Chapter 656

After taking several seconds to compose herself, Roxanne replied, "I had already promised her I would go to the concert. What's the meaning of this, Mr. Farwell?"

Lucian's reply came almost instantly: "I just figured you'd be busy with the Damaris family collaboration these couple of days. I won't force you to attend the concert if you don't have the time."

A conjecture formed in her mind. It must have been her earlier comments in the car about not forcing himself that prompted this. From his perspective, she had been pressured into attending by Essie's repeated invitations. Was he trying to atone for past mistakes?

The thought of Lucian changing his behavior because of her words gave her a strange feeling. She almost believed his claim of wanting to pursue her.

Realizing her thoughts, Roxanne snapped out of her daze, collected herself, lowered her gaze, and typed a reply.

Meanwhile, Lucian's gaze darkened at the lack of response. After their car conversation, he had spoken with Jonathan, gaining insight into how to pursue her. Roxanne's words had prompted much reflection on his past actions. His only recourse was to give her the option to decline the concert. That morning, Roxanne had seemed reluctant when Estella invited her; only Estella's tears had persuaded her to agree. Lucian hadn't given her a chance to refuse before. Now, having requested time to think, he didn't want to force her attendance. He'd already compromised. Why wasn't she replying?

Just as he wondered if he should inquire, his phone vibrated. He frowned, glanced down, and saw Roxanne's reply:

"I'm nowhere near as busy as you, Mr. Farwell. Besides, I've already promised Estella I'd attend the concert with her. I never break promises made to a child. I'll definitely be there on time."

Lucian frowned initially, but a faint smile soon played on his lips. He replied, "See you this weekend."

He'd compromised, yet Roxanne still planned to attend. It was a pleasant surprise, regardless of Estella's influence.

Roxanne, after sending her reply, tossed her phone aside, not even bothering to read Lucian's response. Her decision stemmed solely from her promise to Estella. She knew, however, that her reply could be misinterpreted. She'd told him not to force her and to give her time to think, yet she hadn't seized the opportunity of his concession. Any observer might think she was playing hard to get—a notion she found ironic. But she couldn't break her promise to Estella or bear seeing her upset again.

"It's wonderful he compromised," she mused. "I hope he maintains this behavior and keeps his distance during the concert."

That night, Roxanne's mind raced through possible concert scenarios, even questioning her decision. Unfortunately, regretting her choice was now impossible.