Chapter 1716: Heartwrenching

Eventually, noon arrived. Lucian asked Cayden to buy them lunch. However, Peregrine and Roxanne were engrossed in their work, neglecting to eat.

"You should eat something," Lucian urged, a hint of resignation in his voice. "Even if you don't, Old Mr. Lomax should."

Roxanne reluctantly looked at Peregrine. "Lucian told me you've been up all night for days, Old Mr. Lomax. You must be exhausted. Please eat something. I can still watch the screen."

Peregrine sighed. "I suppose my body isn't as robust as it used to be. Very well, I'll eat while you keep watch." He began eating at the side.

She nodded, returning to the screen to monitor Madilyn's work. Lucian wanted to advise Roxanne to eat as well, noticing her self-denial, but hesitated. He then took the lunchbox from Cayden, sat beside the bed, and began feeding her.

Roxanne, so focused, took a few seconds to realize she was eating. She offered an apologetic smile, noticing the tender look in his eyes.

"It's fine if you work," Lucian said, resigned. "But you still need to eat."

She quickly shifted her gaze back to the screen. Madilyn had just inserted the final fluid into the testing instrument, awaiting the results.

Once the test concluded, Roxanne announced, "It's noon. Everyone should rest. Linda, please get lunch for Madilyn and Mr. Queen."

Linda readily agreed and left. The others took a break.

As Peregrine ate, he observed Lucian's care for Roxanne. "Your relationship with him is truly wonderful," he commented.

Roxanne was startled, realizing she was being fed like a child. Seeing the delight in the old man's eyes, she blushed, lowering her gaze and taking the lunchbox from Lucian. He complied, placing it and the cutlery on the table.

Peregrine spoke again. "The Farwell boy is far more caring than his cold exterior suggests."

Roxanne's cheeks burned as she smiled at Lucian. If it were six years ago, she thought, I wouldn't have expected this. Now that I have what I've dreamed of, I must hold on to it. I won't lose what's precious because of Jack!

"I'm sure he wouldn't forgive me if I failed to save you today," Peregrine said, a smile playing on his lips as he set aside his lunchbox. "Cayden, please take me to the research institute. I want to monitor the progress there."

Cayden looked to Lucian for approval. Lucian, instead of answering, subtly gestured to Roxanne to decide.

"Regardless of the outcome, only my life is at stake," Roxanne explained, defending Lucian. "He's just worried about me, which is why he seems unfriendly. Please don't mind him. Thank you for your help, I'll feel much safer with you there."