Chapter 1827: Scandalous Scoundrels
How could Roxanne possibly be angry with them? She leaned over and cheerfully kissed the children. Just then, Sonya and Elias approached, formally dressed—Elias in a suit, Sonya in a gown.
“Roxanne, this is what the Farwell family owes you,” Elias beamed. “Lucian should be proposing, and we must follow proper procedure. We're delighted you're saying yes to Lucian.” A hint of awkwardness flickered across Sonya's face, but she approached Roxanne, offering an apologetic look. “Roxanne, I’m sorry for the past. I made a terrible mistake. I hope you’ll forgive me and allow me to make amends. I’m truly happy for you and Lucian.”
Roxanne, caught up in the moment's bliss, felt no anger toward Sonya. Meanwhile, Lucian nodded at his father's words. “There’s no way we’re skipping the wedding photos, the wedding, or the honeymoon.”
Madilyn promptly interjected, “Of course. The Farwell family has plenty of money; you must give Roxanne the best, understand?” Lucian nodded obediently. The sudden proposal filled Roxanne with security. The evening’s events lulled her into a deep sleep.
She dreamt she was pregnant again. Though she couldn't clearly see the fourth baby, a childlike voice whispered, “Mommy, Mommy, hurry up! I want to play with my siblings!”
Unlike Roxanne, Frieda endured a terrible night. After packing for Shawn’s mansion, she waited, but he never appeared. The rift with her brother and conflict with her parents pushed her to the brink. She sought refuge in a bar, drowning her sorrows in alcohol while waiting for Shawn’s call—a call that never came. Neither did one from her parents. All she could think about was her brother’s ruthlessness.
Stumbling from a taxi, Frieda belatedly realized she was without a destination and hailed another cab back to Shawn’s mansion. Before she could enter, she saw Shawn’s car arrive, another person in the passenger seat. Despite her blurry vision, she recognized a young woman with a striking figure. The last shred of her sanity snapped.
The cold night air prompted Shawn to remove his jacket and drape it over the woman’s shoulders as they exited the car. His smile and loving gaze ignited Frieda’s fury. This was the man she'd waited for. She could forgive his pursuit of Aubree, even pretend it was revenge against Lucian, but now she knew she was a fool. She had been his puppet, willingly sacrificing herself and her family for his plans.
Frieda rushed toward them. The alcohol haze lifted, replaced by incandescent rage. Before Shawn could react, she slapped the other woman. Then, glaring at him viciously, she cried, “How could you do this to me, Shawn? You ingrate!” Tears streamed down her face as her world crumbled. Raising her hand, she prepared to strike him as well.