Jonathan glanced at Roxanne again when he heard Henrietta mention Lucian and Aubree's marriage. Roxanne's eyes were slightly lowered, a faint smile playing on her lips. He couldn't guess her thoughts.

Throughout the conversation, Frieda's attention remained fixed on Roxanne, noticing the subtle shift in her expression when Henrietta mentioned the marriage. Frieda's excitement grew. "Indeed! Lucian and Aubree are a match made in heaven. Even though they aren't married yet, I bet everyone considers you all family," she chimed in, casting a self-satisfied glance at Roxanne.

Sonya, who had been anticipating this, smiled. "We've certainly delayed it long enough. Both families have been planning to expedite their engagement. We'll be discussing it soon."

Frieda seemed eager to continue, but Lucian interrupted. "Old Mr. Queen, since it's your birthday banquet, perhaps we shouldn't discuss my affairs."

Alfred was momentarily stunned, glancing at Lucian and Aubree. He assumed they were embarrassed, nodded with a smile, and changed the subject. The others followed suit.

Roxanne's anxiety eased, and she inwardly breathed a sigh of relief. However, as the conversation drifted away from her, she began to feel out of place and increasingly annoyed. She longed to escape.

During a lull in the conversation, she murmured, "Old Mr. Queen, I'm tired. If there's nothing else, I'd like to rest."

Alfred turned to her, concerned. "What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"

Roxanne smiled shyly. "Oh, no. I've been standing in heels for a while and would like to sit down."

Satisfied she wasn't ill, Alfred nodded his permission. Roxanne politely excused herself and walked toward a corner. Even as she turned away, she felt a man's gaze on her and quickened her pace.

"Old Mr. Queen, excuse me," Lucian said, his gaze darkening as he noticed the attention Roxanne drew as she sat down.

Alfred was puzzled. "Where are you going?"

Given the Farwell family's standing, prominent guests would typically approach Lucian, not the other way around. He should have waited to be greeted. However, Lucian frowned, searching for an excuse.

Sonya, understanding his desire to find Roxanne, displeased, took his arm. "There are some elders here collaborating with our family. You should greet them."

Lucian followed her gaze to the elders, Farwell family acquaintances. After a moment's hesitation, he agreed.

Sonya then glanced at Aubree.

Aubree said, "Since I know those elders, I was planning to greet them!" She followed Lucian with a smile.

Lucian frowned. Lacking a reason to stop her, he let her accompany him. To the onlookers, they appeared the picture of a perfect couple.

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