Roxanne felt even more conflicted when she heard the tiny, adorable voice in her ear.Roxanne felt even more conflicted when she heard the tiny, adorable voice in her ear. I knew it. I knew Essie was highly empathic and would’ve realized I was distancing myself from Lucian. That’s why she had visited me the last couple of times without letting him know. Am I truly that important to her?Upon seeing how pitiful Estella was, Archie and Benny couldn’t help but put in a good word for her.“Mommy, since Essie came alone, why don’t you let her play with us for a bit more?” Benny pleaded as he tugged at Roxanne’s sleeve.“Mommy, Mr. Farwell wouldn’t come looking for her so soon,” Archie chimed in. “Let Essie stay here a little longer!”Roxanne stayed silent for quite some time, not knowing what to say.Estella, on the other hand, buried herself in Roxanne’s embrace. Afraid that the latter might reject her, she kept her gaze lowered, not daring to make eye contact.Roxanne glanced at her boy
In Roxanne’s embrace, Estella was crying her lungs out when she tightened her grip on Roxanne’s shirt and uttered, “I want you, Ms. Jarvis. I want you to be my mommy!”In Roxanne’s embrace, Estella was crying her lungs out when she tightened her grip on Roxanne’s shirt and uttered, “I want you, Ms. Jarvis. I want you to be my mommy!” Roxanne was stunned.Estella then added, “You’re the best, Ms. Jarvis. Daddy likes you too…”It was then Roxanne returned to her senses and scoffed at herself. Why would Essie come to such a conclusion? Perhaps she thinks when two people interact with each other more often, they’re into each other. I think that’s why she likes Benny and Archie. No matter how I explain the situation to her, I bet she’ll never understand it. She would definitely refuse to acknowledge the fact that Lucian likes Aubree.With that thought in mind, Roxanne couldn’t help but feel a headache coming.A while later, she reached out her hand to wipe the tears off Estella’s face and
Estella merely kept quiet after hearing her answer.Estella merely kept quiet after hearing her answer. Roxanne opened the car door and carried Estella out of the car before leading her toward the manor by her hand.Roxanne then let go of her hand to let Estella enter the manor. Right then, Estella raised her gaze and looked at Roxanne solemnly.When their gazes met, Roxanne’s heart softened. She squatted down and looked into Estella’s eyes. “Is there something you would like to tell me, Essie?”I wonder why Ms. Jarvis hates Daddy so much that she would chase Daddy away every time she sees him. However, I can tell that Daddy has good intentions for Ms. Jarvis. Since Daddy likes Ms. Jarvis, I hope Ms. Jarvis would stop hating Daddy. Estella nodded slightly and uttered in a cute tone, “Ms. Jarvis, don’t hate Daddy.”Thinking that she could be seeing Estella for the last time, Roxanne nodded.Estella gave Roxanne a hug with a heavy heart before going into the manor.Roxanne didn’t dare
After confirming that Estella was all right, James did not linger and left before dinner.After confirming that Estella was all right, James did not linger and left before dinner. Lucian stayed in his study for some time. Then, he took out his phone and gave Pippa a call.He had personally sent Estella to the kindergarten in the morning. Even if she had left alone, Lucian reckoned that she would have left from the kindergarten.Pippa should have known what had transpired.On the other end, Pippa was nervous to get a call from Lucian, and she told him everything.“I left after leaving Estella there. Ms. Jarvis told me she would send her back. Did she not?” Pippa said apprehensively.She regretted leaving Estella with Roxanne right then.After all, she had not sought Lucian’s consent and brought Estella to Archie and Benny’s home, and even proceeded to leave the little girl there.There was no explaining it any other way. She was being irresponsible.Lucian was displeased with Pippa’s
Estella stared right at Lucian after she was done talking.Estella stared right at Lucian after she was done talking. She could sense Roxanne, Archie, and Benny’s aversion toward Lucian.Estella had attributed their aversion to Lucian.She had been honest with Lucian in hopes that he would reflect upon himself and treat Roxanne, Archie, and Benny better so that they would warm up to Lucian.Maybe Roxanne would decide to stay then.At the thought that Roxanne would migrate overseas, the little girl turned wistful.Lucian’s mood took a roller coaster at his daughter’s remarks.Roxanne had said the very same thing.“Did she say that to Essie too? Is that why Essie came back sulking?” he wondered.Lucian wanted his questions answered. Hence, he asked, “Did Ms. Jarvis tell you that she doesn’t like me in the afternoon?”Estella shook her head.Somehow, Lucian heaved a sigh of relief when Estella shook her head. He knew that Estella had only made her own deduction after observing the way R
After some thought, Aubree pulled out her phone and called Sonya.After some thought, Aubree pulled out her phone and called Sonya. It did not take long before Sonya answered the call. “Is something wrong, Aubree?”“Mrs. Farwell, can you please come over? My arm hurts so bad, and I’m scared…” Aubree’s voice was full of unease.“Just give me a moment. I’ll be right over,” promised Sonya immediately.With that, the woman hurriedly got changed before striding out the door.Only after getting into her car did Sonya begin to wonder why Aubree called her if Lucian was with the young woman.“What about Lucian? Isn’t he with you?” inquired Sonya curiously.“I’m not sure where he is either. Maybe he’s working overtime. I didn’t call him because I didn’t want to disturb him. My parents weren’t answering my calls, so I had no choice but to trouble you.” There was a hint of sadness in Aubree’s voice.Hence, Sonya quickly comforted the young woman. “It’s okay. You only got hurt because of me, so
