It seemed like Estella could see that Roxanne had something on her mind, for the girl buried herself into Roxanne’s arms slowly before looking at the woman with big, concerned eyes.As Roxanne looked at the girl’s clear eyes, she recollected herself and hugged her.Her heart melted when her arms wrapped around the small and soft body. At the same time, she found herself letting go of the niggling question.The identity of Estella’s biological mother and the current relationship between Lucian and Aubree had nothing to do with her at all.She and Lucian should have been strangers. They were only interacting because of Estella. That was all.Overthinking things would only make her feel even more frustrated.In the meantime, at the Farwell residence, Sonya and Elias were about to rest. When they heard the sudden ringing of the doorbell, they hastily opened the door.Instantly, they were greeted by the apologetic faces of Samuel and Gina. Aubree was behind them, her eyes red.“What happen
Sonya could not sleep almost the entire night because of Aubree’s words.Consoling Aubree was not the only reason she had told Aubree that she was not going to let Roxanne into the family. It was also because she genuinely hated that ruthless woman.That ruthless woman was capable of abandoning Lucian and Estella once, so Sonya was sure that she would do it again.I have no idea what my son’s thinking about. I can’t believe he’s actually thinking of having her marry into the family again.The more Sonya thought about it, the angrier she became. That night, she sent men to find out where Roxanne was living, planning to visit her the next day.By the time Roxanne woke the next morning, Catalina had already made breakfast. Just as she was eating breakfast with the three children, someone rang the doorbell.Roxanne then asked Catalina to take care of the children as she went to open the door.Originally, she thought that Lucian had come to pick them up for kindergarten, but she was dumbfo
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
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