Chapter 1141

The children's fear intensified when they heard Estella call Roxanne "Mommy." Roxanne showed no sign of rejection. This lady must have seen how they bullied Essie.

Roxanne patted Estella's head, then looked at the other children. "Apologize to Essie!" Her fierce expression brought their heads down in guilt.

However, the girl who had attacked Essie feigned innocence. "It wasn't like that. Essie pushed me first. That's why—"

Roxanne's anger flared. "Why would Essie push you out of nowhere?" She then remembered something, took Estella's hand, and saw a red mark. "Did Essie do this to herself, too?"

The children exchanged glances, surprised Roxanne had witnessed them stepping on Estella's hand. Exposed, the girl who attacked Estella raged, "Hmph! It's her fault for ignoring us!"

Roxanne had considered letting them off; they were just children. But seeing their lack of remorse and attempts to blame Estella, she regretted not bringing Archie and Benny. They would have taught these children a lesson. It seemed she had no choice but to deal with them herself.

Glaring at the unrepentant children, Roxanne fumed, "Just because Essie doesn't talk to you doesn't mean you can bully her. Are you going to attack me now that I'm criticizing you? And does that mean I can bully you since you talked back?"

The girl, shocked, took a step back. "You're an adult. Adults can't—"

"Can't bully the weak? What gives you the right to gang up on others? Is that what your parents taught you?" Roxanne interrupted, expressionless. She caressed Estella's head and asked gently, "Essie, how did they bully you?"

Feeling supported, Estella clung to Roxanne. "T-They said Mommy doesn't want me. They called me 'Little Mute' and stepped on my hand."

Roxanne's temper flared, chilling the air. When Estella finished, Roxanne's gaze returned to the children. Fear flooded their hearts.

After setting Estella aside, Roxanne approached the bullies. They whimpered, "M-Miss—"

Before they could finish, Roxanne gently pushed them to the ground. It was a light shove, but a sufficient lesson. "That's how you bullied Essie. I'll give you another chance. Are you going to apologize?" Her words were clear, her tone laced with authority. She stood close, her presence oppressive.