Chapter 1059: Please Let Estella Stay

“Ms. Jarvis has a lot on her plate, so don’t cause her any more trouble,” Lucian said, bending to take Estella’s hand. Exhausted from crying, Estella relinquished Roxanne’s grasp the moment Lucian lifted her. Roxanne instinctively tightened her hold, but released Estella after remembering Lucian’s sharp words. Lucian settled Estella in his arms, patted her back comfortingly, and turned to leave.

“Daddy!” A childish voice halted him. Roxanne’s expression shifted as she looked at her son, Benny. His face was flushed with anxiety, his call loud and immediate, instantly regretted. He knew he shouldn’t have spoken, but saw no other way to stop Lucian. He didn't need to look up to sense his mother's shocked gaze. Panicking, he turned to Archie for help.

Archie, brows furrowed, maintained a façade of calm despite his own unease. “Mr. Farwell, you’re Essie’s father, yet you don’t understand her needs? If a psychologist could help, why was she mute before meeting us?”

Benny quickly added, “If we had a dad, we wouldn't want him forcing us to do things we don’t want to do!”

Their words gave the adults pause. Lucian pondered. Benny wasn’t wrong; if a psychologist were the answer, Essie wouldn't have refused to speak. But how could he allow Essie to continue relying on Roxanne, given her desire to sever ties with him?

Roxanne remained apprehensive after Benny's outburst, momentarily fearing he knew his true parentage. Then, guilt washed over her as she heard Benny's words. Lucian was their father, standing before them, yet her selfishness had kept them apart. Guilt-ridden, she glanced at Lucian, fearing he sensed something. Meeting his gaze, she saw resentment, or so it seemed.

“Even if you need me to…” Roxanne began, then hesitated, her concern for Estella overriding her words. “We need to be patient with Essie’s condition. If necessary, I’ll cooperate with you, Mr. Farwell.” She knew the Farwells wanted to distance Estella from her; to ease the transition, she’d cooperate in gradually reducing her time with the girl.

Archie and Benny, though unclear about the adults’ exchange, felt unease. Estella continued to cry, uncertain of her fate.

“If possible,” Roxanne pleaded, her gaze lowered, hope subdued, “let Essie stay for today.”

Archie and Benny’s eyes lit up. They stared expectantly at Lucian, whose expression remained impassive. Finally, he spoke. “I’ll leave her in your care. Call if you have trouble, and I’ll come to collect her.”