Chapter 143: Picking Up the Children

After watching Roxanne drive away, Jonathan returned to the mansion. Frieda, scowling over her coffee on the couch, gave him a side-eye before looking away.

Jonathan's expression darkened. "Why are you behaving like this? What has Dr. Jarvis done to make you so hostile? Don't forget she saved Grandpa!"

Frieda retorted, "Saved him? It's not like we didn't offer her anything. We're all getting what we need."

With displeasure, she continued, "Jonathan, why are you defending her? Has she tricked you, too? Instead of asking how she's offended me, you should ask if she's gotten into your head."

Jonathan glared. "Stop the nonsense. Whatever's happening between Dr. Jarvis and Lucian is their business. We have no right to question her. Don't bring it up again!"

Noticing Jonathan's anger, Frieda remained silent, despite her indignation.

Although Roxanne didn't take Frieda's words seriously, they still affected her. She felt disheartened when she returned to the research institute. After completing her rounds and finding little to do, she decided to go home and rest, to collect her thoughts.

Just as she was about to leave, someone knocked. Opening the door, she saw a reputable professor.

"Dr. Jarvis, thank goodness you're still here! We've encountered a problem with our formulation. We've been trying all morning, but can't figure it out. Can you take a look?"

With a solemn expression, Roxanne donned her lab coat and followed him to the lab. The problem was serious, related to an important project, so she immediately began working.

Before she knew it, evening arrived, and she'd forgotten about the children at school.

"Dr. Jarvis, your phone is ringing," someone whispered.

Startled, Roxanne retrieved her phone. Seeing the caller ID, she frowned. Since taking care of Estella, she'd removed Lucian's number from her blacklist. Why is he calling at this hour?

"What is it?" she asked hesitantly.

Lucian glanced at the clock. "Where are you?" he asked in a deep voice.

"I'm at the institute. We're working on a problem. What's wrong?"

Lucian frowned. "The kindergarten called. They couldn't reach you. No one's picked up the children. Since you're busy, I'll get them."

Only then did Roxanne remember the children. The boys were used to her late pickups, but she worried about Estella, who'd recently shown progress. Feeling bad, she said, "I'm sorry. I was engrossed in my work. I'll pick them up."

Lucian, already heading for the elevator with his jacket, said, "It's fine. You should continue working."

Before Roxanne could reply, the call ended.

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