Chapter 1116

Roxanne and the children had just entered the mansion when she saw Jack sitting in the living room. "Ah, you're all home!" Jack greeted them with a smile.

Lysa emerged from the kitchen. "Mr. Damaris came this afternoon. I had him wait in the living room, as he's a friend of yours, Ms. Jarvis."

Roxanne nodded and motioned for Archie and Benny to wash their hands. They refused, however, staring intently at Jack. Benny's eyes were filled with resentment. Jack, aware of the hostility, pretended not to notice.

"What brings you here today, Mr. Damaris?" Roxanne asked, confused.

Jack lifted his chin, gesturing toward a single-seater couch. Roxanne saw a medium-sized basket, its contents unclear. "What is this?" she asked, frowning.

Jack arched an eyebrow. "I told you, didn't I? Our family will grant you access to our ancient medicine books if you become our business partner. My grandfather had me bring these. He thought they might help you, Dr. Jarvis."

Roxanne's eyes lit up. She quickly approached the couch and opened the basket, revealing the ancient medicine books she so desperately needed. "Thank you very much, Mr. Damaris! These are exactly what I needed!"

Jack offered a faint smile. "It's my grandfather you should thank. Of course, you can thank me tomorrow, if you'd like." Noticing her puzzled expression, he continued, "Your research institute is running low on medicinal herbs, right? I just purchased a new batch; they should arrive tomorrow."

Her smile faltered slightly. "You're being far too kind, Mr. Damaris. I don't know how I'll ever repay you."

Before Jack could reply, Benny called from the bathroom, "Mommy! We've run out of soap!" Archie and Benny had overheard the conversation.

Roxanne, though still upset about Essie earlier, had become unexpectedly cheerful upon seeing Jack. This rapid shift in mood, naturally, led Archie and Benny to misinterpret the situation. Benny's interruption stemmed from his distress.

Roxanne, however, didn't fully grasp this at the time. She smiled politely at Jack and excused herself to get the children soap.

Inside the bathroom, she found a brand-new bar of soap. Frozen, she stared at her sons. Benny tugged at her shirt, silently pleading with her to stop talking to Jack.

Roxanne's elation over the books and herbs had blinded her. Only Benny's actions reminded her of their dislike for Jack.

"Mr. Damaris is only here to give me something. He'll be leaving soon. I can't kick him out; that would be rude," she said awkwardly.

Benny tugged harder, shaking his head vehemently. "No!"

Roxanne patted his head, lacking time for further comfort. "Mr. Damaris is waiting. Behave yourselves, okay?" She returned to the living room.