Chapter 1057: Could She Stay a While Longer?

Roxanne several times wanted to speak, but she remained silent, remembering Sonya's words. Lucian's presence didn't help matters.

Archie and Benny, however, were extremely anxious. "Stop it, Mrs. Farwell! Essie is crying her eyes out!" Benny exclaimed, himself near tears.

Archie, pursing his lips, quietly moved between Benny and Estella, taking their hands. Lucian stood opposite them, his expression impassive, a half-step behind Sonya.

Seeing the boys' protectiveness and Roxanne's silence, Lucian frowned. "Even if you don't want me, you should have no problem letting Essie go with her father, right?" Sonya believed she was being reasonable, but her son's indifferent reply cut her short.

"Stay out of this. I'll take Essie back," Lucian said. Roxanne reluctantly closed her mouth, then coldly glanced at both Sonya and Lucian before turning to leave. She had something to say but preferred not to, fearing humiliation before Roxanne.

Lucian, aware of his mother's intentions, quickly followed.

"Were you aware the children went to the manor?" Sonya asked suspiciously.

Lucian answered directly, "I was working overtime; I had no idea."

"Then why are you here?" Sonya doubted him, then a thought struck her. "Did Catalina tell you I came over?" she asked, displeased.

Lucian didn't answer directly. "Essie is sensitive and hasn't been well lately. A relapse could be easily triggered."

"Do you think that's what I was trying to do?" Sonya was upset. "I'm Essie's grandmother! Why wouldn't I want the best for her?" She continued, "Roxanne heartlessly abandoned Essie. What right does she have now? Besides, Essie will be Aubree's daughter soon. There's no point in letting her get close to an outsider."

Lucian felt a headache coming on. "If you truly want what's best for her, just go home."

Sonya didn't expect her son to dismiss her, instead of supporting her. "Have you forgotten how Roxanne treated Essie? The girl may not know, but are you oblivious?"

Lucian, furrowing his brow, remained silent.

Sonya, unwilling to prolong the argument, said, "I'll go now, but if I don't see Essie at the manor tomorrow, nothing will stop me from taking her back to the Farwell main residence."

She shot another cold glance at Roxanne before leaving.

Lucian collected himself before approaching the mansion door.

"Mr. Farwell," Roxanne greeted distantly, unsure of Lucian's purpose. Initially, she thought he would help Sonya take Estella, but his actions had utterly baffled her.

Lucian simply glanced indifferently at her, then turned to Estella, whose sobs had lessened to sniffles after Sonya's departure.

"Sorry, Mr. Farwell," Archie said suddenly.

Lucian, raising an eyebrow, anticipated Archie's apology. His next words were equally predictable. "We know we shouldn't have taken Essie secretly, but we missed her terribly. Could she stay a little longer?"