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
Jack froze for a few seconds before coming to some kind of realization and agreeing to it. The two of them then went out of the research institute.A look of delight danced across Colby’s face when he saw them leave.Ever since Jack came for Roxanne, Colby had been keeping his focus on the two.Therefore, he saw the look of struggle on Roxanne’s face.Evidently, what he had said in the morning was effective.Meanwhile, Roxanne came to a stop in her tracks at the entrance of the institute with mixed feelings still surging in her heart. In the meantime, Jack stopped behind her.“Sorry.” Roxanne had calmed herself down on their way out and realized that she had been a little too carried away earlier.Jack raised a brow and teased, “What’s the matter? Why are you apologizing to me all of a sudden? You couldn’t have secretly done something terrible to the project, could you, Ms. Jarvis?”Roxanne shook her head immediately. “Of course not.”I’ve done so much for this project. Why would I d
Estella looked at her father, who was already at the door and turned to look at Aubree, who was still standing by the couch. A few moments pa*sed, and the little girl finally begrudgingly got out of her chair and jogged to keep up with Lucian.Aubree let out a relieved sigh and caught up to them as well.“Daddy,” Estella mumbled. She gave her father a puppy-eyed look and tugged at the corner of his shirt in a bid to curry favor with her father.Lucian lowered his gaze to meet Estella’s. He lifted his hand and patted her head. “I’m really busy lately. Please don’t throw a tantrum at me.”Estella pursed her lips in disapproval, refusing to believe what he said.She knew as a matter of fact that Lucian was in a bad mood because he had quarreled with Roxanne.Estella was flabbergasted that Lucian was still trying to lie to her, despite the fact that even she knew the real reason her father was upset.Why are adults so weird? Why doesn’t Daddy just make up with Ms. Jarvis?Of course, Luci
Cory was in a good mood, knowing he had once again made a fortune. He then said, “Of course. Ms. Pearson, I’m sure you’ve come to me again because you believe in my capabilities. Now, tell me. What is it that you want me to investigate?” Narrowing her eyes, Aubree said, “Investigate what happened between Roxanne and Lucian!”Cory let out a meaningful chuckle when he heard what she said.Aubree questioned coldly, “Why are you laughing?”As if unaware of her anger, Cory muttered, “Since you’ve agreed to the price I proposed so readily, I have to show you something.”With that, he took out a phone from the bag beside him and typed away on the screen.Soon, Aubree received a few messages on her phone.“I believe what you’re about to see won’t disappoint you, Ms. Pearson.” Cory sounded confident.Aubree furrowed her brows and swiped open her phone, checking the messages he sent.The chat interface showed that Cory had sent her more than ten pictures.Each picture was attached with the tim
Aubree followed Estella closely into the room. Hesitantly, she muttered, “Lucian…” She felt somewhat guilty when she noticed the young girl fuming at Lucian.At the same time, she was relieved that Estella had not said a word to her father.Lucian nodded at Aubree and said, “Sorry for troubling you to look after Essie.”Aubree was delighted by his words. She sputtered, “Not at all. I’m happy to do this. Essie’s a lovely girl.”As for how she upset Estella in the car earlier, Aubree decided to sweep things under the rug if the young girl kept things to herself.“Dinner’s ready. Why don’t you eat with us?” Lucian offered.Aubree was over the moon. “Sure.”They entered the dining room one after another.Catalina had already set the table for three.Aubree said, “I’ll go get Essie.”Despite her suggestion, she was not confident about coaxing Estella downstairs.After all, the young girl was put out because of Aubree, and she might not listen to her instructions.If she throws a tantrum i
