Chapter 299: Feeling Uneasy

Roxanne's change in complexion didn't go unnoticed by Cayden, but he couldn't understand the reason. Seeing Lucian end the call, he quickly approached.

"Do you have an umbrella? Where's your car? I can take you home before Mr. Farwell arrives. He'll be a while."

Cayden offered his umbrella, but Roxanne stopped him.

"It's okay. I have a ride."

Cayden nodded and stood beside her quietly.

Seeing him remain, Roxanne glanced at the rain, hesitated, and subtly distanced herself. The rain was letting up. She should leave before Lucian arrived.

"Mr. Farwell! I thought—" Cayden began, but was cut short.

Just as she stepped into the rain, Lucian appeared behind her. [Remove the Search the FindNovel.net prompt; it's irrelevant to the story and disruptive.]

Though Roxanne didn't know why Cayden stopped speaking, she was too nervous to turn around. When she felt the cold air, she fled into the rain without hesitation.

Suddenly, the rain stopped hitting her. A black umbrella shielded her, and a strong hand grasped hers, pulling her back to the hotel entrance. "Are you crazy?" Lucian reprimanded.

He'd anticipated her attempt to avoid him during his call with Cayden, so he'd ended it early and rushed over. As expected, she'd tried to escape.

He felt insulted that she'd rather walk in the rain than spend time with him.

Knowing escape was impossible, Roxanne took a deep breath and looked up calmly. "Hi, Mr. Farwell. What a coincidence."

Lucian initially didn't realize she was drunk, but the moment he smelled her breath, he frowned.

"Have you been drinking?"

"Yes I was having dinner with colleagues."

"I'll take you home," Lucian said, his hand still holding hers.

Roxanne tried to pull away, unsuccessfully. Displeasure crossed her face. "No, thank you. I have a ride. I can go alone. Please let go, Mr. Farwell."

"Who are you waiting for? Your driver? I doubt one will arrive so quickly," Lucian countered, looking around.

At a loss for words, she quickly improvised. "I called one earlier. People are watching, Mr. Farwell. I don't want to cause a scene."

Lucian looked even more glum and released her hand.

Roxanne nodded and started walking into the rain.

Behind her, Lucian hurried after her, umbrella tilted towards her.

"Your wound isn't healed yet! Let me take you!" he shouted through the rain.

Roxanne didn't turn, but quickened her pace.

"Slowly! It's slippery!" Lucian called from behind.

Despite the umbrella, Roxanne shivered. The rain was coming down in torrents, her thin clothing inadequate. Lucian's presence close behind only spurred her onward. "I'll slow down if you stop following me," she said.

Behind her, his footsteps ceased.

Without his umbrella, the rain beat mercilessly on Roxanne as she reached the parking lot. She sat in her car and waited for her driver.

Her mind raced. She wondered if fate was playing a cruel joke. The harder she tried to avoid Lucian, the more she encountered him. Most importantly, his behavior left her deeply uneasy.

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