Chapter 1143

Pamela, having observed Roxanne closely, noticed similarities between her and Estella. Despite this, she cautiously confirmed with Estella, "Essie, is she your aunt?"

Estella, her back to Pamela, simply hugged Roxanne. She remained silent.

Roxanne gently patted Estella's head, saying, "Essie, your teacher is talking to you."

Only at Roxanne's voice did Estella slowly turn.

Smiling, Pamela repeated her question. To their dismay, Estella shook her head, her lips pursed in clear distress.

Roxanne and Pamela were stunned. Roxanne understood Estella's upset stemmed from denying their mother-daughter relationship, but she couldn't explain the situation to Pamela. Pamela found Roxanne's claims of a different identity highly suspicious. She picked up her phone, her wariness evident.

Roxanne quickly interjected, "I can explain. Please believe me. If I were a bad person, why would Essie be so obediently in my arms?"

Pamela remained doubtful. Estella's unusual quietness in Roxanne's arms, contrasted with her rejection of other teachers, including Aubree, fueled her suspicion. Pamela wondered about the nature of their relationship. Her confusion was plain to see.

"Miss, even if I believe you're not a bad person, the fact remains that you made the children cry. This is serious. You must provide an explanation so I can respond to their parents."

Roxanne looked out the window at the crying children and the harried teaching assistant. Turning back to Pamela, she apologized, "I'm truly Essie's aunt. I can call her father if you don't believe me." She hadn't wanted to involve Lucian, but the children's parents were wealthy and influential; only the Farwell family held the power to appease them. Besides, she had only frightened the children while protecting Estella.

Unexpectedly, Pamela wanted her to make the call. "As a teacher, I'm responsible for the children." Her intention was clear.

Roxanne momentarily choked, staring at Pamela before reluctantly taking out her phone. She'd never envisioned making this call unprepared, especially after hesitating so much the previous night. She had, after all, been secretly checking on Estella.

Gripping her phone, Roxanne felt her heart pound. Pamela's suspicion grew with each passing moment. Roxanne, left with no other option, dialed Lucian's number.

To her astonishment, the call was disconnected after two rings. She glanced at Pamela as the automated message played.

Pamela's already fragile trust completely shattered. "Please put Essie down. I'll get the security guards to handle this."