Jonathan’s parents and Sonya were with Alfred. Lucian, summoned for no apparent reason, was about to leave when Roxanne and Larry arrived.

“If there’s nothing else, Mr. Queen, I’d like to leave; the children are waiting,” Roxanne said politely.

Henrietta was surprised. “Leaving so soon? It’s only halfway through the dinner party. Stay a little longer!”

Roxanne smiled apologetically. “Maybe another time. I’m worried about the children.”

Everyone knew she had two children and agreed to let her go.

Alfred beckoned Jonathan. “I’m worried about Dr. Jarvis returning home alone tonight. Give her a ride.”

Jonathan turned to Lucian, taking his lack of objection as consent and preparing to obey his grandfather when Larry said, “Don’t bother. I need to go home for an online seminar. I can drop Roxanne off.”

Jonathan felt the air pressure drop. He was about to respond when Lucian’s cold voice cut him off. “I don’t mind taking Ms. Jarvis home, Mr. Morrison, seeing as you’re busy. I can also visit my daughter at Ms. Jarvis’s.” He spoke slowly, ensuring everyone heard.

Everyone was stunned. Sonya and Aubree looked crestfallen. They’d arranged for Lucian to attend the banquet with Aubree to appear romantic and imply an imminent wedding. Lucian’s announcement felt like a slap in the face.

Aubree paled, clenching her fists to control her anger.

“Your daughter?” Larry asked, puzzled. “What does she have to do with Roxanne?”

Lucian was indifferent. “My daughter has been staying with Ms. Jarvis for two days. Is there a problem with me visiting?”

His words reached the surrounding guests, sparking a flurry of discussion and gossip.

Aubree hadn’t expected such blatant behavior. Her face turned ashen as she listened to the gossip, lowering her head to avoid the curious eyes of the guests. The elder Queens were also surprised, knowing Estella’s importance to Lucian. They were shocked by Lucian and Roxanne’s closeness and Estella's arrangement.

This was news to Jonathan, too. Though shocked, he remained silent. The atmosphere became tense.

Equally shocked, Roxanne bit her lip anxiously, trying to calm herself. The crowd’s surprise at Estella living with her was surpassed by Roxanne's concern over Lucian's public announcement.

Racking her brains for a solution, she tried to defuse the tension, but Lucian grabbed her wrist.

“Weren’t you in a hurry? Let’s go!” he said coldly, tightening his grip.

Roxanne, startled, abandoned her plan, managing only a hasty goodbye to Alfred before Lucian dragged her away.

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