Chapter 1069: Mischievous

Roxanne's thoughts were in disarray, but she defended the children against Jack's accusation. "You're overthinking this, Mr. Damaris," she said. "There's no way these young children could do something like that. Besides, you're assuming they possess the necessary strength."

Jack smiled indifferently. "It was just a guess. Besides, as I said, I harbor no animosity toward them. It would be great if that's the case." Roxanne forced a smile. After Jack left, she returned to the mansion with a troubled expression.

The children, huddled together, had been discussing Roxanne's relationship with Jack and devising ways to force him away. They scattered at her entrance.

On her way back, she pondered Jack's words. Closing the door, she sat beside the children.

"Mommy," one said.

"Ms. Jarvis," the others chimed. They gathered around her. Instead of responding, Roxanne lowered her eyes and asked, "Did you all know about Mr. Damaris' punctured tire?"

The children nodded innocently; it was the first thing Jack had mentioned.

Roxanne studied their expressions. "Do you know who did it?"

Their faces stiffened. The boys, pursing their lips, answered, "We may not like Mr. Damaris, but we wouldn't do something like that."

Suddenly, they recalled something. Their eyes glinted, and they quietly shielded Estella behind them. Roxanne, however, only suspected her sons, not Estella.

"I don't like dishonest children," Roxanne stated. "I'll give you one more chance. If you don't tell me the truth, I'll check the surveillance footage. I'll be very upset if I discover you've been lying."

Archie, frowning, grabbed his mother's shirt. "We really didn't do it, Mommy. Don't check the surveillance footage."

Benny added, "The three of us were together. We didn't do it!"

"I'm sorry," Estella piped up, "Please don't be upset with me, Ms. Jarvis..."

The girl panicked at Roxanne's last sentence; her greatest fear was Roxanne's displeasure.

Roxanne was stunned, looking at Estella's reddening cheeks and gathering tears.

"It's all my fault," Estella sobbed. "Please don’t be mad at Archie and Benny, Ms. Jarvis. I sneaked out and did it. They don't know anything about it. I know what I did wrong, so please don't hate me, Ms. Jarvis..."

Roxanne was astonished. She had suspected the boys, given Jack's account and their mischievous tendencies. She hadn't anticipated Estella's responsibility. Her initial plan had been to punish the culprit, but seeing Estella's distress, she doubted she could, or even should.