I reckon Mr. Oucen has told you about the incident at my research institute. I'm sure you know the culprit, Mr. Farwell," Roxanne stated.

"Despite avoiding you, Mrs. Farwell still misunderstood," she continued. "All she needed to say were a few words. My small research institute is in turmoil, and may not survive in Horington. I returned only for the institute; I don't want, nor can I afford, further trouble. Please be considerate, Mr. Farwell."

Her words were like daggers, piercing Lucian's heart. That was why he'd allowed her to avoid him recently—he didn't want her in trouble because of him. Yet, being reminded of this fact stirred a peculiar feeling within him: anguish over her predicament and regret at not being firmer with his mother, failing to protect Roxanne.

Roxanne didn't want to continue, nor had the strength. "Please have Mr. Lawson pull over, Mr. Farwell. I can take a taxi from here."

Lucian was silent, then raised the partition and ordered Cayden to pull over, his voice tense. Cayden found it strange, but sensed conflict. Surprisingly, Lucian relented. At the nearest intersection, Cayden stopped.

After a detached thank-you, Roxanne left the car.

"Are we leaving, Mr. Farwell?" Cayden asked cautiously, seeing her distance herself.

Lucian remained silent, his gaze fixed on Roxanne in the distance. It was difficult to hail a taxi at that hour. Roxanne waited a long time before securing one.

When Cayden received no response, he understood. Seeing Roxanne in the taxi, he asked again, "Where are we going, Mr. Farwell?"

"Follow the taxi," Lucian instructed tersely. Although Roxanne's words angered him, he worried about her.

Cayden started the car and followed at a moderate distance. He trailed the taxi to Roxanne's mansion, watching her enter before turning towards the Farwell residence. By the time Roxanne arrived home, it was nearly ten o'clock. Weariness etched her face, a result of her earlier stalemate with Lucian.

Archie and Benny waited downstairs. Seeing her, they rushed over. "Mommy! You look tired! Is the institute problem tricky?"

Roxanne forced a smile, patting their heads. "I'm fine, just sleepy."

Benny took her jacket. He noticed a familiar smell—his father's. He instinctively scrutinized Roxanne.

Exhausted, Roxanne didn't notice. She apologized gently, "Sorry I'm late. Let's go upstairs." Benny, noticing nothing amiss, frowned. The smell indicated a meeting with Daddy. He glanced at her weary face, swallowing his question. It must have been unpleasant, and asking would upset her. After hanging up the jacket, he followed Roxanne upstairs.