Chapter 1063: Make Them Reconcile

The brothers played with Estella late into the night, knowing she would leave the next day. Only when Roxanne called her from the boys' bedroom did Estella reluctantly depart. Roxanne, noticing Estella's spirited demeanor upon returning to her room, wondered what they had discussed.

"Ms. Jarvis," Estella called out abruptly during her bath, her voice piping.

Roxanne paused, confused. Estella, wide-eyed, asked, "Can you really not be my mommy, Ms. Jarvis?"

Roxanne was surprised; the girl had already asked this while crying earlier. Hesitant to upset Estella again, she carefully considered her response.

Estella, however, anticipated her answer. Lowering her eyes, she said aggrievedly, "I know you don't like Daddy because he angers you, Ms. Jarvis, and I'm Daddy's daughter. You definitely wouldn't want to be my mommy."

"That's not it," Roxanne explained. "Your daddy is engaged; he'll marry her eventually." The girl's eyes lit up. "This means you actually like Daddy!"

Roxanne was speechless. Children often had simplistic views. Her denial of disliking Lucian was interpreted as liking him, her inability to be with him attributed solely to Aubree. Another denial would confirm her dislike for Lucian, and by extension, Estella. She struggled to explain the situation.

Estella scrutinized Roxanne's expression. A sly glint appeared as she remembered the plan she and the boys had devised: Ms. Jarvis and Daddy had a serious argument they hadn't resolved. They needed a plan to reconcile them quickly. "It's Daddy's fault for upsetting you, Ms. Jarvis. I'll teach him a lesson!"

Roxanne was at a loss. Estella's words implied a relationship already existed between her and Lucian.

"Essie," Roxanne said, changing the subject, "it's late. Let's get you to bed."

Estella beamed, though whether from the conversation or Roxanne's lack of denial was unclear. She nodded obediently.

Roxanne, still preoccupied by Estella's words, dried her absentmindedly.

"I want to hear Sleeping Beauty, Ms. Jarvis!" Estella crawled onto the bed, her eyes bright with anticipation.

Sleeping Beauty… the request stirred Roxanne's memories of the play. Unable to refuse the excited girl, she began the story. As she narrated, the play's events replayed in her mind. She found the kissing scene difficult, but thankfully, Estella fell asleep.

Roxanne sighed with relief and lay beside Estella, a complex mix of emotions swirling within her.