Chapter 1746: There Shall Be a Reckoning

Lucian caught her wrist as she spoke, silencing her with a kiss. Roxanne was momentarily dazed but soon yielded, leaning into his embrace. Her acquiescence surprised him, but he quickly recovered, kissing her passionately. Mid-kiss, Roxanne glimpsed her best friend’s back through the ward door window. Embarrassed, she struggled to break free.

Lucian released her as she wished, yet held her close. Seeing the usually stoic man consumed by fear of losing her, Roxanne felt remorse for causing him worry, allowing him to hold her. When he finally let go, his perturbation had vanished.

"Thank you for everything," Roxanne said apologetically, noting his exhaustion.

"I will do anything to keep you safe. I will settle the score with everyone who hurt you!" Lucian swore, his gaze unwavering.

Roxanne was initially confused, but realization dawned. "Just now…" she murmured, understanding him instinctively. His absence that morning had puzzled her, but the children's presence had distracted her.

Later, reflecting on his absence, she concluded he'd gone to confront Jack.

"Sorry I wasn't there when you woke," Lucian apologized, a frown and lingering worry in his eyes. He didn't want her to think he'd been unconcerned.

Roxanne's heart warmed at his concern. She never imagined Lucian would look at her with such earnest affection. To reassure him, she smiled and took his hand.

"By the way," she said, changing the subject, "how are things with Jack? Be careful. He's cunning; I worry he has more tricks up his sleeve."

"Don't worry. He has nothing to threaten me with but you and the children. Damaris Group is a sitting duck; they can't touch you anymore. There shall be a reckoning."

His confidence reassured her. "It's good to know he's only after me, not the kids," she remarked. She couldn't bear the thought of her children suffering as she had. It was fortunate she endured the pain; if Jack had harmed them, she would have yielded to his demands, even if it meant sacrificing Lucian—her children always came first.

Thinking of her children, Roxanne looked at Lucian, realizing the incident had deepened her appreciation for their having a father—him. He and the children would be overjoyed to be a family, but…

She hesitated, remembering Sonya's attitude toward Archie and Benny, but this time, she felt more determined to confide in Lucian.

"Actually, I…" she began, uncertainty lingering in her eyes as she gazed at him.