Chapter 1060: Refusing to Transfer Schools

Roxanne was dumbfounded. She hadn't expected Lucian to agree so readily. She finally regained her composure when Estella ran to her, sobbing after her father put her down.

"Ms. Jarvis..." The girl quickly clung to Roxanne's thigh. After comforting Estella, Roxanne looked up at Lucian, who nodded indifferently before glancing at the children and heading to his car.

Only after he drove away did Roxanne take the children into the living room. "You two look after Essie. I need to make a phone call," she instructed.

Archie and Benny immediately nodded, doing their best to comfort Estella while Roxanne hurried to call Jack. He answered promptly.

"What's up, Ms. Jarvis?" Jack asked.

"I'm so sorry, but I'll have to reschedule," Roxanne replied apologetically. They were supposed to consult at a nursing home that afternoon, but Estella's distress prevented her from leaving.

Jack chuckled unconcernedly. "It's okay; we can manage without you. I'm more worried about you. Are you sick?"

He heard crying in the background. "Are the boys sick?" he wondered.

"I'm fine," Roxanne answered, glancing at the weeping Estella. "I... have a private matter to attend to."

Jack didn't press further. "I'll let you get back to it, then."

After Roxanne thanked him, they hung up. She hurried back to the children.

"Mommy, we couldn't stop Essie crying," Benny said, his face etched with disappointment.

Roxanne patted his head and picked up Estella. "It's okay now, Essie. You have Archie, Benny, and me."

Feeling secure in Roxanne's arms, Estella finally looked up, her eyes brimming with tears. Roxanne patted her back gently, trying to soothe her.

"I-I don't want to transfer schools!" Estella cried.

Roxanne was relieved to hear her speak, but distressed by her words. She knew there was nothing she could do.

"Ms. Jarvis... I want you, Ms. Jarvis..." Estella sobbed.

"I'm here. I'm here with you," Roxanne responded immediately.

The boys climbed onto the couch and gently tugged Estella's sleeve. "We're here too, so you don't have to cry anymore."

Roxanne couldn't bear to see Estella cry. "I'll speak to your father about it," she said, resorting to a small lie.

"I want you to be my Mommy," Estella added tearfully.

Roxanne swallowed, unable to make that promise. Her heart ached with each sob.

Finally, she said, "I'll always care about you, no matter what our relationship is. Would you dislike me if I couldn't be your mother, Essie?"