Chapter 122: She Finally Recovered

Roxanne stayed with Estella all day, but Estella remained unresponsive. As darkness fell, Roxanne reluctantly left, saying, “I’ll visit again tomorrow. You have to get better, okay?” She hugged Estella tightly, then Archie and Benny embraced her as well.

As the three prepared to leave, Roxanne felt a tug on her skirt. Turning, she saw Estella's gaze unfocused and emotionless, yet her hand clung tightly to Roxanne's skirt. At the door, Lucian and James exchanged shocked glances. They had believed Estella was completely unresponsive, yet she had registered Roxanne's presence and didn't want her to leave.

Roxanne was breathless. After a moment, she returned to Estella, knelt, and looked warmly into her eyes. “Essie, you know I’m here, right?” Estella's eyes remained blank, but her grip on Roxanne's skirt persisted.

Archie and Benny quickly asked, “Mommy, can we bring Essie back with us?”

Roxanne was tempted. She glanced anxiously at Lucian and James. If Estella was willing, Roxanne would gladly take her in. However, she worried Estella might not want to leave her father.

James' expression tightened. “I think that’s fine. It’s a significant improvement that Essie responded. Her recovery might be faster if she stays with you for a while.”

He turned to Lucian. Lucian stared at Estella's hands, a wave of numbing pain washing over him. Recovering, he said in a deep voice, “I’ll send her back. But give me a moment; I’ll have Catalina pack Essie’s essentials.”

Roxanne, Archie, and Benny were both shocked and delighted. Archie and Benny rushed to hug Estella, exclaiming, “We will take really good care of you!”

Later, Lucian drove the four of them home. Estella nestled in Roxanne's arms like a doll, clinging to her and unconsciously clutching her skirt even in the car. Archie sat obediently in the passenger seat. During the drive, Lucian meticulously detailed Estella's care needs, having personally cared for her and knowing her routines—her midnight wakings, her need for milk before bed, and her picky eating habits.

Looking in the rearview mirror, he said to Roxanne, “I’ll leave Essie with you for a few days. Thank you for helping her.”

Roxanne replied calmly, “I’ve said this before, and I’ll say it again. The child is innocent, and I will take good care of her.”

Lucian didn't linger. After ensuring Estella’s room was ready, he said goodbye and left.

Roxanne felt a strange sense of surprise. He confidently left Estella with me, just like that? But her thoughts quickly returned to Estella, and her surprise faded.

Outside Roxanne's house, Lucian's expression darkened. He called Aubree.

“Lucian, is anything wrong?” Aubree asked coyly. She was usually the one to initiate calls, so she was surprised and hopeful.

Lucian's voice was cold and distant. “Meet me at Lake Frosa in half an hour.” He hung up.

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