Chapter 1702: The Kids Will Get Worried

Lucian, prepared for the worst, nodded after hearing her explanation. "All right, I trust you. You're the best doctor I know; you should handle Jack's poison easily."

Roxanne, surprised by his immediate acceptance, was momentarily speechless. "However," Lucian added, continuing to peel an apple, "you must promise to be honest about any further complications."

Snapping out of her daze, Roxanne nodded obediently. "All right." Looking into his eyes, she said affectionately, "Thanks for believing in me, honey."

A silence fell over the ward. "W-What did you just call me?" Lucian asked, his eyes filled with joy and surprise.

Roxanne, unsure of what possessed her, couldn't repeat it under his intense gaze. Her face flushed crimson as she averted her eyes.

Lucian, however, wasn't letting her off so easily. He set down the apple and pressed, "What did you just call me? Say it again!" The sexual tension in the ward thickened as he teased her.

Just as Roxanne was about to hide under the blanket, her phone rang—the ringtone she'd chosen for her children. Pushing Lucian back, she exclaimed, "Our kids are calling! Answer it quickly!"

She hadn't contacted them in days, and she knew they must be worried. Although Lucian had told them she was on a business trip, Archie and Benny were clever; their concern was understandable.

Lucian ceased his teasing and answered the phone, though his gaze remained fixed on Roxanne as he held the phone to her ear.

"Mommy!" The children's voices rang out.

"Yes, it's me. Have you been behaving yourselves?" Roxanne replied, smiling.

Relieved to finally speak with her, the children recounted their activities. "Yeah, we have! We even helped Ms. Catalina with the dishes!" "I helped too!" "I helped Ms. Catalina with the laundry!"

Roxanne's eyes softened. "Really? I'm so glad to hear that!"

Their voices became slightly subdued. "When will you come home, Mommy? We miss you!"

Roxanne looked silently at Lucian, unsure how to respond. "Daddy said you'd be home tonight. Is that true?" Archie pressed.

After a pause, Roxanne smiled. "Yes, that's right. I'm at the airport; I'll be in Horington tonight. Behave yourselves and wait for me. I'll bring you gifts."

"Okay, Mommy! We'll wait for you before bed!"

Roxanne then inquired about their day, and they happily chatted until it was time for lunch.

After ending the call, a melancholic expression settled on Roxanne's face as she stared at her phone's dark screen. Looking up at Lucian, she said, "I want to go home tonight. The kids will worry if I don't."