Chapter 577

The atmosphere turned awkward. Noticing her children remained motionless, Roxanne found herself in a dilemma. She assumed Lucian had returned to the hotel with Estella. Therefore, even though Archie had run off for help, Roxanne expected a stranger's return, not Lucian.

She attempted to appear strong, but Archie and Benny offered no support. For a time, no one moved.

Roxanne gritted her teeth, placing a hand on the ground to push herself up. A look of displeasure flashed across Lucian's face as he noticed her intention. Roxanne froze.

Lucian then moved, walking to her and bending to grasp her ankle. She instinctively tried to evade him, but he had already secured her ankle and lifted it. Feeling his fingers brush her wound, she reflexively pulled back; Lucian simultaneously released her ankle.

Just as she breathed a sigh of relief, Lucian stood and moved to her side. His brow furrowed, seemingly noticing something. With a fluid motion, he removed his coat.

Roxanne frowned. "Thank you for your kindness, Mr. Farwell, but I'm not cold."

Lucian ignored her, sternly placing his coat over her shoulders. "You're hurt, Ms. Jarvis. The children are already worried, and if you catch a cold, Estella might cry again."

Roxanne's lips quivered, but she couldn't refuse. Lucian then closed the distance between them, his large hand pressing against her waist as he swiftly lifted her. Instinctively, she grasped his shirt for balance.

"I can walk," Roxanne said adamantly, recovering from her surprise, "you just need to support me." She struggled to descend.

The children watched. She shouldn't be so intimate with Lucian. However, Lucian prevented her descent, his hand tightening on her waist. "You're a doctor, Ms. Jarvis. Aren't you afraid of infection if your wound contacts dust and dirt?" His low voice resonated near her ear.

Before Roxanne could react, the children panicked.

"Mommy, your feet shouldn't touch the ground!"

"Ms. Jarvis..." Estella's voice was full of concern.

Realizing the children were too worried to notice their intimacy, Roxanne remained silent, obediently resting in Lucian's arms. Since he'd given her his coat, he wore only a thin shirt. To steady herself, she placed a hand on his chest, feeling the warmth radiating from him. Perhaps it was her imagination, but she felt warmer, her face flushing.

Lucian carried her across the beach. Roxanne, however, felt everyone's stares, even hearing whispers about the couple publicly displaying affection.

Noticing the commotion, Roxanne buried her head against Lucian's chest, trying to avoid everyone's gaze.

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