Chapter 1155

“I’ll be picking Essie up this evening. Go back to your meeting,” Lucian said to Aubree, his tone frosty.

The woman remained silent. Securing another chance with him had been difficult; she couldn't risk jeopardizing it.

Only after Lucian left did Aubree return to her car, but she didn't drive to the Pearson Group. The meeting was a fabrication, designed to convince Lucian of Estella's importance to her. The Pearsons had reached a tacit agreement: Aubree's primary objective was Lucian's immediate marriage. Consequently, her father managed Pearson Group, while she made infrequent appearances, devoting most of her time to winning Lucian's favor.

Just as her efforts neared fruition, Roxanne's words undid all her work. Aubree seethed, wishing to retaliate violently. Lucian's presence, however, forced her to restrain her fury, his stern warning only intensifying her anger. She vowed to teach Roxanne a lesson.

Assuming Roxanne would be at the research institute, Aubree went there directly. Roxanne, exhausted from Estella's kindergarten, had initially planned to check on Estella before returning to work, but lacked the energy. She felt unsettled, perhaps due to Aubree's words, driving aimlessly until nightfall, when she finally went to collect Archie and Benny.

Their classes had just ended, and the boys rushed toward her car excitedly before she could even exit. She unlocked the doors, taking their bags once they were inside. Their expectant faces saddened her; their excitement stemmed from her visit to Estella—they wanted news. If Estella was well, Roxanne wouldn't hesitate to share. Unfortunately, she'd witnessed the very scenario they dreaded. She didn't know how to tell them.

"Mommy, how's Essie?" Benny asked, noticing her silence.

Resignation washed over her as she lowered her gaze. "Essie's… doing okay. Her teacher takes very good care of her," she managed, the only response she could formulate. It wasn't technically a lie; the teacher would certainly pay more attention to Estella after the incident, ensuring she wouldn't be bullied.

Worried by their mother's evasive response, the boys asked, "Then did Essie see you?"

Roxanne nodded stiffly.

"Then, Mommy, did you tell her that we miss her a lot too?" Benny asked in his sweet voice.

Roxanne kept her eyes on the road, unable to meet their innocent gazes. "I did."