Chapter 1424

It was past nine when Roxanne reached home. Feeling anxious and guilty about leaving the children alone, she hurried into the mansion. Instead of finding an empty house, she was greeted by the lively sounds of children playing.

Roxanne stopped, surprised. At first, she thought Madilyn was there, but Lucian sat on the couch. He turned at her entrance. Their gazes met, and Roxanne's shock deepened. "What are you doing here?" she asked. "Didn't we agree to meet another day?"

The children, sensing her arrival, stopped playing and clustered around her, eager for attention. "Mommy, you came home so late! Daddy's been waiting a long time!" they exclaimed.

Roxanne ruffled their hair, her gaze still fixed on Lucian. He sat calmly, legs crossed, his collar undone. A strange, wonderful feeling warmed her heart at the image of him playing with the children.

He rose and approached, his gaze lingering on her neck. His expression darkened. "Didn't you say your appointment was at noon?"

Roxanne felt inexplicably guilty, though she hadn't done anything wrong. "Mr. Damaris had something important this afternoon, so we had to reschedule," she explained.

Lucian's dissatisfaction was evident. "Is that how the Damaris family does business? Changing appointments at will? Who would collaborate with them if they're so casual?"

Roxanne, unsure how to respond, lightly changed the subject. "Did you all have dinner?"

Benny chimed in, "We did! But I think Mr. Farwell hasn't eaten yet." Linda had prepared dinner before leaving. Lucian had arrived during the children's meal, apparently intending to partake.

Roxanne looked at Lucian for confirmation. He subtly confirmed this with a slight frown. She sighed. "Why didn't you call me earlier?"

She gently ushered the children aside, washed her hands, and began preparing food. Lucian, having learned she and Jack had dined late, had lost his appetite. He almost refused her offer, but seeing her busy in the kitchen for him, he reconsidered.

Roxanne made simple pasta. She herself hadn't eaten much earlier, engrossed in a conversation with Jack. Making food for Lucian, she decided to make some for herself as well. The children, smelling the pasta, eagerly requested some.

The sight of the five of them enjoying pasta at nearly ten o'clock filled her with warmth. Then, she remembered to ask, "Why did you suddenly come over? Is something wrong?"

Lucian looked at her. "I came to see Essie," he replied. Then, he added, "Plus, I said I'd take responsibility. Since you haven't given me an answer, I can only resort to more… persistent measures."