Chapter 1053: Heart Softened

Mere moments after Catalina hung up, Sonya arrived at the Farwell residence. "Mrs. Farwell," she said. Lucian and Estella were absent, leaving Catalina unsure how to proceed.

Sonya nodded curtly, glancing around the living room. "Where is Essie?" Catalina was speechless. She could tell Lucian the boys had taken Estella, but feared revealing this to Sonya, knowing Sonya disliked Roxanne. "Uh, Ms. Estella..." Catalina hesitated. Sonya's impatience grew. "Where is she? Is she upstairs? I'll go take a look myself."

Sonya strode upstairs. Catalina remained silent, watching as Sonya went to Estella's room. A while later, Sonya stormed downstairs, a scowl etched on her face.

"Essie is supposed to be homeschooled. Why isn't she here on a weekend?" she demanded, giving Catalina a dubious look. "Did Lucian take her out?"

Sonya pulled out her phone. Knowing concealment was impossible, Catalina confessed, "Archie and Benny came earlier. I think... Ms. Estella left with them."

Sonya's expression darkened. "Who told you to let them in? I didn't tell Lucian to bring Essie back so she could meet the boys! It's obvious where they would take her." Her voice was sharp and accusatory.

Guilt washed over Catalina; she had secretly admitted the boys. She hung her head in shame.

Sonya glared. "I can't believe you failed to take care of her!" She stormed out.

After Sonya's departure, Catalina hesitated before calling Lucian.

Back at Farwell Group's CEO office, Cayden reported work progress to Lucian. Lucian was unusually busy, answering numerous calls.

"Mrs. Farwell came. She learned Ms. Estella was taken and might be..." Catalina trailed off.

Lucian's brows furrowed. "Got it."

He ended the call, instructing Cayden, "Send the rest to my email." Before Cayden could react, Lucian rose and hurried to the elevator.

Lucian's expression was grim as he exited the elevator and entered his car, driving to Roxanne's house. He remembered Estella's distress when his mother forcibly removed her from Roxanne's house; he feared another traumatic event would cause her to regress, perhaps isolating herself completely. The thought darkened his expression, and he accelerated.

Meanwhile, the children's car pulled up outside Roxanne's mansion. Estella, anxious after time apart from Roxanne, trailed behind the boys, unsure of her welcome. Unaware of her apprehension, the boys ushered her inside.

Roxanne had just returned home from overtime. She was about to check on Archie and Benny when the mansion door creaked open, revealing the three children, holding hands. She thought she was hallucinating, seeing Estella.

"Ms. Jarvis..." Estella greeted softly, too shy to approach.

Roxanne's reverie broke. Estella's shy demeanor softened her heart.