Chapter 896: A Hint of Wariness

Slowly rising, Lucian fixed a dark look on Roxanne, who stood at the doorway. “I really don’t know when you learned to use your children to manipulate me, Ms. Jarvis.”

Roxanne’s eyes flickered, her gaze mystified. When had she ever done such a thing?

Glimpsing her innocent expression, Lucian frowned and began to approach her slowly.

The moment Roxanne noticed his intentions, her heart quickened, and she cautiously retreated, maintaining her distance.

“Why are you backing away if you’re not guilty, Ms. Jarvis?” Lucian sneered.

Roxanne hesitated, her brows furrowing slightly. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

His gaze gloomy, Lucian demanded softly, “Don’t tell me it wasn’t because you were sure I wouldn’t ignore the children’s calls that you had Archie phone me, Ms. Jarvis?”

Roxanne clenched her hands at her sides, remaining silent. It's true I did, but how is that manipulating him? It's nothing compared to his previous methods!

Lucian’s eyes narrowed. “Since you knew I wouldn’t deny you entry with the children present, Ms. Jarvis, why didn’t you come with them?” He swept a probing gaze over her, his voice low and tense.

He continued, “Or did you use the time to handle some ‘work’ with Mr. Damaris, Ms. Jarvis?” He emphasized the word “work.”

By the time he finished speaking, he stood before Roxanne. Her anxiety from that day flooded back, and she frowned deeply, a faint spark of anger igniting in her eyes.

“I wonder what kind of important work you had with Mr. Damaris, Ms. Jarvis.” Lucian’s voice dropped further as he noted her fury.

Forcibly suppressing her rage, Roxanne lowered her gaze, masking her emotions. “Our matters are none of your concern, Mr. Farwell. Please help me get Archie and Benny downstairs.”

Lucian, mistaking her detachment for guilt, felt his own fury erupt.

Roxanne waited, her eyes downcast. When he remained passive, she attempted to move around him. Admittedly, I was wrong, but only toward Essie. I don't owe him anything. The day's difficulties, fueled by his interference, had left her bone-tired and worried about Estella. She lacked the energy for an argument. Since he won't help, I'll go upstairs myself.

She had only taken a step when Lucian grabbed her wrist.

Halting, she said coolly, “Please let go of me, Mr. Farwell.”

His grip tightened. Pain shot through her wrist, and her brows furrowed. A hint of wariness entered her gaze. “What are you doing?”

Lucian’s anger was evident. “What are you hiding? Were you still settling so-called ‘work’ matters with Jack, despite claiming to worry about Essie?”

Roxanne turned back, meeting his gaze with a frown. “Since you don’t believe me, Mr. Farwell, you can ask Archie and Benny what I did that afternoon. There’s no need to be so insistent.”