A hint of displeasure flashed across Sonya’s eyes at Aubree’s concern for Estella and at the thought of Lucian rejecting her suggestion.A hint of displeasure flashed across Sonya’s eyes at Aubree’s concern for Estella and at the thought of Lucian rejecting her suggestion. If her son had heeded her words over the years to have Estella spend time with Aubree, Estella might not be so attached to Roxanne, given Aubree’s fondness for Estella.Estella, too, would have no need for Roxanne.Aubree made a remorseful face. “To be honest, I’m still slightly envious of Ms. Jarvis and how she gained Essie’s favor so quickly. It would be nice if Essie were that fond of me.”Aubree glanced slyly at Sonya, who frowned at those words.“What nonsense!” she snapped. “If you are to become Essie’s mother, it’s only a matter of time before she becomes fond of you. Who does that woman think she is, anyway? I’ve told her I will make her life in Horington difficult if she tries to contact Lucian and Essie a
As she had fallen asleep late the night before, Roxanne slept deeply but was awoken by her phone ringing early the following morning.As she had fallen asleep late the night before, Roxanne slept deeply but was awoken by her phone ringing early the following morning. Unable to marshal her thoughts into coherence immediately upon waking up, she reached out blindly around her pillow for a long time before locating the source of the noise.Upon obtaining her phone and squinting at the screen, Roxanne answered groggily.Colby sounded very anxious on the other end. “Something’s happened, Dr. Jarvis.”Wide awake suddenly, Roxanne sat bolt upright. “What is it?” she asked hoarsely.“A shipment of medicinal herb supplies we expected to receive this morning is still nowhere to be seen.” Colby looked grave.The medicinal herb supplier the research institute partnered with was usually very punctual in delivering their supply.If a morning delivery had been promised, the research institute would
Roxanne had long guessed Sonya would treat her with an unpleasant attitude. Although she was displeased, she didn’t show it on her face.“It’s Essie and Mr. Farwell’s wishes that Essie stays here. As you’re her grandma, I have nothing to say if you want to bring her back, but I hope you respect Essie’s opinions.”Sonya frowned in displeasure.I’ve already asked Essie just now. I wonder what sorcery Roxanne has cast on her to make her refuse to go home. That’s why I turned to ask Roxanne, but I didn’t expect this woman to be so tactless!Sonya was livid.Just then, Estella spoke. “Grandma, I don’t want to go home. I want to stay here and play with Archie and Benny.”Estella looked at Sonya pitifully.Usually, when Estella wore such an expression, Sonya would have gone along with her wishes. However, she was filled with rage right now, so Estella’s look only added fuel to the fire.“You have to go home even if you don’t want to. You belong to the Farwell family. How can you stay at some
Ten minutes ago, Catalina had been instructing the rest of the household staff on their chores when she heard the doorbell ring.The moment she opened the door, she saw that it was Sonya.Before Catalina could greet her, Sonya questioned her, “Where’s Essie? Tell Essie to come out. Tell her that her grandma is here.”Catalina was put in a difficult position.Estella had not been in the manor for the past few days.She had thought that the little girl was with Sonya.However, judging from Sonya’s reaction, Catalina knew there and then that Estella was with Roxanne.It was obvious that Sonya must have discovered that, and that explained her anger.As a servant, Catalina did not know how to answer her question. In the end, she replied, “I will inform Mr. Farwell right away.”She was about to go and seek help from Lucian when Sonya stopped her in her tracks.“I want to see Essie. If she doesn’t come down, I will go up myself.”With that, she began to walk upstairs.Catalina had no choice
“Please wait for a moment as Mrs. Farwell is taking a nap. I’ll tell her you’re here.” After inviting Aubree to sit on the couch in the living hall, the butler was ready to go up to call Sonya.Aubree knitted her brows and responded, “It’s okay. I can go up and check on her.”The butler knew Sonya doted on her. He hesitated but eventually agreed to allow her to go upstairs.Aubree responded with a nod. After plastering a smile on her face, she took the stairs and went up.Sonya had just woken up from her nap in the master bedroom upstairs. Upon hearing a knock on the door, she opened it right away.“Mrs. Farwell.” Aubree grinned politely. “I hope I’m not disturbing you.”Sonya, too, responded with a smile when she realized it was Aubree. “Not at all. I just woke up.”Aubree walked up to her and held her arm affectionately. “I brought you lots of gifts. Let’s go down and check them out.”“Aww, you’re too sweet.” Sonya glanced at her. “You didn’t have to do that. I’m happy that you’re h
