Chapter 669

Not long after, the concert officially began. The curtains slowly opened, revealing a stage filled with a variety of instruments. Soothing western symphony music filled the hall. All the musicians, neatly dressed in suits, smiled at the conductor. It was a visually pleasing scene. Once the curtains were fully drawn, the conductor's raised and lowered hand signaled the gentle start of the performance.

Roxanne watched intently, captivated by the harmonious music. Lucian, however, though ostensibly focused on the stage, was actually watching her. He frowned slightly, a touch of helplessness in his heart as he observed her rapt attention. Jonathan had suggested a concert as an ideal opportunity to draw them closer, but Roxanne's absorption in the performance prevented any immediate interruption.

Just as he pondered his next move, a tug on his suit broke his concentration. He turned to see the children.

“I want some water, Mr. Farwell,” Benny whispered.

Lucian nodded, pouring the boy a cup from the water jug on their table. Estella then requested water from Roxanne. Still mostly focused on the stage, Roxanne reached for the jug without thinking. To her surprise, a large hand covered hers before she could grasp it. She felt a distinct pause, but the hand remained in place. With only five people at the table, she easily identified the hand's owner. Roxanne shifted her gaze from the stage to Lucian, looking at him warily. He met her eyes, offering an apologetic look before releasing her hand.

He, too, was surprised by the sudden contact, but quickly realized the children were creating another opportunity for him. He found their efforts amusing, and to avoid squandering their hard work, he’d held her hand a little longer than necessary.

The children's eyes gleamed with joy at the adults' brief contact, but their faces fell when the hands separated so quickly. They stared at Roxanne’s back with disappointment, pursing their lips.

Estella knew her father's intentions toward Roxanne; Archie and Benny had figured it out themselves. They understood his desire to pursue their mother again and were actively trying to help. They hadn't anticipated, however, how challenging it would be for their father. Panic gripped them as they saw their mother’s wary expression.

Roxanne remained unaware of the children's support for Lucian. She found their accidental touch unusual, even suspecting a deliberate act on Lucian's part. However, considering his personality, she dismissed the idea of such an awkward approach. She concluded it was simply an accident. Suppressing the lingering unease, she poured Estella a cup of water and gave it to her.