Chapter 1235

Lucian remained at the research institute all afternoon. Leaving the building in the evening, he glanced at the time. A brief hesitation crossed his eyes before he called Cayden, asking him to retrieve the medicine in his possession for examination. Then he drove to Roxanne's.

Meanwhile, the children played at home while Roxanne absentmindedly prepared dinner. She felt regret at Lucian's departure; he was investigating a matter concerning her, and she wanted to be involved—the very reason she'd left the hospital. However, the children wouldn't let her leave, and she hadn't received a single text or call from Lucian all afternoon, leaving her unsure of his progress.

Just as Roxanne's thoughts drifted, she heard the children's voices in the living room. They'd answered the doorbell and gleefully greeted, "Mr. Fairwell!" Despite his foul mood, Lucian smiled slightly at their bright eyes. Looking up from the children, he noticed Roxanne's absence. "Where's your mommy?" he asked. They pointed to the kitchen.

As Lucian started toward the kitchen, Benny tugged at his shirt, gesturing for him to bend down. Lucian complied, and Benny whispered, "Mommy's been absentminded all afternoon, thinking about something." Lucian smiled, patted the boy's head, thanked him, and entered the kitchen. He knew why Roxanne was distracted—undoubtedly curious about his investigation. He'd arrived just in time.

Roxanne, snapping back to reality, turned to investigate the commotion in the living room and saw him at the kitchen entrance. Their eyes met, and she blushed, remembering his words from earlier.

"Why are you here?" she asked, feeling awkward at his second visit that day.

He replied calmly, "I'm here to see Essie and tell you what I discovered this afternoon."

Ignoring her awkwardness, she asked, "How did the investigation go?"

Watching Roxanne's concern, Lucian's mood improved, and a teasing urge surfaced. "I'm hungry," he said, raising an eyebrow and looking at her dinner.

She was momentarily stunned, then hesitant. While I want our relationship to develop naturally, this might be progressing too quickly...

"All I've eaten since yesterday afternoon is a sandwich. I haven't the energy to talk much," Lucian's voice rang out.

Feeling apologetic and eager to hear his report, Roxanne agreed. "I'm preparing dinner. If you don't mind, you can stay and eat with us. We can talk afterward."