Chapter 1864: Not a Good Thing

After more than an hour of discussion with Elektra, Roxanne decided to curtail many activities, preferring to focus on research and development behind the scenes.

Returning home, Lucian leaned in, inquiring about the production numbers of the second issue. "My dear wife," he pleaded, "couldn't you grant your husband some special treatment? I only need two hundred sets! My friends are driving me crazy!"

Roxanne, amused by his childlike tone, readily agreed. Lucian never imagined he'd one day plead for bottles and jars, but his wife's company was expanding at an astonishing rate. Established only a month earlier with minimal investment, its market value already reached twenty billion. With the constant launch of new products, a hundred billion seemed inevitable. Coupled with the research institute, hospital, and pharmaceutical companies, Roxanne's net worth was poised to surpass that figure. She would be a billionaire.

However, Roxanne remained unconcerned with her wealth; her original aim was simply to ensure researchers were fairly compensated, ensuring those skilled in science and technology received adequate remuneration.

Noticing Roxanne's fatigue, Lucian began massaging her shoulders. Later, Elias and Sonya returned from collecting the children from kindergarten—a daily routine for the devoted parents—and the family dined together.

Shortly afterward, Jonathan arrived. His primary focus was outcompeting Shawn's company, a task requiring no personal intervention from Lucian. Following their last confrontation, Shawn's expansion plan had been thwarted, forcing his retreat from Epea. He had since shifted his attention to competing with the Farwell Group for investment in the Alendorian market.

After a brief update for Lucian, Jonathan joined the dinner. Midway through, he abruptly stood, slapping his head. "I almost forgot! I must pick up Madam Xander from the hospital. I won't be able to stay for dinner. Excuse me!"

Roxanne glanced at Lucian before rising. "Can you believe my best friend kept this from us? Did he say Madam Xander is finally being discharged? Lucian, let's go pick her up together."

Lucian nodded, and they followed Jonathan to the hospital. Madilyn, it turned out, had intentionally kept the news quiet, understanding her friend's preoccupation with her new company. Jonathan's assistance had sufficed. She was, however, surprised by his concern for her mother's illness; he'd been actively seeking supplements and medicinal foods to aid her recovery, visiting almost every other day to chat.

Madilyn felt an unsettling dependence, aware this was not ideal; Jonathan likely treated all close friends similarly. She knew of his frequent outings with Coralie. She tried to avoid overthinking the complexity of the situation.

Upon seeing Roxanne and Lucian, Madilyn joyfully ran to hug her friend. Roxanne noticed Madilyn’s weight loss and fatigue from caring for Lorraine, whose improved condition and fuller appearance were evident. Madilyn's weight loss seemed to have transferred to her mother.

"Congratulations on your discharge, Madam Xander," Roxanne smiled, addressing Lorraine. "You should live in Horington; the weather's lovely, and Madilyn can care for you more easily here."

Lorraine, beaming, thanked them profusely and readily agreed to relocate to Horington.