Chapter 1149

Seemingly sensing Roxanne's gaze, Lucian turned toward her. Roxanne was stupefied when their eyes met. It took her a few seconds to regain her composure and signal Lucian to stop the kindergarten head.

"I don't have much time. Tell them to hurry," she urged. He seemed to misunderstand her expression.

The kindergarten head readily agreed and promptly called the parents.

Once the headmaster left, Roxanne looked at Lucian disapprovingly. "You don't need to escalate this," she said. "Those children might take their anger out on Essie after being scolded. My lesson was sufficient."

Lucian's eyes flicked to the girl in Roxanne's arms before anger filled them. "Those parents failed to teach their children properly, allowing them to bully Essie. They must pay the price. The consequences will be far more severe if they don't apologize."

He wouldn't let those parents off easily.

Roxanne opened her mouth to speak, then closed it, remembering her outsider status.

Lucian raised an eyebrow. "Ms. Jarvis, you bullied those children, yet hesitate to discipline the adults?"

Their eyes met briefly before Roxanne quickly looked away.

"That's not what I meant. This is your family matter, Mr. Farwell. You should make the final decisions." She had only bullied the children in anger.

Lucian continued to watch her intently. Just as he was about to question her presence, the kindergarten head returned.

"I've notified the parents. They'll be here soon. Please wait, Mr. Farwell." He then turned to Roxanne, cautiously asking, "She is...?"

Roxanne instinctively looked at Lucian, who was already looking at her expectantly. His expression was unreadable. She understood his unspoken question: what role would she claim after posing as Estella's mother?

After a long silence, Roxanne mumbled, "I am... Essie's aunt." She lowered her head, ashamed. If the headmaster verified her identity with Lucian, she wasn't sure he'd believe her.

Fortunately, the headmaster didn't question her further, merely nodding before turning his attention back to Estella.

"Is Ms. Estella hurt? I'll call the doctor." He reached for his phone.

Roxanne stopped him. "No need. I've already treated her wounds."

Relieved, the headmaster thanked her profusely.

Silence fell again. The headmaster attempted to appease Lucian, but noticing Lucian's focus on Estella, he fell silent.

A tense quiet settled over the office. Then, hurried footsteps echoed in the corridor. Several elegantly dressed women rushed in. Upon seeing Lucian, they began apologizing profusely.

"Ms. Farwell, my child was insensitive and hurt Ms. Estella. I'm so sorry. We failed to teach him properly. We'll scold him severely at home."

"Where is he? Bring him to apologize to Ms. Estella."

Soon, the office was filled only with apologies.