Chapter 1146

Twenty minutes later, Lucian's car pulled slowly up in front of the kindergarten. His expression remained impassive as he exited the vehicle, slamming the door forcefully. He strode toward Estella's classroom, a storm brewing in his eyes. Roxanne Jarvis! What was she doing in Essie's classroom? Hadn't she promised to avoid interfering?

Lucian's fury stemmed from their last unpleasant separation and Pamela's earlier words. Meanwhile, Roxanne waited with Pamela in the office for his arrival. Noticing the red mark on Estella's hand, Pamela had summoned a medical kit. Roxanne, holding Estella, carefully applied the medication. Pamela watched cautiously from the side. A pin-drop silence filled the office.

A knock on the door broke the stillness. Several people looked toward the entrance. Pamela opened the door. Roxanne tensed, her hand pausing mid-application.

"Mr. Farwell, you're here," Pamela said, her heart leaping. She ushered him inside. Roxanne, heart pounding, lowered her head. The approaching footsteps were clearly audible in the quiet office. As they neared, she looked up.

Lucian stood there, a sneer playing on his lips, silently regarding her. Their eyes met, and Roxanne's ears burned. She stiffened, holding Estella closer. "Mr. Farwell," she said.

Pamela, astonished by Roxanne's address, was increasingly perplexed by their relationship, forgetting to explain the situation to Lucian. He, however, seemed unconcerned, his gaze fixed on Roxanne.

"What do you mean by this, Ms. Jarvis? Have you forgotten our agreement? Why are you here?" he asked mockingly.

Roxanne's gaze fell upon Estella's injured hand. The memory of the earlier bullying resurfaced. Suddenly emboldened, she retorted, "I should be asking that, Mr. Farwell. You know Essie isn't suited to this new environment, yet you insisted on transferring her. Look at her now! Is this how you've cared for her all these years?"

Lucian frowned, studying the child in Roxanne's arms. Estella's injured hand hung limply, revealing the red mark. Recognizing it—the same hand injured in the previous bullying incident—Lucian's expression darkened. He understood Roxanne's implication: Estella had been bullied again.

He turned to Pamela, his voice cold. "What happened?"

Pamela, startled by his direct question, stammered before composing herself. "Mr. Farwell, Essie had a conflict with other children. They were… impulsive, so…"