Lucian arched his brow at her body language. “You getting mad isn’t going to change my mind.”Estella furiously snapped her head to him and shot him a death glare.Daddy is the worst! I hate Daddy the most! I like the beautiful Ms. Jarvis and Archie and Benny. Why did Daddy have to fight with her and even forbade Archie and Benny to attend kindergarten?Estella was crestfallen at the thought of never being able to see Archie and Benny at the kindergarten anymore.Daddy is too unreasonable! I don’t want to like him anymore!Estella sulked the whole way back.She ignored Lucian who was trailing after her and dashed up the stairs to her room without one glance back at him. After slamming the door, she even locked the door angrily.Catalina was standing at the door when the father and daughter arrived, so she noticed Estella’s angry mood. When she shifted her gaze to the expressionless Lucian walking behind Estella, she knew they were once again at outs with each other.“Mr. Farwell, what
Roxanne didn’t know how to answer her at that moment.Yesterday, the boys’ teacher did tell me Estella liked following the boys around. However, I neverthought she’ll be bold enough to take a cab to my house alone just so she can play with them. Moreover, she can’t speak. If she met some bad people on the way here…Roxanne didn’t dare to think about what would happen.“Mommy?” Archie and Benny had been waiting inside for a while and didn’t see Roxanne come back in, so they came out to have a look.When they saw the little girl at their front door, they had the same reaction as Roxanne. “What … are you doing here?”Estella was about to scribble in her notebook when Roxanne explained on her behalf, “Essie just wanted to play with you guys.”Archie looked around at Roxanne’s explanation, thinking he would see his dad, but there wasn’t an adult man anywhere.“How did she get here?” Archie flitted his gaze to Roxanne.Roxanne replied resignedly, “She took a cab here alone.”Even I have a
Lucian scoffed internally at the thought of how she had escaped his previous antics. “What do you want?” he asked in the same frigid tone the woman used.Roxanne glanced at the little girl beside her. What’s with that tone? I would’ve hung up right away if it weren’t for the child!“Essie came looking for me first thing in the morning. Come and get her if you’re free. Or you can tell me your address, and I’ll take her there.”Upon hearing that, Lucian furrowed his brows slightly. “Give me your address.”“32, Durwest Garden.”The man hung up right after that.Roxanne breathed an internal sigh of relief as she watched her screen turn black. She turned toward the little girl standing beside her, saying, “Your daddy’s coming over to pick you up. Be a good girl and go home with him, okay?”Estella nodded but secretly began pondering over her next move.She had finally gotten the chance to be with this pretty lady and didn’t want to have to leave so soon.But Daddy’s on his way here. What s
After Roxanne was done tending to Estella, Archie and Benny returned downstairs while carrying Estella’s gifts.They each had a strange-looking stuffed toy in their hands and walked up to the little girl. “We bought these with our pocket money. You can have them.”The dolls looked adorable yet hideous at the same time and didn’t seem to suit Estella at all.However, this was the girl’s first time receiving gifts from peers her age whom she liked very much. Thus, she joyously accepted the stuffed toys and hugged them more tightly than she did her previous doll.After a long while, Estella finally put the toys down and scribbled a massive word of thanks on her notebook, showing her writing to Archie and Benny.This was the boys’ first time seeing her beam like that.They used to avoid her because she was a child their father had with another woman.But after they saw how adorable she looked, their hearts skipped a beat as they exchanged glances and scratched their heads sheepishly.She’
Benny turned to the other boy in a daze, but he immediately came to a realization upon meeting the latter’s warning glance.Right! We can’t show this guy how much we like Essie!Remembering that, Benny hastily shut his mouth, using only his eyes to express his discontent.Lucian took notice of everything the boys had just done.Still, he didn’t know what they were thinking. Assuming he had frightened them, he fell silent for a moment before softening his expression.They might be another guy’s kids, but they’re still young. Lucian knew he shouldn’t take his annoyance out on the children.“In any case, the fact that Essie showed up at your door early in the morning must’ve caused you some trouble. Thank you for playing with her,” he tried his best to state calmly.The boys nodded icily in response.Then, the living room fell into silence.“Where’s your mommy?” Lucian asked in frustration a while later, rubbing his temples.Despite having a daughter, he wasn’t particularly good at inter
Povonne’s chest tightened at the sight, but with Lucian here and whatever happened vesterdav. no words of comfort could come out of her mouth.“Thank Ms. Jarvis, then we’ll go home,” Lucian instructed frigidly.Estella’s expression softened more as she heard that, and she stared at Roxanne expectantly, hoping that the woman would invite her to drop by again next time.Yet, after all that waiting, she received not a single word of response.The girl looked down dejectedly.“Ms. Jarvis has to go to work. We shouldn’t bother her anymore,” Lucian urged.Estella finally picked up her notebook and began to write in it again.It seemed to take her a long time just to write “Thank you.”Yet, when she was done scribbling, she raised her notebook at Lucian instead.Daddy, can I come to see Ms. Jarvis again next time? I want to be friends with Archie and Benny.Everyone saw what she had written.Roxanne and her two boys felt sorry for her, but they dared not say anything due to Lucian’s sullen e
