Chapter 1231

A few moments later, Roxanne organized her thoughts and explained, “It’s standard acupuncture procedure. He can’t perform it with my clothes on.”

Lucian’s eyebrows furrowed slightly; dissatisfaction flickered in his eyes. He realized Jack had needed to remove her clothes, but the thought remained unsettling. Her amused reaction to his jealousy was unexpected.

“Regardless,” Lucian concluded stubbornly, “Jack’s behavior is suspicious.”

Roxanne was speechless. While she hesitated to believe Jack’s actions were malicious, she had to admit his behavior was objectively suspicious.

Lucian frowned and said coldly, “I’m investigating this afternoon. Will you join me?”

Roxanne nodded, about to accept, when the children surged into her embrace. Instead of replying, she stared at them, puzzled.

“Mommy!” Benny asked caringly, “Are you going out this afternoon?” The children, having subtly positioned themselves nearby, had overheard the adults' conversation. The prospect of helping Lucian investigate his “love rival” clearly enthused them.

Roxanne smiled. “I may need to visit the research institute. Can you three be alone at home this afternoon?”

Benny immediately shook his head.

Perplexed, she asked, “What’s wrong?”

He took her hand. “You’ve just recovered, Mommy. Even though you’re not in the hospital, you should rest at home for a couple of days.” He glanced at his brother.

Archie added, “We were terrified seeing you like that yesterday! Mommy, please, we don’t want that again!”

Estella nodded vigorously. “You need to rest, Ms. Jarvis. …” Her eyes reddened as she remembered Roxanne’s comatose state. “I don’t want you to get sick again, Ms. Jarvis!”

Roxanne’s heart ached at their anxious faces.

Lucian spoke up, “Since they’re worried, you should rest. My goal isn’t to prove Jack did anything; I simply want to find whoever hurt you. You can relax.”

His words, spoken in front of the children, caused her to blush. She glanced at them to gauge their reaction, but thoughtfully, they pretended not to hear.

Relieved, Roxanne thought, In that case… “I’ll tell Dr. Galloway to grant you access to the research institute this afternoon.”

Lucian nodded. Since it was noon, she invited him to lunch. Afterward, he departed.

Estella looked at her father hopefully. “Can I stay, Daddy?”

He saw her clinging tightly to Roxanne’s shirt, clearly unwilling to be separated so soon after yesterday's events. He frowned. “Ask Ms. Jarvis. If she’s willing, you can.”