Chapter 1519

Roxanne glanced at the children. They instantly understood and secretly eyed the food Lucian had prepared.

“It’s fine,” she said. “I think you all did quite well. There’s a well-balanced amount of vegetables and meat, especially the chicken salad. I’ve been craving something crisp and refreshing for days!”

Roxanne picked up her fork, tasted the chicken salad, and scrunched her eyebrows at the sourness. Lucian noticed, tasted it himself, frowned, and admitted, “I put too much vinegar.” He reached for the car keys, but Roxanne stopped him, grabbing his arm.

“No, it’s fine,” she said. “I’ve been wanting something sour for days. It tastes just right to me.” She playfully asked the children, “Did you guys make this? My babies are so precious! You even guessed my cravings.”

The children, amused, stifled their laughter. “It was Daddy!” they chorused.

Roxanne feigned surprise, looking at Lucian. He saw through their act. Displeased, he said, “Didn’t I tell you not to force yourselves? If it’s not good, it’s not good.”

Roxanne dropped the pretense. “Although it’s not delicious, it’s not bad either,” she said. “Besides, it’s the thought that counts. The food will taste delicious regardless. If I made all this and sent it to you, wouldn’t you eat it?”

Her words silenced him. She placed a fork in his hand, then served the children.

“Mm! Benny, your food is too salty!” “Essie’s is too spicy!”

Benny and Estella sampled the dishes, then declared, “Archie’s food is the best! Daddy’s chicken salad too!”

Lucian’s chicken salad had been deemed edible. Roxanne smiled, watching their playful argument. Lucian, accepting the situation, placed some stir-fried potatoes on Roxanne’s plate. Archie hadn’t eaten much, yet half the potatoes were gone. The children, seeing their father’s favoritism, silently ate the sour chicken salad.

Roxanne found Lucian’s bullying of his children amusing.

“Just eat some today,” Lucian said in a deep voice. “I’ll do my best to improve next time.”

Roxanne, though not considering the meal a waste, smiled and nodded.

Lunch finished, it was almost time for her return to the research institute. She stayed a little longer, but ultimately had to leave to continue her experiment.

“I’m working overtime this afternoon. You guys should go back first,” she said, exiting the car.

As she closed the door, she heard it open again. Lucian was approaching.

“What’s wrong?” she asked, confused.

He frowned. “How much longer will you be busy?”

Roxanne had been working overtime for over half a month. Lucian feared for her health. She knew his concern. “There are some leads now,” she smiled, reassuring him. “It’ll be over soon. Don’t worry, I can take care of myself.”

Lucian’s expression darkened as he saw her slimmer figure. The desire to acquire Damaris Group’s pharmaceutical company resurfaced in his mind.