Chapter 11 Reuniting With Roxanne

• “This one's dirty. Let's switch to a new one.” After Finneas finished speaking, he effortlessly scooped up Suzannah in one arm and turned to leave.
• “All right, all right, it will definitely be done!” Hendrix spoke with utmost respect, but inwardly, he was quietly relieved.
• As long as Finneas didn't hold grudges, everything could be managed.
• Meanwhile, Winston and his companions were exchanging glances, unsure of what to do next. Since when did the Whittle family become so agreeable? How could they just change things after the contract was already signed? This is totally out of character for the Whittle family!
• However, at that moment, even though they were filled with countless doubts, they didn't dare to ask a single additional question.
• Hendrix turned to look at them, his face darkening as if by some theatrical trick. “Mr. Lockwood is a generous man. He won't stoop to your level. Once you've packed up, get lost at the earliest! However, remember, don't ever claim to know me, Hendrix, in the future!”
• Winston was completely dumbfounded.
• He had invested a significant amount of money, nearly ten million, to establish a connection with Hendrix. After all the hardship, he had finally made some progress, only for it to be ruined by a trivial matter.
• Ten million, gone just like that. Who wouldn't be heartbroken?
• “No, Hendrix, I...” Winston wanted to say something more, but upon seeing Hendrix's almost predatory gaze, he forcefully swallowed his words.
• “Mr. Zaffino, we can just leave. There's no need to beg him.” Stephanie stepped forward, taking Winston's arm and leaning against him.
• She certainly didn't want to lose the wealthy suitor she had just secured.
• Upon hearing her words, Winston abruptly withdrew his hand from her embrace. Then, in a swift motion, he harshly slapped her across the face, which surprised her.
• The echo of a resounding slap reverberated throughout the entire hall.
• Stephanie was dumbfounded, and she murmured, “Did... Did I do something wrong?”
• “If it wasn't for you, how would I have offended Finneas? And you're asking me what you did wrong? Are you out of your mind?” Furious, Winston cursed out loud.
• At that moment, he wished he could give that woman a good thrashing.
• Losing ten million was a minor issue, but offending the Whittle family, as well as those whom the Whittle family held in high regard, was the real problem.
• Hendrix was highly efficient in his work. In a prime location within the mansion district, he swiftly chose a luxurious mansion for Finneas.
• In fact, the price of that mansion was nearly ten million higher than the previous one.
• However, Hendrix didn't make Finneas cover the difference in cost. It was as if he had given it to him for free, all in an effort to quell his anger.
• Regarding that, Finneas didn't hold back either.
• Considering his status, his residence here was a matter of prestige for the Whittle family.
• One could even say that the Whittle family's ancestors had accumulated good karma.
• Once everything was arranged, Finneas and his two companions moved in.
• During the night, Finneas thought back to the death of Joaquin and Yolanda, still holding a grudge. There was even a slight heaviness in his chest.
• He slipped into a coat and made his way to the balcony.
• Just as he was about to sit down, he noticed Suzannah sitting on the chair, a look of desolation on her face as she gazed at the sky.
• Finneas strode away, and after giving Suzannah a quick glance, he sat down beside her.
• “Can't sleep? What's on your mind?” Finneas gently massaged her head, speaking softly.
• “Uncle Finneas, you told me that the brightest, biggest star in the sky is Mommy and Daddy, watching over me always. Is that really true?”
• A pang of pain seized Finneas' heart, prompting a soft “Mhm” to escape his lips.
• Back in the day, when he and his brother had only each other to rely on, he had once asked Joaquin the same question.
• “But why wouldn't they talk to me?” Suzannah turned her head to look at Finneas. In her innocent, wide eyes, there seemed to be a glimmer of unshed tears.
• Finneas paused slightly, realizing that lies could deceive her temporarily, but not for a lifetime. She was, after all, bound to learn the truth eventually.
• However, she was still too young. Suddenly losing her closest kin, she needed emotional support more than ever, even if it was just a pretense!
• After a moment of thought, Finneas spoke slowly. “Your mom and dad can hear you. Once you fall asleep at night, they will visit you in your dreams, talk to you, and play with you.”
• “All right!” Suzannah nodded earnestly, then once again raised her head to gaze at the vast starry sky.
• With a childlike tone, she said, “Daddy, Mommy, I miss you two so much. Do you miss me too? I'm such a good girl today didn't cause any trouble for Uncle Finneas! My uncle brought me to live in a big house. It's so beautiful here. However, I still kind of miss our home. Teddy at Old Mr. Baines' place is probably waiting for me to bring it some treats!”
• Suzannah had turned into quite the chatterbox, never ceasing her self-chatter. Finneas, listening by her side, felt waves of heartache.
• The reason he didn't take Suzannah back to her hometown was that he feared that familiar sights would stir up memories, making it difficult for her to move on from her grief.
• As they continued talking, Suzannah started to feel somewhat tired.
• Finneas pulled her into his arms and whispered gently, “Suzannah, would you like me to take you to the amusement park tomorrow?”
• Upon hearing that, Suzannah immediately perked up. Her bright eyes lit up with excitement.
• However, before she could agree, something suddenly came to her mind. She shook her head and said, “No, I can't. I have to go to school tomorrow. My daddy told me that if I study hard, I'll be as formidable as my uncle in the future.”
