Chapter 1293

“Why choose the hard way when an easier option is right here?” Lucian asked.

Roxanne stopped, staring at him in confusion.

“I’m in no rush. How about I give you a ride?” Lucian continued, arching an eyebrow as he exited her car.

Roxanne hesitated. Getting a cab at this hour would be difficult; Lucian’s offer was convenient. But she wasn’t comfortable being so close to him, nor could she readily accept his help.

As if reading her mind, Lucian added, “I don’t mind charging a fare if you’re so concerned about inconveniencing me.”

Roxanne tensed; she knew he meant something else.

Sure enough, Lucian continued, “I just need you to go somewhere with me.”

“Where?” Roxanne asked instinctively.

Instead of answering, Lucian opened the passenger door and gestured for her to enter. They had been standing for some time, attracting attention. It was late, so after a brief hesitation, Roxanne got in. Lucian drove away.

Cayden sighed as Lucian’s car disappeared. Ugh, being Mr. Farwell’s assistant wasn’t easy! He’d had to sabotage Ms. Jarvis’s car and now had to clean up the mess, arranging for it to be towed. After calling a tow truck, he clasped his hands, praying Roxanne wouldn’t hold him accountable if she found out. He was just following Farwell’s orders; she should blame Farwell!

Meanwhile, a commotion erupted in the classroom as Pippa brought in the three children.

“Essie!”

“It’s really her!”

The other children squealed, rushing forward to surround them. One child had claimed to see Estella at the gate, but they hadn’t believed him until now. They hadn’t liked Estella before; her silence led them to believe she disliked them. However, as Estella opened up with Archie and Benny’s help, the children warmed to her, missing her while she was gone. Accustomed to coldness at her previous kindergarten, Estella was unprepared for such a warm welcome. She sought Archie and Benny, only to find them swallowed by the crowd. As the children hugged Estella, a boy kissed her cheek.

Archie and Benny shouted, “Hey! Boys don’t kiss her! Hugs only!”

Estella, still stunned, instinctively nodded at their defense. The boy apologized, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to kiss you. I just—”

Snapping out of her daze, Estella smiled at their sincerity. “It’s okay! I’ve missed you guys too!”

The children smothered her with hugs again.