Chapter 1129
After dropping Estella off, Lucian departed. Aubree started the engine and drove slowly toward Estella's kindergarten. En route, she attempted to reassure Estella, urging her not to take yesterday's words to heart. However, Estella remained unresponsive, fidgeting with her fingers. Aubree clenched her jaw, struggling to restrain her impulse to discipline the girl. She left the kindergarten immediately, fearing her temper would flare if she lingered.
Meanwhile, Roxanne had already delivered Archie and Benny to kindergarten that morning. Knowing Lucian wouldn't be bringing Estella, she felt no need to avoid the school. Furthermore, sensing the boys' low spirits, she believed her presence would improve their mood. At the entrance, she remembered something crucial. With a worried tone, she cautioned, "You mustn't sneak off to find Essie, even if you miss her. If you want to see her, you must tell me." She couldn't bear the thought of them secretly searching for Estella again.
Lucian's abrupt departure felt like a severing of ties, yet it aligned with her own desires. She wouldn't let him believe she regretted their decision. The boys obediently replied, "Got it, Mommy." Roxanne patted their heads apologetically before sending them inside with Pippa. Watching them disappear, she breathed a sigh of relief. She'd been anxious since waking, fearing the boys would question her about her call with Lucian. Knowing their perceptiveness, she anticipated their swift detection of any falsehoods. Had they pressed her, she wouldn't have known how to respond. Fortunately, Jack's visit the previous day seemed to have diverted their attention.
Even after stopping at the research institute, Roxanne felt unsettled. This delayed her noticing two minivans parked outside.
"Dr. Jarvis," Colby greeted her. Surrounded by researchers, he was overseeing the unloading of medicinal herbs. His expression shifted upon seeing her, quickly settling into neutrality before he approached casually.
Roxanne smiled, then cast a questioning glance at the busy workers. "These are...?"
Colby smiled, explaining, "A shipment of medicinal herbs from Mr. Damaris. He said he'd already informed you."
Roxanne paused, recalling her conversation with Jack. He had mentioned sending herbs to the institute when delivering the ancient medicine book. However, Archie and Benny's outburst had prevented her from learning more. She hadn't anticipated such a large quantity.
Noticing her stunned silence, Colby said politely, "Dr. Jarvis, our institute is well-supplied thanks to your relationship with Mr. Damaris." His gaze remained fixed on her, seemingly scrutinizing her expression.