Chapter 1911: Indignation

Roxanne went directly to Grant's room upon arriving at the hotel. She had prepared herself, anticipating their terms and potential demands. She was surprised, however, by Grant's appearance. Was this man truly her father?

He was thinner than six years prior, his face less ruddy, his skin drier and with a waxy sheen, his forehead lined with wrinkles. His hair was short, perhaps to conceal the graying.

“Roxanne?” Grant's eyes held a flicker of excitement. Having not seen each other for years, she couldn't discern genuine emotion from an act, yet his gaze was hesitant. He nodded to Lucian. “Mr. Farwell.”

“Hello, Mr. Jarvis,” Lucian replied indifferently, barely glancing at him before turning back to his wife.

Roxanne felt calmer seeing her father's humble demeanor. At that moment, Winnie arrived, staring at Roxanne in astonishment at her elegant attire, an expression of both embarrassment and jealousy quickly masked by an elated one. “Roxanne, it really is you! You’ve changed so much. You look so graceful! I’m so sorry we only just learned of your wedding! We came as soon as possible!” Winnie nudged Grant. “Why are you standing there? Invite your daughter and son-in-law in!”

Roxanne silently applauded Winnie's swift change of expression; the woman was clearly skilled at deception. She also affected an intimacy Roxanne didn't feel. Roxanne remembered her life after her mother's death, a year later marked by Winnie's arrival with her children, Yosef and Yuliana. That's when she understood her father's betrayal wasn't recent. She and Yosef were two years apart, and she was three years older than Yuliana, yet they treated her with no respect, constantly mocking and tormenting her. Winnie, as stepmother, did nothing for her, hoarding treats for her own children and ultimately preventing Roxanne from continuing her university studies. Roxanne, however, found a mentor during medical school, earning enough through her skills to pay for her tuition.

Grant eventually became wealthy through his own factory, yet Roxanne’s unhappiness grew. Ultimately, she was married to Lucian to appease Ethan—a marriage she only agreed to because of her longstanding love for Lucian. Recalling the past, anger and indignation burned within her. She cared little for Grant's humility; severing ties was always in her mind.

“Mrs. Jarvis, I’d appreciate it if you didn’t address us so familiarly. After all, I am not your biological daughter, a fact you’ve made quite clear,” Roxanne firmly rejected Winnie's familiarity.

Winnie's smile faltered. “You’re right. I’ve overstepped. Come in, have a seat! I was just so excited about your wedding tomorrow!”

Lucian sighed inwardly at Winnie's rapid change of tack. What a shameless woman.