Chapter 1748: A Second Chance

Roxanne was stunned by Lucian's reaction to the revelation that Estella was her daughter. Unlike her own shock, Lucian showed little emotion or doubt. Did he trust her implicitly, or had he known all along? A frown creased her brow.

Looking at her anxious expression, Lucian caressed her head. "I knew," he said. "That's why I'm not surprised."

"When?" Roxanne blurted. It then struck her that Lucian's attitude toward Archie and Benny had always been the same, even before her collapse. He had always been fond of the boys, despite their initial dislike of him, stemming from Roxanne. Whether driven by his feelings for her or genuine affection, his care for them was evident, particularly in his public declaration of their parentage to protect them.

Roxanne tried to recall the exact moment Lucian discovered the truth, but the more she thought, the more elusive it became.

"I went to Colby to see if I could save you," Lucian explained. "I was overjoyed to learn the boys were mine, but my priority was you."

His prior knowledge of their sons explained his calm demeanor.

"So, it was him..." Resignation washed over Roxanne at the mention of Colby.

Reading her thoughts, Lucian said, "Colby deeply regrets his actions. In fact, he's partly responsible for your recovery this time, so I've offered him his old position at the research institute after his release. Of course, I can reassign him if you're uncomfortable."

Roxanne was astonished. "I don't mind if he's truly sorry. It's just..."

She wanted to give Colby the benefit of the doubt, happy to work with him again given their history, but she wondered about Lucian's potential jealousy.

"I warned him I wouldn't let him off easily if he harmed you or the children again," Lucian asserted, his brow furrowed.

Roxanne smiled. "I'll be on my guard, too."

The irony struck her: a doctor repeatedly drugged. I bet Professor Lambert will say I need to return to school, she thought. I need to hone my skills after discharge, to help more people and take better care of myself.

Seeing her self-criticism, Lucian quickly changed the subject.

"I've come to terms with Archie and Benny's relationship with me," he said, "but I'm still upset that someone else knew before I did."

Colby's role in her pregnancy filled Lucian with guilt—or more accurately, jealousy.