Chapter 1054: Mindful of Your Words

Upon realizing Roxanne felt no animosity, Estella happily leaped into her arms. Smiling, Roxanne embraced her and gently asked, "Why are you with Archie and Benny?"

Archie and Benny exchanged sheepish glances before looking at Estella. Should they tell Roxanne they'd sneaked Estella out, or should Estella confess? It had been a while since Estella and Roxanne had last seen each other. Roxanne wouldn't be angry with Estella!

Estella quickly revealed, "Archie and Benny visited me. I wanted to see you, so I asked them to bring me!" Her voice was smug. Luckily, I followed them; otherwise, I wouldn't have met Ms. Jarvis! Roxanne stiffened.

Estella had run away with Archie and Benny. If Lucian found out, how would she explain it? He'd likely assume the boys had persuaded Estella to come.

Roxanne slowly released Estella, causing panic to flash across the girl's face. "Ms. Jarvis, don't be mad!" Roxanne comfortingly patted her head. "I need to tell your dad you're here; otherwise, he'll worry."

Estella muttered reluctantly, "I don't want Daddy..." Daddy was the one who wouldn't let her see Ms. Jarvis, Archie, and Benny! Roxanne felt troubled by Estella's reaction.

She understood Sonya and Aubree's feelings now. Estella was far more attached to her than to Lucian. Their reluctance to let Estella see Roxanne was understandable. Roxanne even concluded they were right; Estella would soon belong to another family. As a mother herself, she wouldn't want her child close to another woman.

However, Roxanne couldn't ignore Estella's pitiful pout. "Be good. I'll talk to your daddy nicely," she said, forcing a smile.

Roxanne stood to call Lucian. She'd just found his number when the doorbell rang. Roxanne paused.

Estella clung to Roxanne's leg, hiding behind her like a frightened animal, fearing Lucian had come to take her home. Roxanne patted her head reassuringly and answered the door.

The sight of the visitor shocked them. Estella, flustered, gripped Roxanne's clothes, desperate to hide. Archie and Benny joined Roxanne at the door.

Sonya's lips twisted mockingly as she observed them. She then addressed Roxanne. "Catalina told me your boys sneaked Essie out, so I came to check. Essie is indeed here."

Roxanne frowned. "Archie and Benny brought Essie here to play. They're children; please be mindful of your words." Accusing the children of "sneaking" Estella away was too harsh.

Sonya stared at her. "Did I say anything wrong?"