Chapter 1289

Sonya believed she had successfully provoked Roxanne. She was mistaken; the more Sonya spoke, the more ridiculous she seemed to Roxanne. Sonya's overthinking stemmed from her fabricated accounts of Archie and Benny's ages. She wondered how Sonya would react if she discovered their true identities and recalled her accusations.

Roxanne remained expressionless. "If you think so, then that's it."

Sonya's fury flared at this nonchalant response. "Then leave Lucian and Essie alone! I know your tactics to get close to Lucian!"

Roxanne looked confused.

Sonya declared, "You're using Essie's fondness for you! Do you think you can become Essie's mother this way? Forget it! It will never be you! You're only lucky to have two children near Essie's age. Once Aubree gives birth, Essie will like her too!"

Sonya found irony in Estella's address for Roxanne at the restaurant, a reminder that Roxanne was unaware Estella was her daughter. If Roxanne knew, she wouldn't have allowed Estella to call her "Aunt Roxanne." Sonya planned to exploit this to drive Roxanne away from her son.

"The family will do whatever it takes to find Essie's mother. She will be the next Mrs. Farwell. It will never be you!" Sonya declared.

Roxanne's brows furrowed in surprise. No matter what it takes? she wondered. Does that mean the Farwell family doesn't know who Essie's mother is? Does Lucian know?

Seeing Roxanne lost in thought, Sonya's anger simmered. She spoke clearly, "While I'm still speaking calmly, be sensible. Take what you want and leave Horington. Otherwise, don't blame me for not remembering you were once my daughter-in-law!"

Roxanne returned to the present, a wry smile playing on her lips. "Since when did you ever care about that?"

Roxanne found the statement ludicrous, as Sonya had never treated her as a daughter-in-law. Sonya stiffened, speechless.

Roxanne sipped her coffee, ignoring Sonya. "Also, you can't give me what I want. I'll pretend this conversation never happened. It's late. You should go."

After a pause, Sonya said stiffly, "You should know what's best for you!"

Roxanne calmly opened the door. "I won't see you out."

It was clearly a dismissal. Sonya, sensing the awkwardness, left the mansion with a grim expression. Roxanne immediately closed the door.

Roxanne had intended a proper discussion but hadn't anticipated Sonya's hostility. She had no choice but to confront her directly. Sonya's statement about the search for Estella's mother struck her deeply. She hadn't expected the Farwells still didn't know Essie's mother's identity. If the woman remained hidden, could Roxanne truly care for Essie in her place?