Chapter 1292

"Did I say anything wrong? I'm more than happy to pick up Archie and Benny and look after them if you can't," Lucian replied in a matter-of-fact tone. "Do you not want my help?"

He eyed Roxanne from head to toe. "If you don't want me to, I can have Cayden—"

Roxanne, aware of his persistence, quickly interrupted. "All right, I'll pick up Essie if you're too busy."

Satisfied, Lucian nodded slowly.

Looking at her watch, Roxanne said, "Anyway, I need to get to work now. See you later."

She worried about the research institute, leaderless for two days.

As Roxanne was about to leave, Lucian called out, a displeased frown creasing his face. "That's it? You're just going to leave like that?"

She paused, letting out a helpless sigh. Lucian seemed completely changed since she'd agreed to let him court her. For some reason, she couldn't bring herself to refuse him.

Turning, she asked, "What else do you want me to do?"

Before she knew it, Lucian had kissed her quickly.

"That's more like it," he murmured, gently rubbing her lips. A mysterious look filled his eyes. "Go on, then."

It took Roxanne several seconds to regain her composure. Her face burned crimson, realizing he'd kissed her in front of a kindergarten.

"You..." she began, intending to scold him, but stopped, unwilling to encourage a repeat.

"What is it?" Lucian asked, confused.

"Please mind your behavior!" Roxanne snapped, storming off.

Though few people were nearby, Roxanne refused to linger, fearing someone had seen.

Lucian followed as they reached their cars. Roxanne started her car, intending to drive to the institute, but the engine died seconds later.

Frowning, she tried again, to no avail. She gave up and decided to hail a cab.

Seeing her exit the car, Lucian followed. "What's wrong? I thought you were going to the institute?"

"My car broke down," Roxanne replied, frustrated. "It's been acting up ever since it crashed into a tree the other day. I'll take a cab. You can head to your office."

As she was about to hail a cab, Lucian said, "Let me take a look. It might be something I can fix."

Relieved, Roxanne returned to her car with him. Unfortunately, even after a thorough inspection, Lucian found nothing wrong. "I think you need a mechanic."

"All right. I'll take a cab. Thanks for trying," she said.