Chapter 824 It Is My Fault
Hector exchanged a few pleasantries with Roxanne, and the conversation went back to business as she led Hector and Jack to visit a few sites.
The tour of the research institute was nearly finished at noon, and they adjourned to the restaurant where she had made a reservation.
Jack sidled up to Roxanne soundlessly after they exited the research institute and asked in concern, “You mentioned that you had to attend to family matters. What were they, if you don’t mind my asking? The Dr. Jarvis I know would never show up late to an appointment.”
She smiled slightly, her lips compressed. “It’s nothing, just a temper tantrum by Archie and Benny.”
Jack didn’t question her answer and smiled sympathetically with a nod. “It’s understandable for problems to arise when you have kids at home.”
Hector turned toward both of them. “What are you talking about? My old ears didn’t catch it.”
They hastily pasted a smile on their faces and hurried to walk alongside Hector.
Colby wasn’t familiar with Jack and felt lower in status compared to them, so he lagged a few steps behind.
An unnamed emotion gripped Colby’s heart as he observed the good-natured conversation between Roxanne and Jack and Hector’s admiration for her.
He was always just an admirer, silently looking up at Roxanne from a distance.
He knew she didn’t lack impressive men in her life, from Larry to Lucian and now Jack.
I’m no one compared to them. Judging from how Old Mr. Damaris treats Roxanne, he would grant his blessings without hesitation if Jack were to be with her!
His gaze darkened, and his fingers balled into fists by his sides.
I admit I’m jealous. I want to be one of the extraordinary men surrounding Roxanne, standing shoulder to shoulder with her or even making her look up to me.
“Hurry up, Dr. Galloway.” Hector turned to give him a look.
Colby snapped out of his thoughts and composed himself before catching up to them, although he was mindful to walk a half-step behind them as a sign of respect.
Each of them took a seat when they arrived at the restaurant, and Hector suddenly spoke. “There’s another reason why I came today.”
Roxanne stilled, her eyes subconsciously snapping to Jack, recalling what he had told her over the phone.
Hector started in a grave voice, “Ultimately, it was my fault when the online rumors broke out. I should have tried to understand the situation better from Jack before deciding to stop both of you from seeing each other.”
Roxanne immediately denied, “It involves me, so Ms. Hightower would have found another way to attack me even if we didn’t meet. Don’t blame yourself, Old Mr. Damaris.”
Hector continued as if he hadn’t heard her, “The Damaris family is responsible for causing this, yet we watched with our arms crossed without helping, and that kid from the Farwell family had to step in to smooth things over. Speaking of, I have to thank him.”
Her heart tightened, and a frown marred her brows. She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out.
Who am I to object if Old Mr. Damaris wishes to express his gratitude to Lucian?
Colby had only discovered that Lucian was the one who had resolved the situation, and jealousy ate at him like acid.
