Lucian saw at a glance that Roxanne was putting on a brave face. When she nearly stumbled, he instinctively reached out to catch her. Her hand grasped his. Both froze.

Knowing she'd been revealed, Roxanne held his arm stiffly, composing herself. Then, she straightened and apologized smoothly, "I'm sorry. I… I missed a step."

She tried to withdraw her hand. Lucian's eyes darkened, anticipating her move. Before she could pull away, he firmly pressed her hand to his shoulder.

Roxanne was surprised.

"You're already unsteady. Stop pretending with me," he said, frowning. He wrapped his arm around her waist for support.

Instantly, Roxanne felt better. However, with so many people at the airport, she soon tried to distance herself, worried about misunderstandings.

"I do think carrying you would be easier," he muttered.

Roxanne's eyes widened in disbelief as she met his gaze. Lucian stared back impassively, a silent challenge in his eyes. Go ahead and try escaping. I'll carry you out if I have to.

They were at an impasse for several seconds. Roxanne clenched her teeth, then relaxed, leaning against him.

Lucian carefully guided her toward the exit. Outside, she struggled slightly. "Thank you, Mr. Farwell. I'm fine. You can let go now."

He continued to support her. "I'll take you home."

"It's okay. I can take a cab," Roxanne refused, immediately. Her children were unaware of her feelings for Lucian, and she didn't want them to see them together and create a misunderstanding. However, she was too exhausted to resist.

She yielded. Lucian, unsurprisingly, didn't relent. He guided her to the parking lot where Cayden waited.

Seeing them together, Cayden looked puzzled, then seemed to understand. No wonder Mr. Farwell went, and stayed so long.

Cayden opened the car door. Returning to the driver's seat, he smiled and asked, "Mr. Farwell, should I take Ms. Jarvis home first?" Lucian simply hummed.

Roxanne frowned, sensing something was amiss. Cayden's implying we're close.

Once the car started, Roxanne leaned against the door, resting. The journey was silent.

Near her mansion, Roxanne broke the silence. "Please drop me here. I'll walk." She didn't want her children to see her arrive with Lucian.

Cayden glanced in the rearview mirror to gauge Lucian's reaction. Seeing his impassive face, Cayden drove to Roxanne's gate.