Chapter 1450

Roxanne and her family enjoyed a wonderful vacation in Miralaea. The boys remained close to Lucian throughout their stay, a fact he welcomed, ensuring they participated in many exciting activities. Estella, meanwhile, accompanied Roxanne and Madilyn, who took numerous photos of the ocean view and even dressed her as a charming mermaid. They all had a fantastic week. Although the children wished to extend their stay, Roxanne's work obligations necessitated their return home. Madilyn and Lucian were also unable to stay longer. Thus, they all returned at the week's end.

The Farwell Group incident had faded from public memory, freeing Roxanne from the relentless reporters. However, Lucian remained concerned for his family's safety, discreetly assigning bodyguards to protect them.

The morning after their return, Roxanne sent the children to kindergarten before heading to the research institute. She wondered about the project's progress during her absence. Upon entering her office, Linda approached her.

"Dr. Jarvis," Linda said.

Roxanne nodded. "Did the research institute face any difficulties last week?" She had been under Madilyn and Lucian's watchful eye, limiting contact with the institute. She worried constantly that reporters might visit, disrupting the researchers' work. She felt terrible about leaving them to manage the fallout alone.

Linda shook her head, reassuringly. "No. After that morning, the reporters were preoccupied with celebrity scandals. A few who requested interviews did so through proper channels, but I rejected them."

Roxanne felt relieved. However, Linda's expression remained strained.

"What's wrong?" Roxanne asked, noticing her concern.

"Mr. Damaris visited the institute several times last week to see you. He seemed quite upset by your absence," Linda explained. She should have reported this sooner, but the recent online controversy had made her hesitant. Jack's visits were often unannounced, and she couldn't determine whether his visits concerned the project or the online discussions.

Roxanne was surprised. Jack had visited the institute to see her? She checked her phone, finding no missed calls from him. It seemed the matter wasn't urgent. Still, she called him out of politeness.

After several rings, Jack answered.

"I didn't expect you to call, Ms. Jarvis, considering your busy schedule," he said, his tone laced with mockery.

This was a new tone from him, leaving Roxanne momentarily speechless. She quickly apologized. "I'm sorry. I was out of the country last week. Linda just told me you visited the institute. Is there a problem with the project?"

His mocking tone persisted. "Is that so? I wonder what you were doing overseas last week." He clearly knew about her trip with Lucian.