Chapter 2001: Not Worth It

Despite Lucian's explanation, Madilyn remained indignant. The seed of love planted during their school days had borne bitter fruit after their much-anticipated marriage. “Mr. Farwell, you were too presumptuous!” Madilyn declared, shooting Lucian a withering look. The embarrassment etched on Lucian's face elicited a faint smile from Roxanne.

That was all in the past. Unlike before, Roxanne felt differently now. She counted her blessings; her wishes, though delayed, had come true one by one. Stroking the tiny bump on her belly, she felt a new future burgeoning within. The adversity her three children had endured over the past few years would never happen again.

Lucian nodded, seeming to reflect on himself. “It's true I was at fault,” he admitted. “I was mentally exhausted by the business world's struggles and allowed societal conventions to dictate my thoughts.”

Lucian's admission eased Madilyn’s anger. Jonathan’s subtle tug on Madilyn's hand didn't escape Lucian's notice. He gave his wife a questioning glance; Roxanne responded with an affirmative nod. She hadn't yet told Lucian about Jonathan's confession the previous night. Nonetheless, Lucian smiled, instantly understanding.

“Jonathan, since it’s almost noon, why don't you stay for lunch?” Lucian suggested.

Just as Jonathan was about to agree, a look from Madilyn prompted him to decline. “Not this time, Lucian. I promised Madilyn we'd take Madam Xander to lunch.”

“Sure, no problem.”

Lucian was pleased to see Jonathan, now with a girlfriend, finally learning to say no.

After the couple's departure, Roxanne recounted Jonathan's exploits to Lucian. He exclaimed, “I'm surprised Jonathan pulled off something so romantic! I think he's surpassed me!”

Looking at her husband, Roxanne recalled his face from their teenage years. The feeling remained unchanged; regardless of time, it was unforgettable. Even after six years abroad, knowing she might never be with Lucian, she knew she could never love another. The young man of her youth would forever be etched in her heart.

That afternoon, Roxanne and Lucian went to the research institute. With Peregrine's help, Colby quickly adapted to the institute's rigorous environment. Roxanne's presence wasn't required; the organization functioned smoothly. She was there only to celebrate Colby's birthday.

Colby, ushered unknowingly into a conference room, was greeted by a shower of confetti. His colleagues, singing "Happy Birthday," offered their well-wishes. Many familiar faces beamed.

“Happy Birthday, Colby!” Roxanne and Lucian announced, emerging from the crowd. Lucian helped Colby put on a party hat and shook his hand. Roxanne presented him with a fork and knife as a large birthday cake arrived.

Dumbstruck, tears glistening in his eyes, Colby was speechless. “Thank you. Thank you, everyone.” He had recently rejoined the institute and had much to learn. His birthday was far from his mind, making Roxanne and Lucian's thoughtful gesture all the more surprising and undeserved, he felt.

Overwhelmed, Colby eventually smiled, cutting the cake and sharing it. “Colby,” Roxanne announced, “I’m here for more than just your birthday. As a loyal employee, you deserve shares in the institute. Even after dilution, thirty percent is yours. Old Mr. Lomax will handle the paperwork.”

Thunderous applause filled the room. “This…” Colby stammered, speechless.