Chapter 1070: Do Not Do Anything Bad

“It’s our fault, Mommy. We didn’t keep a close eye on Essie,” the boys admitted, having already surmised their mother’s concerns. Even after Estella confessed, they still sought to shoulder the blame for her actions. Roxanne watched, speechless, as the three children instinctively protected one another. She would have been content to see this unity in a different context, but their protective instincts were misplaced. What should she do? Moments later, suppressing her emotions, she settled Estella on her lap. “Tell me the truth, Essie. Did you do this by yourself, or with the boys?”

Knowing Roxanne disliked dishonesty, Estella, of course, wouldn't lie. Besides, she didn't want to implicate her brothers.

“I-I did it by myself…” she choked out. Roxanne nodded, wiping away the girl’s tears. “Why did you do it?” Despite her sobs, Estella answered, “Because I don’t like Mr. Damaris.”

It was the justification Roxanne anticipated, yet wished she hadn’t heard.

“When Mr. Damaris gave you flowers, you accepted them. But when Daddy did, you tried to return them. You also argue with Daddy and rarely smile at him, yet you constantly smile at Mr. Damaris…” Estella articulated her grievances against Jack.

The more Roxanne listened, the heavier her heart grew. She had no idea Essie was capable of such intense jealousy at such a young age, a jealousy stemming from her strong attachment to her.

Estella tugged at Roxanne’s shirt, pleading, “I only want you to be with Daddy and to be my mommy! Please don’t hate me, Ms. Jarvis!”

Slightly stunned, Roxanne patted the girl’s head. She’s too attached to me, she thought.

“It’s our fault, Mommy! If we hadn’t spoken badly about Mr. Damaris, Essie wouldn’t have been prejudiced against him!” Archie and Benny pleaded on Estella’s behalf.

Roxanne sighed. “You two did do something wrong, but this isn't about you. The brothers furrowed their brows, their gaze fixed on their mother; they didn’t want Estella punished.

Roxanne turned to Estella, whose face was streaked with tears. “I know what you’re thinking, but this isn’t right. No matter how much you like or dislike someone, you can’t touch their belongings. Destroying other people’s property is even worse. Do you understand?”

Estella hiccuped and nodded obediently.

Then Roxanne addressed the boys. “As for you two…”

Archie and Benny straightened.

“I know you care for Essie, but you can’t always cover for her. You must set good examples. Don’t do anything bad, and don’t speak ill of others behind their backs,” Roxanne advised.

The brothers nodded. “We know what we did wrong. It won’t happen again!”

Roxanne nodded and released Estella from her embrace. “Now that you three understand your mistakes, it’s time to accept your punishments.”