In an instant, the atmosphere stilled as all eyes in the crowd fell on Roxanne. She frowned, uncomfortable at the attention. She had no desire to interact with Lucian more than necessary.

Instead, she turned to Jonathan. "What brings you here, Mr. Queen?"

Jonathan chuckled after a startled pause. "It doesn't seem very polite to have invited you and then not pay attention to you, so I thought I'd come and have a chat."

His statement hung in the air, a meaningful look directed at Lucian, who appeared indifferent. It was clear he had no intention of clarifying the situation. Jonathan, therefore, took the blame.

Roxanne smiled faintly. "I don't mind. In fact, I happened to run into Larry here. As we rarely see each other, we have some catching up to do. Though I appreciate your kindness, there's no need for you to entertain me."

Jonathan was taken aback by her subtle dismissal. He was searching for another excuse to stay when the sound of approaching heels drew his attention.

"There you are, Lucian," Aubree's voice rang out. "Your mother has been looking for you. You should go see what she wants."

Jonathan had no choice but to abandon his excuse.

Lucian frowned but didn't immediately leave. Aubree had already reached his side, her gaze hostile as she looked at Roxanne.

Roxanne felt nauseated by the sight of the couple together. "It appears you have something to do. Don't let me bother you."

She whispered something to Larry, and they left.

Aubree, standing beside Lucian, constantly reminded him that his mother wanted him, preventing him from dissuading Roxanne.

"Mrs. Farwell seems to be in a hurry. I'd better come with you," Aubree said, her heart sinking as she noticed his lingering gaze on Roxanne. Panicked, her reminders became more urgent and insistent.

Already irritated, Lucian gave her such a cold glare that Aubree fell silent. The next second, he stalked past her, ignoring her completely.

Aubree was stunned for a few seconds before regaining her composure and pursuing him with gritted teeth.

Meanwhile, Roxanne and Larry found a quiet corner.

Larry couldn't help asking, "What's going on between you and Mr. Farwell, Roxanne?"

Roxanne smiled. "Nothing. We met by chance."

Larry looked doubtful. "Really? I thought you two were planning to get back together." The hostility from Lucian earlier was fresh in his mind.

Roxanne was surprised by his intuition. "How could that be?" she exclaimed sarcastically. "Weren't you paying attention? His fiancée was right beside him."

Larry was about to ask another question, but Roxanne abruptly changed the subject, effectively ending the discussion. "Let's talk about something else. Where were we?" She referred to their previous conversation.

Heeding her wishes, Larry resumed their discussion of medicine. As leaders in their field, they quickly moved past personal matters and engaged in a lively conversation.

Roxanne, initially expecting a dreary evening, found Larry's appearance made the banquet worthwhile. However, she grew anxious as the banquet continued past ten o'clock.

Her three children, especially Essie, were waiting for her. Essie had only slept soundly in recent nights with coaxing, and might struggle without Roxanne.

Alarmed, Roxanne hurriedly ended her conversation with Larry, said goodbye to Alfred, and left.