Chapter 699: Your Company Is More Than Enough

Jack excused himself mid-meal to take a call, returning with an apologetic expression. "I'm sorry," he said, "my grandfather summoned me back, but didn't explain why."

Roxanne smiled kindly. "You should go. Old Mr. Damaris needs you. I'll go home myself."

He apologized again before leaving. She finished her meal alone, then checked the time. It was already one in the afternoon. Worried about the children, she rose to pay the bill.

"The gentleman who left already paid," the staff member said, smiling. Roxanne was surprised. Hadn't she planned to treat him?

"Oh, this is a gift from him," the staff member said, handing her a bouquet, a look of envy on her face. "You're so lucky."

Roxanne was taken aback; their relationship had been misconstrued again. Her gaze fell to the flowers as she considered an explanation. Jack's intentions were unclear, but his actions were open to misinterpretation.

She hesitated, fearing she would only make things worse by over-explaining. With a rueful smile, she accepted the bouquet silently and left.

After waiting at a corner, she hailed a cab, hugging the bouquet as she settled in. Her phone pinged with a text from Jack: I’m home.

She was about to reply and ask about the flowers when another message arrived: Did you receive the flowers?

Frowning, she glanced at the bouquet, then typed: I received them, but I'm not sure why you gave them to me.

Logically, Jack should only see her as a coworker, but the flowers and his earlier words made her misinterpret the situation.

Jack's reply made her arch an eyebrow: Shouldn't I have given you flowers to express my gratitude after you treated me to a meal?

Bewildered, she replied: But didn't you pay for the meal? His reasoning seemed absurd, suggesting ulterior motives.

His next text brought a spark to his eyes: A Damaris would never let a woman pay. Your company at lunch was more than enough.

Roxanne's expression hardened.

Then another text: I was only kidding. I gave you the flowers on Jamie’s behalf, as a token of gratitude. After all, the orphanage is the Damaris family’s responsibility, and you've been a huge help.

As if anticipating her disbelief, he added: There are many lilies; they symbolize gratitude, so it won't cause a misunderstanding with the kids.

Only then did she notice the abundance of lilies, accented with other flowers she didn't recognize.

Chagrin filled Roxanne's eyes. Even Archie and Benny wouldn't have misinterpreted the situation, yet she had.

What is going on with me lately?