Chapter 136: Give Up

Roxanne watched Sonya sit on the couch before closing the door. Taking a seat in the armchair, she looked the older woman in the eyes and said, "Mrs. Farwell, what is the reason for your early visit?"

Sonya didn't mince words. "I'm here to tell you to stay away from Lucian. And don't try to win over Essie. She has nothing to do with you. You chose to get a divorce and leave without telling anyone, so you have no right to come back."

Roxanne almost scoffed. "Don't worry," she replied flatly. "I never intended to return when I left."

"Is that so?" Sonya sneered. "Then explain why you met Lucian. And why is Essie here with you?" Sonya stared at Roxanne contemptuously. "She says she's not coming back, but everything she's doing is to curry favor with them. What a liar!"

Roxanne's brows furrowed. Her demeanor sharpened. "I think you've misunderstood. It was a coincidence I met Lucian. He was visiting Old Mr. Queen while I was treating him. And Essie attends the same kindergarten as my children. They're friends, so she often plays with them."

Roxanne omitted Estella's clinginess during her illness. Given Sonya's hostility, she knew any explanation would be dismissed.

Despite Roxanne's clarification and efforts to distance herself from Lucian and his daughter, Sonya remained unconvinced.

"How coincidental," Sonya questioned. "With your current status, verifying the kindergarten shouldn't be difficult. Why did you choose the one the Farwell family is investing in?"

Roxanne hesitated. Madilyn had recommended the kindergarten; she hadn't investigated it further. Had she done so, she wouldn't have enrolled her sons.

Sonya, receiving no answer, assumed Roxanne felt guilty. "Regardless of your plan," she scoffed, "I won't let you rejoin the family. Give up!"

Roxanne nodded. "Don't worry. I've never considered it."

"I hope you remember that," Sonya warned.

The children finished breakfast and entered, encountering Sonya. Archie and Benny were confused but sensed her hostility toward their mother, rushing to protect her. Estella, recognizing her grandmother, ran to Sonya, looking perplexed.

Sonya ruffled Estella's hair. "Essie, be a good girl and come home with Grandma, okay?"

Estella shook her head and turned back toward Roxanne.

Sonya immediately grabbed Estella's arm. The girl struggled, her face reddening with anxiety.

"Be good and come home with me!" Sonya's voice hardened, her grip tightening.

Estella felt the pain but refused to leave Roxanne. Her lip trembled, and she began to cry silently.

Only then did Sonya realize her harshness. Frowning, she released Estella, but the girl continued to cry.