Meanwhile, Roxanne had delegated Madilyn to pick the children up to Madilyn as she promptly headed to the meeting.
No sooner had she stepped out the door than she saw Jack's car at the entrance.
At the sight of her, he alighted from the car and took a look behind her. Feeling slightly disappointed, he inquired, “Are the children still at school?” Roxanne nodded. “I got a friend of mine to pick them up. Is there a reason why you want to see them, Mr. Damaris?” Jack casually nodded. “I've brought them some gifts. But since they're not around, let’s just forget it. I'll personally hand them over the next time | see the boys.” The fact that he had prepared presents for them surprised Roxanne, for she didn’t expect him to be so attentive.
“Since you have gotten them the presents, it's only right you hand them to the boys yourself.” Roxanne pursed her lips into a smile upon regaining her senses.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtWith that, she turned around and headed toward her car.
She had barely taken a step when Jack’s voice rang out from behind her.
“I think you shouldn't drive, as it'll be hard to avoid drinking tonight. If you drive there, you'll just end up having to collect your car tomorrow.” His words caused Roxanne to stop as a conflicted expression emerged on her face.
She still remembered the tantrum Jessica had thrown when she got drunk because Jack was too close to her.
Therefore, if Jessica were to see her arrive in Jack's car, the former would change her mind at the last minute even if her desire to apologize was sincere.
Cognizant of her concerns, Jack reassured her, “What happened the last time was my fault. That said, since there's nothing going on between the two of us, you shouldn't overthink the matter. If she repeats her accusations from the other day, I'll clear the air.” Sensing from his tone that he felt responsible, Roxanne knitted her brows. “It's not your fault, Mr. Damaris. There's no need to blame yourself.” No sooner had she spoken than she glanced at her watch and realized it was time to go. If they were to delay any further, they would likely be late for the appointment.
Cognizant of the situation, Roxanne stopped hesitating and walked up to Jack's side.
After declining his suggestion for her to sit in the front passenger seat, she opened the back seat door and got in.
Despite the frown on his face, Jack reminded himself of her concerns and didn’t persist and returned to the car.
Soon, the car gradually started driving from Roxanne’s home.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm“By the way, why was the list of partners announced so suddenly?” Along the journey to the restaurant, Roxanne couldn't help but ask.
With his hand on the wheel, Jack replied in a deep voice, “Well, it wasn’t. The Damaris family has been making preparations for along time and has gotten in touch with the media. Also, since the aim of our project is to provide a public service, they naturally deserve to know. Therefore, announcing the name list is our way of being transparent to them, on top of showing everyone how important the project is to the Damaris family.” Roxanne couldn't help but feel amazed by the explanation.
When Larry mentioned earlier that commencement events were to be held soon, she didn’t take him seriously.
It turned out that the Damaris family had indeed liaised with the media.
Nevertheless, the turn of events didn’t come as such a surprise after hearing Jack's reasoning.
“Actually, | had wanted to inform you yesterday but was called away by Grandpa.” Showing concern, Jack inquired, “Do you feel pressured due to the sudden announcement?” As a fellow doctor, Roxanne—finding no reason to hide her thoughts from him—responded with a nod. “A little, but the pressure will serve as my future motivation.”