Chapter 828: True Colors
Frieda gave a perfunctory nod before retreating to her room. Only after she disappeared did Jonathan descend the stairs. In the backyard, he found Lucian already conversing with Alfred.
“I did that to help Dr. Jarvis, so why are you thanking me?” Alfred asked Lucian, bewildered by the latter’s gratitude.
Lucian maintained a polite demeanor. “I know Dr. Jarvis well; thanking you on her behalf seems only reasonable.”
Alfred waved a hand dismissively. “I merely stated the truth. Dr. Jarvis saved my life; helping her was the least I could do.”
He then turned to Lucian, inquiring about his and Aubree’s wedding plans. “When are you two settling down? You’re both not getting any younger, especially Aubree. She can’t afford to wait indefinitely.”
Lucian’s eyes darkened, but he responded with a courteous smile, offering no further elaboration. Jonathan quickly intervened, smoothly changing the subject. Lucian’s interest waned, his responses becoming perfunctory.
Understanding his mood, Alfred announced, “I’m tired. I’ll retire to my room. You two continue.”
Lucian and Jonathan respectfully took their leave. Jonathan escorted Lucian to the manor entrance.
Back inside, he encountered Frieda, preparing to depart. A flicker of panic crossed her face, quickly masked. “Jonathan, why are you back so soon? Has Lucian left?”
Jonathan regarded her with an inquisitive look. “Where are you going?”
“I… I’m meeting a friend for shopping,” she replied, forcing a smile and clutching her bag as she edged past him. “If there’s nothing else, I must go. My friend is waiting.”
Jonathan frowned. “Remember what I said. Don’t have any… ideas.”
Frieda offered a sheepish smile and hurried away.
Inside a café, a cold cup of coffee sat before Aubree, who stared down at her phone. The screen displayed photos of Roxanne, Jack, and others dining recently. Roxanne sat beside Jack, appearing happily engaged in conversation, even neglecting Hector. In subsequent photos, Jack gallantly opened the car door for Roxanne, who smiled faintly. They looked idyllically paired.
Aubree sneered. “That bitch, Roxanne. How dare she leave Lucian while flirting with Jack? I’ve caught her red-handed. Lucian needs to see her true colors!”