Chapter 1285

Lucian, Roxanne, and their three children enjoyed a fun-filled day at the amusement park. For dinner, Lucian took them to a nearby upscale restaurant.

As they were being seated, Estella, with a proud expression, clung tightly to Roxanne's blouse. "I want to sit with Aunt Roxanne!" she declared.

Lucian, Archie, and Benny were surprised by Estella's phrasing and instinctively glanced at Roxanne. Hesitant to meet Lucian's gaze, Roxanne explained, "Essie wanted to call me that, so I agreed. If you don't like it, then—"

Before she could finish, Lucian, raising an eyebrow, interjected, "Personally, I prefer a closer term, but if that's what she wants, let it be for now." He then ushered Archie and Benny to their seats.

Since Estella wished to sit with Roxanne, Archie and Benny, through their actions, indicated their preference to sit with Lucian. Ultimately, Roxanne and Lucian sat opposite each other, with the children beside them. The children were pleased with the arrangement, and Lucian felt a quiet satisfaction at being able to easily look at Roxanne.

Lucian had pre-ordered their meal, featuring the restaurant's signature dishes. He thoughtfully included ice cream for the children. The ice cream's presentation was unique; with a flourish from the waiter, it transformed before their eyes, eliciting delighted gasps and clapping from the children.

Roxanne habitually cut the children's steaks into bite-sized pieces. Looking up, she discovered Lucian already performing this task. His head was bowed, his expression patient and unhurried. Meeting her gaze, he asked, "Do you need help with yours as well?" He gestured to her untouched steak.

Roxanne was momentarily stunned, then shook her head, embarrassed. "I can manage," she murmured.

Without further comment, Lucian resumed cutting the steaks, placing the pieces on the children's plates. Dinner was a warm and harmonious occasion.

In a secluded corner, unnoticed by the family, Sonya watched their interaction, her expression darkening. Even anticipating a reconciliation between Lucian and Roxanne, she hadn't expected their relationship to progress so rapidly. To any observer, the five appeared to be a family.

Seeing Lucian personally cutting steak for "those two bastards," as she thought of them, ignited Sonya's anger. She fumed silently: "I raised him, yet he's never cut steak for me! How dare he serve someone else's sons? That Roxanne—she's no good, and already has two bastards! Why is my son so obsessed with her?"

As the family prepared to leave, Sonya frowned, suppressing her anger. Although seated near the exit, her table was concealed by abundant houseplants, shielding her from view. Roxanne and the others passed by completely unaware of her presence.

At the door, Estella thanked Roxanne for some candy. "Thank you, Aunt Roxanne!"

Hidden behind the plants, Sonya nearly blurted out in response to Estella’s words.