• The naïve words pierced into Finneas' heart, subtly stirring his emotions.
• Suzannah's astuteness was so reminiscent of her father.
• Observing Suzannah's earnest expression, Finneas gave a firm nod and said, “All right, I'll personally take you to school tomorrow. Once the weekend arrives and you're off school, I'll take you to the amusement park.”
• “Yay! Uncle Finneas is the best!” Suzannah wrapped her arms around Finneas' neck, burying her head into his chest.
• In no time at all, she had fallen asleep.
• As dawn broke the next day, revealing the pale underbelly of the sky, Finneas rose from his bed and proceeded to the kitchen to prepare breakfast.
• What surprised him was that Suzannah had also risen early. She had dressed, tied her hair, washed her face, and brushed her teeth all by herself, not asking anyone for help throughout the whole process.
• “Suzie, were you always like this before?” At the dining table, Finneas asked with a hint of surprise.
• Suzannah nodded seriously, her face full of earnestness as she spoke. “Mommy once told me that one must handle one's own matters. I am all grown up now.”
• Finneas nodded in relief, finding his niece to be far more sensible than he had been in his youth.
• When he was a child, he often caused trouble for his older brother, constantly pestering him to do this and that for him.
• “Lord Lockwood, the car is ready.” At half past seven, Frederick appeared punctually at the door, offering a respectful bow.
• “All right.” Finneas stood up, abruptly helping Suzannah into the carriage.
• Suzannah was six years old at the time, still attending kindergarten.
• Throughout the years, although Joaquin's family led a life of modest means, they never compromised on Suzannah's education.
• The kindergarten that Suzannah attended was the most renowned and considered the best in Hofcaster, known as Cerulean Kindergarten.
• After dropping off Suzannah at the kindergarten, the two of them decided to stroll around the neighborhood to familiarize themselves with the surroundings.
• Finneas hadn't strolled down the streets in a long while. As he looked at the bustling city around him, he felt strangely out of place. A myriad of emotions welled up in his heart.
• As the two strolled past a café, a sudden shout echoed from behind them. “Stay right there!”
• Upon hearing the noise, both of them simultaneously turned their heads only to see the café's main entrance being abruptly pushed open as a figure dashed out swiftly.
• Before the figure could even approach, Frederick swiftly apprehended him, pressing him neatly against the wall.
• The sudden turn of events startled everyone around, causing them to cast sidelong glances, too afraid to utter a word.
• “Let go of me, jerk! Dare to assault an officer?”
• The familiar voice caught Finneas' attention. He glanced over nonchalantly, only to see Roxanne, her face flushed red and ears burning, glaring at him in anger. She was struggling fiercely, seemingly fighting to uphold her last shred of dignity.
• “It's you?” Frederick released his grip, stepping back a few paces, but still remained on guard.
• His gaze was intense as he watched Roxanne as if warning her that should she make any inappropriate moves, he wouldn't hesitate to react.
• Roxanne rose in indignation, massaging her aching shoulders. She knew she was no match for them and dared not act recklessly.
• She glared fiercely at Finneas, her face stern as she declared, “You've committed a crime, and you should be ready to face investigation and punishment. If you continue to resist arrest, I have the authority to take you down.”
• Roxanne had the day off. She was idly chatting with a friend in a cafe when she spotted Finneas. She rushed out in haste. Not being in her police uniform, she naturally didn't have her service gun. All she could do was verbally threaten him, hoping it would be enough to intimidate Finneas.
• That day, when Finneas took a life, she had witnessed it with her own eyes. Even now, as she thought back, it still sent chills down her spine.
• Yet, bound by the duties of a police officer, she was compelled to confront even a murderer without hesitation.
• “I'm coming with you.” Finneas' words took Roxanne by surprise.
• She watched him cautiously, wary of any tricks he might pull.
• After waiting for a considerable amount of time and seeing no signs of him acting strangely, she quickly pulled out a pair of handcuffs from her waist and fastened them around both her own wrist and Finneas'. This was to prevent him from attempting to escape a second time.
• “Finneas!” Frederick took a step forward, his tone urgent.
• Finneas called him over, whispering a few words into his ear. What was said remained unknown.
• Roxanne's brows were tightly knitted, yet she dared not ask further. After all, she was alone and powerless. If he truly wanted to escape, how could she possibly stop him?
• “Go ahead,” Finneas said nonchalantly.
• “Yes.” Frederick regained his composure, then turned and walked away.
• Finneas was leisurely strolling in the courtyard, casually following behind Roxanne.
• Finneas had his reasons for agreeing to go with her. If Roxanne continued to perceive him as a deliberate violent offender, or as a fugitive, it would cause trouble in the future. This issue had to be resolved.
• The police car arrived swiftly. As soon as the door swung open, about a dozen officers clad in riot gear tumbled out. Each one of them was armed, their gazes fixed on Finneas as if they were facing a formidable adversary.
• However, where his gaze fell, there was actually no one who dared to point a gun at him.
• With a casual smile, Finneas followed Roxanne into the car.
• After getting into the car, he closed his eyes to rest, appearing completely relaxed. On the other hand, the police officers were extremely tense, their breathing noticeably heavier than usual.