Archie and Benny stayed in the bathroom for a little while longer before heading out. Roxanne was still chatting with Jack at the time.She had wanted to get him to leave as soon as possible, but Jack started talking about the ancient medicine books halfway through the conversation.Due to Roxanne’s incredible pa*sion for medicine, she couldn’t help but get carried away talking about it again.It wasn’t until Lysa told them dinner was ready that she snapped out of it.“Would you like to stay for dinner, Mr. Damaris?” Roxanne asked out of courtesy.Jack arched an eyebrow when he saw Archie and Benny standing next to the kitchen.They were both glaring daggers at him and looked like they would tear him to pieces if he accepted her invitation.Because they were still kids, they just looked adorable no matter how fierce their expressions were.Jack couldn’t help but smile in amusement as he drawled suspensefully, “Thank you for the invitation, Ms. Jarvis. I—”He was halfway through his s
In the kindergarten, Archie and Benny sat in their seats quietly while the other children were playing games with Pippa. They could sense something was off when Roxanne said she would send them to school that morning.It wasn’t until Roxanne handed them over to Pippa that they noticed Roxanne glancing at the crowd from time to time as if she was looking for someone.When Pippa led them into the school, they looked back and saw Roxanne still looking around.Although Archie and Benny said nothing, they knew Roxanne was looking for Lucian and Estella.Mommy must feel terrible after the fight with Daddy that day.At the thought of Roxanne’s sadness and disappointment, Archie and Benny’s moods were gloomy, too.“Archie, Benny, what’s wrong?”Seeing the listless look on the boys’ faces, Pippa walked over to comfort them, “Are you missing Estella?”At the mention of Estella, Archie and Benny’s faces immediately fell. I wonder how Essie is doing…“Don’t worry. Mr. Farwell will take good care
Frowning, Lucian fell silent for several seconds. Within several short seconds, the smile slid off Aubree’s face.Until Lucian’s voice sounded once more.“Judging by Essie’s demeanor this morning, the relationship between you seemed to have improved by a lot.”Aubree froze for several seconds at his words before she registered what he said.It was true that the child had been receptive toward her that morning.Aside from rejecting her touch, Estella had responded to almost everything she had said.It was a big improvement compared to before.“I was the one at fault back then,” Aubree replied with a laugh. “I wasn’t patient enough with Essie. Now that I’m a little more patient, Essie can sense it and responds accordingly.”“That’s good,” Lucian answered solemnly. “Enjoy each other’s company.”Smiling, Aubree a*sured him she would.Without discussing it any further, Lucian ended the call on the pretext of work.Though he had already decided to proceed with the engagement, he did not ha
Estella’s resolve wavered at the mention of Lucian. She had seen how drunk Lucian was the night before and surmised he must have drunk a lot.I wonder what Daddy was up to.Aubree delighted at the indecision in Estella’s eyes and continued, “If you don’t want to attend school, I can help put in a word or two when your daddy’s feeling better.”It was only then that Estella relented and allowed her entry into the room.Aubree got to her feet to let Estella get dressed while she picked out the clothes she would wear to school.Once the clothes were selected, she a*sisted Estella to brush her teeth.Estella gradually began to let her guard down.Aubree used to threaten her whenever they spent time together.Estella supposed Aubree wouldn’t try anything since she didn’t seem inclined to do so this time.Moreover, Aubree brought up Lucian in their conversation.Estella was docile and compliant to her demands as she did not want to trouble Lucian. Nonetheless, her expression was still sulle
Aubree spent the night in the same guest room she stayed in during her previous visit. As she entered the room, she could not help but recall what she had done last time.For a moment, I even thought of using the same method to teach that little b*tch another lesson to see if she dares to be disobedient again!However, it was only a fleeting thought because, ultimately, she was still afraid Lucian would find out about it.Now that she had hope, she would never be able to forgive herself if she lost it due to another mistake she made.As Aubree lay in bed, the scene from earlier in Lucian’s bedroom kept playing through her head.I was so close to becoming Mrs. Farwell! If only Cayden hadn’t appeared!Aubree stayed up all night, waiting for Cayden to come over and inform her that Lucian had woken up.She never expected to wait until the sun was high in the sky, and he still had not come over.The memory of Cayden’s attitude toward her the night before made Aubree grit her teeth. She go