Chapter 653

Pin-drop silence again filled the car. Roxanne’s phone illuminated; a message from Larry asking if she’d arrived home. Even though he wasn’t present, a smile touched her lips at his concern. She replied, “I’m still on the way back.” He quickly responded, “Let me know when you’re home.” Roxanne beamed her agreement.

Lucian noticed the phone’s glow and her faint smile. Following her gaze, he saw Larry’s name. He was texting Larry. Lucian’s recently improved mood plummeted. What am I lacking? he wondered. Roxanne grinned so happily at Larry’s message, yet around him, she was always wary. The car’s atmosphere grew colder.

As Roxanne put away her phone, she sensed the tension. Just as she considered what might have offended Lucian, he spoke. “It seems you maintain a close relationship with Mr. Morrison, Ms. Jarvis.”

Stunned, Roxanne realized he’d seen her texting. Her expression fell. “Mr. Farwell, isn’t it inappropriate to peek at my phone?”

Lucian frowned. “The car is dark; it’s difficult not to see what you’re doing.”

Roxanne was taken aback. Her lit screen was noticeable, but that didn’t justify his intrusion. Indignant, but unwilling to argue, she said, “Larry is simply concerned about my safety. Please don’t misunderstand us, Mr. Farwell.”

Lucian sensed her cautious tone and his brow furrowed. He didn’t press further, but her earlier smile fueled his discontent.

Moments later, suppressing his anger, he said in a low voice, “Ms. Jarvis, please don’t forget I’m pursuing you.”

Roxanne was caught off guard. After a moment, she calmly replied, “That’s your problem. I’ve never taken it seriously. Even if you are pursuing me, it’s your issue. I have no obligation to cooperate.” The tension escalated. Sensing Lucian’s rising temper, Roxanne met his gaze.

“Then take it seriously from now on,” he said, an unreadable glint in his eyes. “I don’t need your cooperation, but you must keep a distance from other men.”

His demand amused her. “As you’ve said, you’re my suitor. What right do you have to restrict me? I don’t see a problem with accepting courtships from several men simultaneously.”

Lucian’s temper flared at her hypothetical wish, but he controlled himself.