Chapter 1760: Huge Loss

Peregrine remained silent for a time after watching Lucian depart with Roxanne. He then felt it was time to see Shawn; after all, he was here at Shawn's request. Now that matters had settled, he should inform him.

With this in mind, Peregrine visited Shawn's mansion after lunch. He found Frieda and Shawn on the couch. Frieda was smiling and appeared to be leaning toward Shawn, though Peregrine couldn't determine if this was intentional. Shawn didn't seem to discourage her, and their interaction appeared intimate.

Peregrine furrowed his brows and cleared his throat. They seemed to notice his presence only then, quickly distancing themselves.

"Old Mr. Lomax, what brings you here?" Shawn, far more composed than Frieda, greeted Peregrine nonchalantly, then instructed the butler to prepare tea.

Peregrine nodded, sitting in an armchair. "I came to tell you the task you requested is complete."

Shawn's attention shifted to Frieda. Peregrine's words implied Roxanne's recovery, yet Frieda hadn't updated him. Frieda, sitting stiffly, noticed Shawn's gaze and panicked, opening her mouth to speak, but he looked away.

"Are you... planning to head back now?" Shawn offered Peregrine the tea.

The elderly man shook his head. "I plan to work at that girl's research institute for a while."

Frieda and Shawn's expressions changed. Shawn's brows furrowed. "Why the sudden decision? Haven't you been reclusive all these years? I thought..." He trailed off, the unspoken implication clear: I thought you came because of me and planned to return immediately. This implied the Crawfords were Peregrine's only potential employer, an exclusive right that would greatly honor them.

Peregrine, seemingly oblivious to Shawn's reaction, slowly sipped his tea before replying, "To be honest, I nearly failed to cure her poison. However, she devised an antidote herself, despite being poisoned. It's uncommon to find someone so skilled."

He was staying because of Roxanne.

Shawn's mood darkened, though he masked it. Peregrine, whom he'd hastily hired, was renouncing his seclusion for someone else—a blow to his reputation. Furthermore, Roxanne's case had become a charitable act for the Crawfords, not a favor. It was a significant loss.

However, Peregrine's decision was final. Shawn could only manage a forced smile. "That's great! Wonderful you're rejoining the medical field, fulfilling a lifelong wish. Please feel free to ask if I can help."

Shawn felt apathetic; he was merely a benefactor, and Peregrine felt he'd largely repaid the favor. He merely nodded slightly. "In that case, I'll take my leave."