Chapter 1081: Certain Matters Cannot Be Forced

Meanwhile, on the way back to the Farwell residence, Lucian intermittently glanced in the rearview mirror. He saw Estella sitting quietly in the back; she sniffled occasionally but didn't seem on the verge of tears. Her subdued reaction, so different from her earlier distress, unsettled him; he suspected she was in shock.

A short while later, he said grimly, "Go ahead and cry if you need to." Estella pouted, lowering her gaze and fiddling with her fingers.

Receiving no response, Lucian was about to turn when she asked, "Daddy, did Ms. Jarvis really want to hit you?"

Estella tilted her head, seeking answers. Ms. Jarvis, while sometimes angry, had never struck him before. It must have been a misunderstanding.

Lucian recalled the balcony kiss. He regretted his impulsiveness, yet the anger over Roxanne's perception of Jack lingered.

While lost in thought, Estella continued, "Why did she try to scare you?" From her perspective, Roxanne's attempt seemed futile given her father's size and build.

Lucian's brow furrowed; a headache threatened. Through the rearview mirror, he saw the earnest plea in her eyes. He answered grimly, "There was a misunderstanding, but not as you think."

Estella's curiosity intensified. "Then what is it?"

Lucian wouldn't reveal the kiss. "It's a private matter between Ms. Jarvis and me."

Estella accepted his reticence. After a brief silence, she pleaded, "Daddy, please don't be mad at Ms. Jarvis anymore."

Lucian pondered, seizing the opportunity to tell Estella that he and Roxanne would never be together. He needed to, as she still held onto hope; prolonging her expectation would only intensify future disappointment.

He glanced at Estella. "I'm not mad at her," he said, then continued, "After all, we'll probably not see each other again."

Estella's eyes widened, then darkened. "Why?"

Worried about shocking her, he softened his tone. "Ms. Jarvis has her own family, and the boys have their father. It wouldn't be right to keep intruding." Besides, he added silently, he would have his own family one day.

"But..." Estella's gaze was defiant. Hadn't Daddy said he would pursue Mrs. Farwell?

Lucian preempted her. "I didn't think this through properly. I realize now that some things can't be forced."

He watched her reaction in the rearview mirror, seeing only a sad frown. Her lack of tears surprised him.