Roxanne noticed the man was overwhelmed with emotions. She could even predict what he was about to say next.Before he could say anything, however, Roxanne shut her eyes for a bit to conceal all her emotions and interrupted their conversation nonchalantly, “All right. Essie is not crying anymore, so it’s time for you to go home. I should get to work soon, too.”She then released the little girl and gently stroked her head. “Go home with your daddy, all right? You can always come and visit Archie and Benny next time.”Pleased with Roxanne’s assurance, the teary-eyed Estella broke into a smile and nodded before returning to her father.Lucian’s eyes darkened for a second. He decided not to ask further since it was clear that Roxanne did not want to continue the topic.As the little girl with red-rimmed eyes walked toward him, he rubbed her head quietly and toned down his voice. “Say goodbye to Ms. Jarvis.”Estella raised her hand and waved Roxanne and the two boys goodbye.The mother an
At noon both Elias and Sonya stayed at the manor for lunch. Aubree also made up an excuse and stayed.At the dining table, she put on an attentive act. Not only did she take soup and food for the couple every so often, but she even helped Estella peel prawns that she didn’t eat much herself.“Here, I remember that you love eating prawns, so I peeled them especially for you, Essie.”Aubree slid the plate of prawns she had peeled to Estella.Estella merely lifted her head and glanced at it. Then, she dipped her head again and continued eating the food in her bowl as though she didn’t see anything.Aubree’s hand was still on the plate, and the smile on her face stiffened slightly.Some time passed, but still, Estella didn’t touch that plate of prawns at all.“Essie, why are you not eating the prawns Ms. Pearson peeled especially for you. Besides, you didn’t even thank her,” Sonya chided.Estella turned a deaf ear to it and continued eating.Upon seeing that, Sonya frowned slightly, and h
The next morning, words about Aubree’s injury became public knowledge. Sonya contacted Aubree to show her concern.“Aubree, I heard you were injured. Is that true?”Aubree sat on the edge of her bed and stared at her wounded ankle. Her expression was cold, but she replied nicely, “I accidentally fell down, but I’m fine. You don’t have to worry about me, Mrs. Farwell.”Sonya furrowed her brows. “How did you fall? Didn’t you visit Lucian yesterday? Does he know that you’re hurt?”Aubree sounded conflicted as she responded, “Mrs. Farwell, you should stay out of this.”“He knows about it, doesn’t he?” Sonya immediately guessed.Every time Lucian mentioned his relationship with Aubree, he would tell me to stay out of it. Even Aubree is saying the same thing now!At that thought, Sonya grew breathless with anger. “Tell me how you got hurt.”A smug look flashed across Aubree’s eyes as Sonya was close to the truth.She pretended to be hesitant for a few seconds as if struggling with what to
Lucian’s phone rang when he arrived at the hospital entrance. It was the landline from home.“When are you coming back, Daddy?”Estella’s demure voice sounded from the other end as soon as he picked up.“I’m on the way,” Lucian replied softly. “Go to sleep first, I’ll be home to see you soon.”Estella promised and hung up quickly after that.It was already late at night when Lucian arrived back at his manor.Then, he made his way to Estella’s bedroom as soon as he got home just like how he had promised her.To his surprise, he found the child still awake. She watched him enter indignantly without saying a word.Lucian frowned. “What are you angry about this time?”“You’re back so late!” Estella complained.I would love it if Daddy spent all night with Ms. Jarvis, but he was with Ms. Pearson. I dislike her! Counting in the travel time, it would not take him more than an hour to make it back.Lucian’s brows twitched at the child’s complaint.The child had never complained when I was ou
“Daddy!” Estella urged a moment later when she did not receive an answer from her father. Shaking himself out of his reverie, Lucian nodded resignedly at his daughter.Only then did she let go and watch him go down the stairs.Aubree was beside herself with anxiousness as she waited downstairs and remained in doubt as she watched Lucian descend the stairs.That little b*tch’s private word with Lucian is obviously trying to get him not to send me to the hospital.Aubree was aware that Lucian spoiled Estella and was even delaying marrying her because of the girl.I wonder if I would have to go to the hospital alone because of her.Aubree could not quell her racing heart, even when Lucian stood firmly before her.Lucian turned to address the family doctor. “I must trouble you with Ms. Pearson, Dr. Elswick.”Aubree’s eyes widened at those words when she realized she was correct in her hunch that he did not intend to keep her company.“Do you hate me that much, Lucian?” Aubree hung her he
