However, Sonya seemed unfazed by that. “Sonya has told me about this already. Essie was the one who had not been obedient, and Aubree only punished her in that way in her panic. She has already apologized to me. Essie is at fault too. Aubree will be her stepmother in the future, but she’s still kicking up fusses like these.”Hearing that, Catalina realized she could not say anything else. All she could do was cast a pitying look at Estella.The girl had just walked out of her own world recently. After this crying session, Catalina was afraid that she might revert to her state from the day before.After Archie and Benny heard their conversation, they guessed that the unfamiliar woman was Estella’s grandmother. Nevertheless, they did not hold themselves back as they refuted, “Essie didn’t kick up a fuss. That bad woman is in the wrong to have hurt a kid! Why would you listen to an outsider and scold Essie? She’s been badly hit, but you don’t feel upset for her at all? If not for my momm
Lucian was filled with hatred at the mention of Aubree. “Do you know why Essie resents her?”Stunned, Sonya explained at once, “Is it because of what Aubree did to Essie? Didn’t she explain it to us already? She didn’t do it on purpose and was only worried about Essie’s safety. It only happened under desperate circumstances. Moreover, she regrets her action and has apologized to us about it.”Just as she finished, she turned the tables on him. “As for you, you have gone overboard with your recent behavior toward her!”Sonya’s intentions were clear. She still hoped that Lucian would marry Aubree.Over the last six years, she had pestered him many times about it.Lucian cocked a brow in annoyance. “I know what I’m doing. There’s no need for you to interfere.”Sonya was upset. “You know what you’re doing? Are you really planning on canceling the engagement?”Before Lucian could reply, Sonya’s expression drastically changed while the resolve in her voice hardened. “No matter what, you per
The next morning, Roxanne sent the children to school alone as Lucian didn’t come.When Pippa saw Roxanne by herself, she was surprised. “Ms. Jarvis, where’s Mr. Farwell today?”Roxanne was briefly stunned by the comment.She wasn’t expecting Pippa to notice that Lucian had brought the children to school with her over the last two days, let alone inquire about his absence.As it gave the impression that she and Lucian were close, Roxanne was stumped for an answer.Nonetheless, Estella brought out her notebook and wrote: I’m living with Ms. Jarvis now!She then raised it up with a vibrant smile on her face.When Pippa saw how cheerful Estella was now in contrast to her listless expression from two days ago, she couldn’t help but beam and stroke Estella’s hair. “I see.”Subsequently, she returned her gaze to Roxanne and was bowled over by how much Estella liked Roxanne and her sons.Roxanne heaved a sigh of relief in her mind when she saw Estella answer on her behalf. After handing the
“That’s not what I meant.” Jonathan felt helpless.He admired Roxanne and felt that she would make a good friend. Yet, regardless of what he said, she would always steer the conversation back to Alfred’s treatment.In no mood for idle chatter, Roxanne asked out of courtesy, “Is there anything else?”As it would be rude to hold her back, Jonathan replied, “That’s all. Goodbye.”Roxanne nodded before getting into her car.After watching Roxanne drive away, Jonathan returned to the mansion.Frieda, who was drinking coffee on the couch with a scowl on her face, gave him the side-eye before recovering her gaze.Jonathan’s expression darkened when he caught her reaction. “Why are you behaving this way? What has Dr. Jarvis done to you for you to be so hostile to her? Don’t forget that she is Grandpa’s savior!”Frieda looked at Jonathan and refuted, “Savior? It’s not like we didn’t offer her anything. We’re just getting what each of us needs out of it.”Filled with displeasure, she inquired f
However, when he didn’t hear Archie’s response, he, too, fell silent and waited for his brother to express his thoughts.When it came to Estella, she had no objections, for she was used to eating with Lucian. In spite of that, she remained seated when she didn’t see any movement from the boys.Noticing the expectant look in Benny’s eyes, Archie paused for a moment before indicating his agreement by getting off the bench.Behaving just like his lackeys, Benny and Estella followed suit.Even though no words were exchanged, Lucian recognized their tacit agreement to have dinner with him.After the four of them got into the car, Lucian drove, while the children sat in a uniform row behind.“Since I don’t know what you like, I’ll just bring you to one of Estella’s favorite restaurants.” Lucian decided on the spot.Benny answered without another thought. “I’m fine with that!”Just as he spoke, he felt a tug from Archie and proceeded to keep his mouth shut sheepishly.Without another word, L
In the end, Lucian had no answers to Benny’s questions. In fact, he was intrigued about the actual genesis of the questions.Subsequently, the tension at the table intensified with no one saying another word until dinner was over.When Estella, who didn’t speak anyway, saw the somber mood the brothers were in, she felt equally glum.As the only adult at the table, Lucian tried to liven up the atmosphere with new topics but failed when the brothers just refused to talk.Once dinner was over, he sent the children back to Roxanne’s house.As Roxanne wasn’t back yet, Catalina, who was feeling worried, was relieved to see Lucian and the children.Instead of leaving right away, Lucian stayed to make small talk with Catalina while watching the children play in the living room.It wasn’t until around eight o’clock that Roxanne finally returned from work.However, the children only threw her a glance and didn’t rush to welcome her like they usually did.From their response, Roxanne could sense
During the weekend, Roxanne planned to take them out for the day, as they have not gone on an outing ever since Estella started staying with them.“Mommy!” Archie and Benny approached her enthusiastically. “Let’s take Essie to the aquarium!”Hearing that, Roxanne looked in Estella’s direction to seek her opinion.The latter nodded obediently.As long as I can stay with Ms. Jarvis, Archie, and Benny, it doesn’t matter where I go.With that, Roxanne got the children to pack up before heading to the aquarium together.Since Lucian was usually busy with work, he seldom brought Estella out. As for Archie and Benny, it was the first time both of them visited an aquarium in the country.The moment the children entered the aquarium, they were captivated by the smorgasbord of marine life in it. From time to time, they would stop to interact with the fishes.Roxanne would patiently wait and take pictures for them. Furthermore, she would also provide an explanation of the fish that she recognize
Roxanne finally came to her senses. She glanced at Estella before whispering, “Estella… She seemed to have spoken just now.”Furthermore, she spoke fluently and has a lovely voice.Lucian glanced at his daughter with a surprised expression and asked, “What did she say?”Roxanne was taken aback by his question. She was too surprised by Estella speaking suddenly and could not remember what Estella said.Archie chimed in. “She said the beluga whale kissed her.”Next to Archie, Benny could not resist his curiosity and asked, “Isn’t Essie mute?”They had always thought Estella was mute. After all, they had never heard her speak since they first met her.Lucian frowned and answered, “When did I ever say that Essie was mute?”Archie and Benny exchanged glances.Roxanne asked in confusion, “Essie doesn’t speak. You also prepared a notepad so that she can write to communicate.”Lucian felt a little helpless as they mentioned this matter. “Estella was usually unwilling to speak because of autis