Chapter 725: Why Didn't You Pick Us Up?

"What's wrong?" Jack frowned, noticing the grim look on Roxanne's face.

Roxanne merely waved at him, then glanced at Jessica. Did Jessica do this on purpose? Why such strong wine for dinner? However, noticing no ill effects after two glasses, Roxanne wondered if she'd been overreacting.

An awkward silence settled over the three of them. Their meeting's sole purpose was Jessica's apology. Aware of the tension, Jessica made brief pleasantries before leaving.

Once she was gone, Jack turned to Roxanne. "Are you hungry? Want to eat somewhere else?" They'd barely touched their cold food.

Feeling woozy, Roxanne wondered about the wine Jessica had ordered. Even a small glass had a powerful effect. She shook her head. "It's fine. I should head back; the children should be home by now. I can't keep them waiting."

Jack didn't press the issue and accompanied her. Leaving the restaurant, Roxanne slipped on the stairs, but Jack caught her.

"Thank you," Roxanne murmured, withdrawing her hand.

"No problem," Jack smiled.

Jack, who hadn't been drinking, drove Roxanne home to avoid troubling the driver. A black sedan followed them at a distance, unnoticed by Jack, whose attention was on Roxanne. The traffic was light, and they reached her home in under ten minutes.

"It's late, forgive me for not inviting you in," Roxanne said.

Jack nodded casually. "You should get inside. I'll give Archie and Benny their presents next time I see them."

Roxanne smiled, got out of the car, and went home. Only after watching her enter did Jack drive back to the Damaris residence.

"Mommy!" Her two sons beamed, rushing to her. She ruffled their hair before removing her shoes. They looked puzzled. "Why didn't you pick us up tonight?"

After the previous day's events, the boys and Estella expected Roxanne to pick them up. Madilyn's presence surprised them. Estella was disappointed, and the boys worried about another argument between their parents.

Roxanne was taken aback by their anxious faces. "I had a last-minute appointment. What's wrong?"

Exchanging glances, the boys studied Roxanne until satisfied she wasn't lying. Relief washed over them. "Nothing. We were just curious," they said, smiling.

Roxanne grinned apologetically. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you. I'll try my best to pick you up on time from now on, okay?"

The boys' eyes gleamed, and they jumped for joy at her promise.