Chapter 1295

Meanwhile, in Lucian's car, Roxanne couldn't help but glance at him through the rearview mirror. Six years ago, she wouldn't have missed a chance to spend time with him. She would have stared intently, hoping for a glance in return. It never happened. Now, she could stare whenever she liked. She'd assumed her feelings for Lucian had faded over time. Never had she imagined she'd still be so deeply and wildly in love with him.

"How was it? Are you satisfied?" Lucian suddenly turned to look at her.

Roxanne stiffened. "Not bad," she blurted.

Lucian chuckled. Roxanne belatedly regained her composure, her cheeks flushing crimson. He didn't press her. Sensing her anxiety, he changed the subject. "Thanks to you and the boys, Essie is doing so much better now."

Roxanne relaxed at the mention of Estella. Her eyes softened. "I didn't do anything. Essie is shy; we should simply befriend her. I'm grateful she's opening up to me." There was nothing more moving than a young girl's trust.

They chatted about Estella's progress. Roxanne's gaze drifted to the passing scenery. The unfamiliar surroundings startled her. Glancing at her watch, she realized they were long overdue at the research institute.

"Are you sure you're going the right way?" she asked, her voice laced with concern. "This isn't the route to the institute."

Lucian didn't turn back. "Didn't you agree to go somewhere with me?" he asked calmly.

Roxanne remembered his earlier mention of a fare. Furrowing her brows, she protested, "You didn't say we were going now." She'd planned to return to the institute.

Knowing her thoughts, Lucian drawled, "You haven't been to the institute in a while, yet it's functioning efficiently, isn't it? That proves it can operate smoothly without you. You needn't feel obligated to return today."

Roxanne couldn't argue. The institute thrived despite her and Colby's absence. Researchers simply followed their plans; nothing unexpected usually occurred.

She sighed inwardly. "Where are we going?"

"Since your return, you've been busy with work and the boys. You can't be stressed all the time. I'll take you somewhere to unwind."

Roxanne instinctively wanted to deny feeling stressed, but Lucian seemed to anticipate this. "I've been busy with Farwell Group, and investigating Colby's background. It's exhausting; I'd like a break."

Roxanne swallowed her retort. If he'd only expressed concern for her, she would have considered the trip unnecessary. But his inclusion of himself, his hint at the ongoing investigation, left her feeling guilty. She felt responsible to relax with him.