Chapter 1353

Lucian narrowed his eyes, scanning the restaurant's interior. The others, witnessing his search for the man, guiltily averted their gazes. The man himself, terrified, barely dared to breathe. In truth, he harbored no ill will; his curiosity, piqued by online discussions, had led him to investigate their relationship. Seeing Roxanne with two sons of unknown origin, he'd assumed Lucian held a grudge. To his surprise, Lucian seemed genuinely in love with Roxanne, who, unlike the rumors suggested, appeared anything but calculating.

Lucian, a sudden thought striking him, warned the man, "I don't care what you think, but keep your eyes to yourself and don't interrupt our meal." He then instructed the waiter to move them to a private room.

"What happened?" Roxanne asked, unease evident.

Lucian offered a reassuring smile. "Nothing. Carry on with your meal. I need to make a call." He left the room and called Cayden.

The call connected instantly. "Mr. Farwell." Lucian's expression was stern, his aura gloomy. "How's the public opinion online?"

Cayden sounded guilty. "It's one-sided and not in Mrs. Farwell's favor. I've assigned someone to handle it and trace the source." The situation had stabilized earlier, but negative comments had inexplicably resurfaced. Cayden, panicking, hadn't dared call Lucian, knowing he was with Roxanne. He hadn't expected Lucian to call him.

Lucian's expression darkened. "How long has this been going on? Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

Cayden remained silent, head bowed.

Meanwhile, Roxanne received a call from Linda in the private room. Linda, recently returned from abroad at Roxanne's request following Colby's incident, had been assisting with the research institute. Assuming the call pertained to the institute, Roxanne answered.

"Dr. Jarvis, have you offended anyone?" Linda asked.

Roxanne was puzzled. "Did something happen?"

Linda briefly recounted the online discussions. "I think they're targeting you. Someone's slandering you."

Roxanne's eyes dimmed, realizing who was likely behind it: Aubree. Only Aubree would call her a homewrecker.

Linda continued, "I initially hesitated to intervene, but this is affecting the institute's reputation. Collaborators are requesting contract cancellations, fearing the impact on their own reputations."

Roxanne's heart sank. "I understand. This stems from my personal affairs. Negotiate the cancellations. I'll handle my end."

Linda agreed.