Realizing Lucian had stopped Joseph, Roxanne felt a wave of relief wash over her. Recalling his recent coldness and present anger, she found the situation ironic. Perhaps, unintentionally, her fate was now entirely in his hands. She was, after all, merely a plaything.

A self-deprecating smile touched her lips. She decided to ignore the unfolding drama and began to leave. However, a large hand clamped down on her wrist. She didn't need to turn to know her captor.

Glancing at his grip, she said, "Have you had your fun, Mr. Farwell? If so, please release me."

The crowd's expressions shifted instantly. They recognized Lucian from television but hadn't realized his true identity. Their offense, therefore, was directed at someone far more powerful than they'd imagined. Panic etched itself onto every face.

Joseph, still in Lucian's grasp, felt the full weight of the man's domineering presence. Sweat drenched his back. Had he known Roxanne's connection to Lucian, he wouldn't have dared approach her.

"Mr. Farwell, th-this is a misunderstanding," Joseph stammered.

Lucian, however, remained fixed on Roxanne's back. Is she trying to escape to Morrison again? he wondered.

Roxanne frowned, realizing Lucian wouldn't release her. Turning, she met his gaze with mocking amusement. "Aren't you done, Mr. Farwell? Still waiting for the show to continue?" She then looked disdainfully at the still-restrained Joseph. Her words implied a willingness to cooperate with Joseph, should Lucian desire it.

Joseph's forehead beaded with sweat as he met her gaze. "This is a huge misunderstanding, Ms. Jarvis. I only wanted to be friends. I truly had no other motives. You're with Mr. Farwell; I wouldn't dare—"

Roxanne cut him off with a nod. "You're right. A friend for the night, Mr. Cadman. If Mr. Farwell wishes to see that, I can only comply."

Tension crackled in the air. Lucian narrowed his eyes. Joseph, sensing the lethal intent, shivered uncontrollably.

"The Cadman family of Summerbank?" Lucian's voice was glacial.

Joseph nodded instinctively, then quickly shook his head, understanding the implications. Lucian, his expression stoic, released Joseph's wrist. "Get lost."

Terror flooded Joseph's face at the thought of potential retaliation against his family. "Mr. Farwell, I didn't mean to! I didn't know she was your… woman. And as you saw, I didn't do anything to her…"

But the more Joseph tried to explain, the darker Lucian's mood became. Joseph fell silent under Lucian's terrifying gaze. After a moment, he turned, dejectedly ordering the others to leave. The Cadman family's downfall seemed imminent.