Chapter 15

Lucian and Cayden delivered boxes of toys to Roxanne's car before saying goodbye. After getting in the car, Cayden hesitated. "Mr. Farwell," he asked, "aren't you going to spend more time with Ms. Estella?"

Ms. Estella had been staying at Roxanne's home, and her infrequent interaction with Mr. Farwell concerned Cayden. He worried their lack of interaction would cause distance.

Lucian shook his head silently. He reflected on Archie and Benny's unforgiving attitude. He'd spent a day appeasing them with gifts, achieving a small measure of reconciliation. Further pursuit, however, risked losing the goodwill he'd gained. His head throbbed with the weight of their resentment.

Suddenly, a phone rang. Lucian composed himself, answering with a frown, "What is it?"

It was Jonathan. "Lucian, are you free in a couple of days? My grandpa's seventieth birthday is coming up. We weren't planning a banquet, but his recent improvement in health warrants a large celebration. You must come!"

Lucian replied in a deep voice, "Certainly, I'll attend." He felt obligated; Alfred had been kind to him, and Lucian had worked diligently to find a cure for his illness.

Meanwhile, Roxanne returned home with the three children. Archie and Benny immediately began playing with their new figurines, continuing until midnight. Roxanne, knowing they didn't have school the next day, let them be while she put Estella to bed.

The following morning, Roxanne left Catalina with the children and went to the Queen residence to treat Alfred. Jonathan was present and discussed the birthday banquet details with Alfred.

Turning to Roxanne, Jonathan asked, "Dr. Jarvis, will you be free to attend Grandpa's birthday banquet in a couple of days? I can add you to the guest list."

Roxanne, surprised by the invitation after completing Alfred's treatment, had overheard their conversation. She knew the banquet would be a grand affair, attended by prominent Horington residents and prestigious families closely associated with the Queen family. Feeling out of place as a newcomer and relatively unknown doctor, she hesitated, ultimately deciding to decline. "I think I'd better not," she said. "I'm not comfortable with such large social gatherings."

Alfred responded immediately, "Dr. Jarvis, it's thanks to you that I'm even having this banquet. Without your efforts, I'd still be bedridden! Please attend; it would make me happy. And don't worry, I'll ensure no one bothers you."

Roxanne found it difficult to refuse Alfred's enthusiastic invitation.

Jonathan smiled and added, "Even if you're not comfortable socializing, you'll need to learn. You head a research institute; you'll have to interact with these people. This is an opportunity to network and potentially benefit the institute."

Roxanne was persuaded. "Thank you for your consideration, Old Mr. Queen," she replied. "I'll accept and attend on time."

Before leaving, Roxanne explained Alfred's remaining treatment. "You have one session left. Afterwards, focus on rest and recovery. I'll prescribe medication; take it as directed, and you'll gradually improve."

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