Chapter 1112

“I’ll send you to school later,” Roxanne said hesitantly during breakfast.

Archie and Benny’s eyes lit up. “Mommy, are you done with work?” Although Estella no longer attended their kindergarten, they were thrilled Roxanne would take them. Lysa had been driving them lately, as Roxanne had been avoiding Lucian and Estella. The boys had envied other parents taking their children to school.

Roxanne felt a pang of guilt at their questions. “Yes. Almost done.”

The little ones cheered and ate obediently. After breakfast, they patiently waited by the door with their backpacks, needing no prompting from Roxanne. She, however, hesitated. She still had morning work, but secretly hoped to see Lucian and persuade him to return Estella to kindergarten. The chances were slim, but she couldn't miss the opportunity.

“Mommy, we’re going to be late,” Archie and Benny urged after waiting awhile.

Roxanne snapped back to reality, smiling apologetically. “Let’s go.” She suppressed her apprehension, gathered her bag, and joined the boys.

At the kindergarten, Roxanne walked Archie and Benny to Pippa. “Ms. Jarvis, it’s been a while,” Pippa greeted warmly, then looked at the boys, a shadow crossing her face. She’d grown accustomed to seeing them with Estella, and their presence now only reminded her of Estella’s absence and her uncertain adjustment to a new environment.

Roxanne murmured, “I’ve been busy with work lately. Thank you for taking such good care of Archie and Benny, Ms. Ward.”

Their conversation was brief. Pippa took the boys inside. Roxanne lingered at the entrance. Ms. Ward’s expression told her Estella hadn’t come.

Hoping for a chance to see Estella, Roxanne waited, but the school gates closed with Estella still absent. Disappointed, she returned to the car.

Just then, Colby called. “Dr. Jarvis, when will you arrive?”

Roxanne had been solely researching Herbscape Group’s medicinal herbs, making her indispensable.

Ignoring her disappointment, Roxanne replied, “Sorry. Something came up. I’ll be there soon.”

Colby sensed her distress. “What’s wrong? Do you need help?”

“No, thank you. It’s settled,” Roxanne said, her voice dejected.

Colby tactfully ended the call. Roxanne looked again at the school; still no Estella. She sighed, chuckled ruefully, started the car, and drove to the research institute. She'd forgotten Lucian’s unwavering decisiveness. Having decided to sever ties, he wouldn't change his mind.