Chapter 1374

“Let’s go for a walk,” Lucian suggested, pocketing his phone.

Roxanne, assuming he disliked the restaurant, readily agreed. After paying, Lucian retrieved her suitcase, and they left.

Strolling along the mountain-lined street, they found the late afternoon temperature pleasant. The sun, though high, was tempered by the abundant shade. Roxanne, despite her haste to reach Jadeborough, felt herself relax.

“Do you like it here?” Lucian asked, his expression softening at her apparent ease.

Roxanne smiled. “When I first went overseas, I accompanied Professor Lambert on many mountain excursions, searching for herbs. Later, lab work kept me confined. I do miss the wilderness.”

Lucian’s eyes clouded with a mixture of emotions. He’d perceived her life as hardship, but she seemed content.

“Don’t you find this place beautiful?” Roxanne asked, her eyes sparkling.

Lucian, momentarily dazed, quickly nodded. The town was scenic, but more importantly, she loved it.

They walked until Roxanne realized the lateness of the hour. Worried, she inquired about the car repairs. “Is it done? If not, we’ll have to spend the night; there’s no hotel.”

Lucian called the workshop. The mechanic sounded distraught. “I’m sorry, but a delivery problem… I’ve urged…”

Lucian interrupted sharply, “I don’t want excuses. When will it be ready?”

“I’m afraid not today,” the mechanic replied, his guilt evident.

Lucian’s brow furrowed, about to lash out, when Roxanne gently tugged his sleeve. “Forget it. Let’s find another ride.”

He understood; she meant to call Jack. He ended the call, his brow still furrowed. Before Roxanne could contact Jack, Lucian said, “I’ll ask Cayden to come. He can drive the car back later.”

Roxanne considered his suggestion. The cities were close, so she agreed. Lucian then called Cayden, who readily accepted.

While waiting for Cayden, Lucian remained glum. Roxanne suggested, “Villagers mentioned a lake nearby. Let’s go see it!”

Lucian visibly relaxed, took her hand, and they walked to the lake.

Meanwhile, back at the workshop, the mechanics were puzzled.

“Didn’t he tell us to take our time? Why was he angry?”

One mechanic chuckled, “He’s courting that lady. It was all an act!” The others understood.