Chapter 1064: Dislike Them

The next morning, Roxanne awoke early to find Estella still asleep. Gently leaving the bed, she went downstairs to prepare the children's breakfast. The previous night's events had caused her to wake later than usual, despite being up before the children. Before she'd even begun cooking, the doorbell rang.

Roxanne's heart sank. Was Lucian so eager to bring Estella home? The insistent ringing roused the children, who soon appeared at the bottom of the stairs.

"Is Mr. Farwell here, Mommy?" Archie asked, frowning at the entrance. Estella, whose joyful demeanor from yesterday had vanished, stood behind her brothers with a wistful expression.

Seeing the children, Roxanne set down her preparations and opened the door.

"Mr. Fair—" she began, then stopped, realizing her mistake. "Why are you here, Mr. Damaris?"

Jack, holding a bouquet of baby's breath, smiled warmly. "I was worried when you didn't come yesterday or explain your absence, so I decided to visit early. I didn't disturb your rest, did I?"

He glanced into the living room, noticing the three children regarding him warily. He was momentarily taken aback. "They are..."

The children, recovering their composure, offered a polite but reserved greeting: "Hello, Mr. Damaris." Estella, though unfamiliar with him, greeted him along with her brothers.

Jack nodded. "Good morning to you three." Then, raising an eyebrow at Roxanne, he inquired, "The girl is Mr. Farwell's daughter, isn't she?"

Roxanne hesitated before nodding. "She's here to play with Archie and Benny." She lowered her eyes guiltily, unsure if he would believe her.

Thankfully, Jack simply nodded thoughtfully. "I assumed you hadn't come yesterday because you were unwell. It seems my concern was unwarranted."

"Sorry for worrying you, Mr. Damaris," Roxanne replied with a small smile, then looked questioningly at the flowers.

Jack, noticing her interest, offered them to her. "I thought you might be feeling poorly, but wasn't sure what to bring, so I chose these. I hope you don't dislike them."

Roxanne was slightly stunned, hesitant. It seemed plausible, but accepting them in front of the children felt… risky. She worried about misunderstandings.

Just then, Estella trotted over and tugged at her shirt. "Ms. Jarvis."

Roxanne looked down.

Estella rubbed her tummy and whined, "I'm hungry."

Roxanne smiled apologetically at Estella, then turned back to Jack. "Sorry, I woke up a little late. I haven't prepared breakfast yet. Please, come in and join us."

"Sure."