During his drive, Roxanne's scathing words echoed in his mind. He'd hoped bringing Estella to see her would soften her heart, but he hadn't anticipated such stone-cold indifference. Despite Estella's pleas, Roxanne had cruelly forbidden further visits. Roxanne truly hated him.

Lucian arrived at the office, his gloom palpable.

"Mr. Farwell," Cayden greeted respectfully, "Mr. Queen came by this morning and is waiting in your office."

Composing himself, Lucian nodded and proceeded to his office, followed by Cayden. Jonathan sat languidly on the couch, documents beside him.

At Lucian's entrance, Jonathan smiled, gathered the papers, and took a seat opposite him. Raising an eyebrow, he asked, "Why are you late?"

Lucian furrowed his brows. "I dropped Estella off at kindergarten."

Jonathan nodded knowingly, handed him the documents, and they began discussing the project. Their close familial relationship and history of successful collaborations allowed for a swift conclusion.

Despite finishing their business, Jonathan lingered, shifting the conversation to Roxanne. "My Summerbank contact called; the partnership negotiations with Dr. Jarvis are complete. Everything seems to be proceeding smoothly." Jonathan was subtly attempting to take credit.

The mention of Roxanne brought Lucian's earlier distress flooding back.

Baffled by his friend's unexpected reaction, Jonathan wrinkled his brows. "Why are you upset? Did something happen between you and Dr. Jarvis that I don't know about?"

Before Lucian could answer, Jonathan advised solemnly, "You know how you treated Dr. Jarvis. You'll need patience to win her back. And remember, she's Estella's mother; you must be understanding."

"I know," Lucian replied flatly.

Jonathan's well-meaning advice met with such a curt response left him momentarily stunned. "What do you know?"

Lucian glanced at him. "The collaboration with Roxanne is going well." Jonathan's pronouncements were rendered pointless.

Jonathan sighed, then, struck by the implication, looked puzzled. "How did you know?"

Lucian's handling of the Summerbank medicinal herb supplier, and Roxanne's silence, were unlikely sources of information. Jonathan eyed his friend suspiciously. Had he used surveillance?

"I was in Summerbank the last two days, returning yesterday," Lucian said casually.

Surprised, Jonathan considered this. Lucian's trip coincided with Roxanne's. He recalled Lucian's specific inquiry about Roxanne's visit to Summerbank. It followed that Lucian, having learned of Roxanne's trip, would have also gone to Summerbank and attended the banquet.