Sorry, I… was thinking about something earlier, so I accidentally missed the step,” Aubree murmured in feigned contrition after Catalina had helped her onto the couch. Standing behind the two of them, Lucian said nothing to that.Aubree’s heart sank, and she hypocritically remarked, “I probably twisted my ankle by accident. Let me rest for a while before going over to Mrs. Farwell’s place to tell her about your condition.”Having said that, she acted as though she was afraid that he would worry and flashed him another smile.She initially thought that her comment would garner the man’s sympathy.At the very least, he would allow her to stay over that night.To her disappointment, Lucian merely bobbed his head blithely. Subsequently, he crouched before her.For a moment, she was at a loss.A heartbeat later, a sharp pain came from her ankle, upon which her expression instantly changed.“Does it hurt?” Lucian queried in a deep voice, a hand grasping her injured ankle.Gritting her teet
Lucian cast a look at Archie and Benny indifferently. A strange feeling inexplicably welled up within Archie and Benny when they met his gaze.The look in Daddy’s eyes when he regards us seems to have changed.In fact, they felt that the man seemingly didn’t want to look at them for long, his gaze only staying on them for a brief moment before leaving in the next heartbeat.“Mr. Farwell?” Benny couldn’t help venturing.Lucian merely inclined his head a fraction. “Ms. Ward will wait with you both.”Having said that, he held his hand out at Estella once more.Estella was reluctant to leave, but she could tell that her father appeared to be angry.After a moment’s hesitation, she ultimately reached out and took his hand.Archie and Benny, on the other hand, could only quieten down and watch helplessly as Lucian left with Estella.“Is Daddy mad at Mommy, Archie?” Benny stared at his brother pitifully.Archie remained expressionless, but disappointment glinted in his eyes.That was also t
At a single glance, Jack saw right through his parents. Exasperation inexorably swamped him. “Since you’ve investigated Ms. Jarvis, I’m sure you already know that she’s an exceedingly outstanding doctor.”With regard to that statement, Titus and Priscilla had no rebuttal.During the investigation, they had already learned that Roxanne studied under Harvey and was even his top student.That alone was sufficient for them to acknowledge her medical attainments.However, that didn’t mean they could accept the fact that she was a divorcee with kids.Jack could tell that his parents were still influenced by public opinion, so he had no choice but to continue explaining things to them helplessly.“I reckon you’re both aware of the project the Damaris family established recently.”In response, Titus and Priscilla nodded noncommittally.Despite being away from the Damaris residence most of the time, they still kept themselves informed about the Damaris family’s activities.At that, Jack nodde
However, Roxanne had no idea that Jack had found out about her past. That was why Jack raised his brows and looked at Cayden when he heard her denial.Once again, Cayden felt unjust on Lucian’s behalf.Despite Lucian being ill, he still insisted on helping Roxanne. Cayden could not understand why she was so ungrateful.Furthermore, she seemed so secretive about her relationship with Lucian. It was as though Lucian was an embarra*sment!In spite of his thoughts, there was no way Cayden could express them outright in front of Jack.“These medicinal herbs are difficult to find. Mr. Farwell has transferred nearly all of the remaining medicinal herbs from Herbscape Group.”Roxanne’s heart skipped a beat, but she forced herself to calm down quickly.“Please convey my thanks to Mr. Farwell. However—”As far as Roxanne was concerned, Lucian did that in order to compensate for making use of her in the past.Therefore, she had no intention to accept his gift.Moreover, Jack had already provide
Jack had been staring at her ever since she returned. Naturally, he did not miss the look of anxiousness on her face earlier. “I believe it was rather rude of me to answer the call for you. I hope you don’t mind.”Hearing that, Roxanne grinned as if everything was fine. “It’s okay.”Still, Jack probed, “I wonder why he called you. I tried asking him, but he refused to tell me.”In response, Roxanne shook her head. “I don’t know either.”Intrigued, Jack raised his brow.Though Roxanne thought she had done a good job at concealing her emotions, he still saw through her.After all, the change in her expression was too obvious from the moment she stepped into the tent.Indeed, the phone call stirred up some emotions in her heart.Looks like Lucian has a special spot in her heart. This is interesting.Meanwhile, in the CEO’s office of Farwell Group, Cayden peered at Lucian fearfully.Lucian had been looking unhappy ever since he hung up. To be more specific, he had been like that ever sin
After some time, Roxanne asked concernedly, “Do you feel uncomfortable anywhere?” The boy shook his head. He felt nothing apart from the moments the needles were inserted.Only then did Roxanne feel relieved.She waited for a little while longer before retrieving all the needles when the time was up.Seeing that, the boy sat up on the bed and asked naively, “Ms. Jarvis, am I healed?”A sharp pang hit Roxanne’s heart. “No. We’ll need to continue observing you in the future. Remember to pay more attention to your health and don’t take part in vigorous exercises, okay?”The boy nodded.Then, Roxanne prescribed him some traditional medicine, to which Jack gave many suggestions.After a thorough contemplation, she still accepted his suggestions and made changes to the prescription.When that was completed, the boy took the paper and went looking for the staff responsible for packing the medicines.Sadness was written all over Roxanne’s face as she watched him leave.Perhaps it was because