The search lasted the entire morning.The grim-faced Cayden, who returned with his subordinates in the afternoon, said, “We found nothing, Mr. Farwell.”Admittedly, Cory was an excellent private investigator.Cayden could not help but wonder how he had managed to keep in touch with his employers.Not only did Cayden not find any evidence of how the mastermind instructed Cory to spy on Roxanne, but he also could not find proof that could expose Cory’s identity as a private investigator.Cory began playing the sympathy card. “Mr. Farwell, I told you no one instructed me to do anything.”Lucian waited for half a day but did not get the answer he was looking for. His eyes blazed with fury when he saw the pretentious innocent look on the culprit’s face.“If no one put you up to this, why did you stalk her?” he asked.Cory blinked innocently. “B-Because I find Ms. Jarvis attractive. I wished to snap photos of her since I was trying my hand at photography.”He had felt nervous before Cayden
Meanwhile, Lucian, too, ordered Cayden to investigate the issue.With Farwell Group’s financial capability, the investigation was carried out effortlessly.In less than an hour, Cayden had managed to bring the private investigator to Farwell Group.It was not until the private investigator was led to Farwell Group’s entrance that he realized something was off.“D-Did I do something wrong? Why did you bring me here?”Cayden cast him a cold glance. “Why are you asking me that? I’m not the one who calls the shots here. You’ll find out soon.”The private investigator’s legs trembled when he heard Cayden’s words.The only person who came to mind when he thought of the person who called the shots for Farwell Group was none other than Lucian Farwell.The private investigator had recently been following Roxanne around on Aubree’s orders. During those times, he had indeed seen Roxanne interacting with Lucian.Yet, he paid no mind to that.After all, he was merely doing as instructed. He did no
Upon hearing that, the doubtful Roxanne and Madilyn exchanged glances.They had spoken to nearly all the research institutes that could develop that specific bacterium in Horington, and only that research institute confirmed that their laboratory had previously lost the bacteria.Although it happened half a month ago, the bacteria could remain viable as long as they were appropriately preserved.Madilyn was aware of that and didn’t hesitate to ask, “How did you guys lose the bacteria back then? Do you guys have any findings now?”The person’s answer did not disappoint them. “One of the researchers should have taken it,” he said frankly.Madilyn was filled with confusion when she heard that.“Although we have no solid evidence, we were certain about that. Two days after the bacteria went missing, that researcher suddenly quit. We haven’t heard from her since then,” the person continued.Before Madilyn could speak, Roxanne asked, “What’s the name of that researcher?”The person on the o
At the side, Estella had her head lifted and gazed at Roxanne, looking hopeful.Roxanne’s gaze flickered. Only after obtaining Lucian’s promise did she forcibly suppress the worry within her.“Got it. I’ll take good care of Essie for the next few days.”Lucian indifferently inclined his head a fraction in acknowledgment. Shortly after, he took his leave and left.Roxanne watched as his car disappeared into the distance before bringing Archie, Benny, and Estella into the mansion.All three children were already starving to the point that their stomachs growled incessantly.Without tarrying, Roxanne prepared some quick and easy breakfast to fill their stomachs first.After having breakfast, she had the children play by themselves while she stood up and went into the study.She simply couldn’t sit back and do nothing about the person who used the bacteria on the children.Worse still, Lucian left Estella at her place. Hence, she wanted to catch the culprit as soon as possible to eliminat
“Have you and the kids been here?”Lucian came to a stop under a gigantic tree.Stopping with him, Roxanne looked around before shaking her head. “No.”That tree was located at the edge of the woods.Yesterday, she had been with Archie, Benny, and Estella in the woods or by the waterfall.As such, they indeed hadn’t been to that particular spot.Nodding in understanding, Lucian motioned for her to take a look at the bottom of the tree.Roxanne followed his gaze and took a closer look, upon which she made out a vague footprint.From the looks of it, it obviously belonged to an adult.As the footprints moved toward the edge of the gra*sy area, they grew increasingly faint.Therefore, she had no way of knowing whether the owner of those footprints had gone anywhere near the tent.However, it was certain that someone else was there yesterday other than her and the children.In fact, that person had been watching from the side while she was playing with the children.That realization had a
After Archie, Benny, and Estella had dozed off, Roxanne turned off the small night light in the tent.Consequently, the tent was pitch-dark right then, and she had no idea whether Lucian was asleep on the other side.Well, I didn’t hear any movement in a long time, so he has probably gone to sleep.At that thought, Roxanne quietly got up and left the tent. She sat outside under the moonlight alone and stared blankly into space.The weather had been great for the past two days. The moon shone brightly, but there weren’t many stars in the sky.For safety reasons, Lucian had the headlights turned on, illuminating the tent’s surroundings and rendering it like daylight.As Roxanne looked at the scenery around her, her mind gradually began drifting.Too many things had happened that day.At first, the children suddenly contracted a bacterial infection. Then, she inexplicably ended up in the same space as Lucian.Both of the incidents had her emotions turn into a jumbled mess.While she was