‘s eyes.
Following that, the woman rubbed her nose as she giggled.
She was so accustomed to being humble that she almost forgot that Janet, the other name she used, had some reputation internationally.
“In that case. I‘ll accept your offer.” Roxanne chuckled as she put the invitation card inside her handbag
Larry nodded. “It‘s supposed to be yours.”
“I saw on the invitation card that the conference will take place tomorrow afternoon. What time should we set off?” Roxanne asked.
Seeing how thrilled she was, the joy in Larry‘s eyes intensified. “Tomorrow morning. Both of us can get some rest upon reaching. We will be able to make it on time before the conference begins. Also, there will still be time for us to chat with the pioneers in the medical field.”
After learning that she would have an opportunity to meet with the prominent figures in private, Roxanne‘s interest got piqued even further. She agreed without hesitation, “Okay. I‘ll get the flight tickets.”
Larry didn‘t decline her suggestion over such a trivial matter and agreed with a smile.
It was about time. However, the person opposite him was still in a state of excitement. Hence, Larry tapped on the table helplessly. “You should eat more. I notice that you didn‘t eat much just now.”
Only then did Roxanne gradually pull back her thoughts. After glancing at the time, the woman casually took a couple more bites before she got up to leave. “There‘s still work for me to do in the afternoon, so I‘ll return to the research institute first. I‘ll notify you after getting the plane tickets.”
Larry promptly agreed.
Roxanne initially had mixed feelings after bumping into Lucian earlier that morning.
However, those negative emotions diminished during lunch after she learned that she could partake in the conference.
Despite spending the entire afternoon working, the smile on Roxanne‘s face didn‘t vanish even once.