Chapter 1061: Something Is Off

Estella was clearly alarmed by Roxanne's words. She cried uncontrollably, shaking her head. Roxanne gently wiped away the girl's tears, whispering, "Don't cry anymore." Archie and Benny offered comfort as well.

After Roxanne expressed her affection for Estella, her sons echoed her sentiments. "It doesn't matter what our relationship is," they said. "We'll still like you, Essie!"

This stopped Estella's sobs, but she remained upset. "But...if I change schools, I won't be able to see you two anymore."

Benny promised, "Even if you do, we'll still visit! If Mr. Farwell or anyone stops us, we'll sneak in!"

Observing the children, Roxanne thought, I don't think I'll let them see each other again after this. However, Estella seemed so moved that Roxanne, unwilling to shatter their happiness, remained silent.

The three boys spent a long time comforting Estella, finally lifting her spirits. Benny recounted interesting events from kindergarten over the past two days. When Roxanne finally saw Estella smiling, she breathed a sigh of relief.

"Keep her company for a while, Archie," she said. "I need Benny's help with something." She was still puzzling over Benny's earlier address to Lucian as "Daddy" and intended to question him about it.

The children, happy and carefree, didn't give her statement much thought. Benny assumed his mother needed his help deciphering something and eagerly followed her upstairs. He only felt a pang of guilt upon realizing she was heading towards their bedroom, not the study.

After entering, she closed the door.

"Mommy..." Benny mumbled, his head bowed guiltily.

Roxanne sensed something was wrong. She knew her children well enough to recognize his unease. A sudden wave of anxiety washed over her.

Hesitant to misinterpret him, she asked, "Why did you call Mr. Farwell 'Daddy' earlier?"

Benny hung his head, speechless. He excelled with computers, but social confrontations were a different matter. His brother usually helped him navigate such situations, but now he was alone. He knew his mother was astute; a slow answer would arouse suspicion. He steeled himself and said, "I didn't call Mr. Farwell 'Daddy.' I just wanted to say he's Essie's daddy and shouldn't make her cry." He looked up, gauging Roxanne's reaction. "But I got anxious and only remembered to say 'Daddy.'"

Roxanne frowned, unsure what to believe. The children were shaken by the events, and Benny's explanation made sense. Yet, she felt something was amiss.

Seeing his mother's skepticism, Benny had a sudden idea. He adopted a pitiful expression. "When I saw Mr. Farwell hugging Essie, I wished Archie and I could be hugged like that if our daddy was still alive!"

This touched Roxanne's heart. She dismissed her suspicions, looking at her son apologetically.