Chapter 172

The cars ahead started moving, so Roxanne lifted her foot from the brake and focused on the road. Lucian's expression flashed in her mind, ironic in its timing. She replayed his words: "Aren't you engaged to Ms. Pearson? Don't you think it's inappropriate to be so close to me, considering Essie?" He didn't even know Essie's biological mother. The more she thought about it, the more outrageous his behavior seemed. How dare he nag me?

Lucian, clearly surprised by her mention of Estella, looked conflicted. He replied vaguely, "That's not the same thing."

"What's different?" Roxanne sneered. "We have no connection beyond Essie; we aren't even friends. It's my right to choose my friends. It has nothing to do with you. Aren't you being a little too controlling?"

The car's atmosphere chilled. Lucian's expression darkened as he stared out the window. He remained silent for the rest of the drive. Roxanne, mirroring his silence, pursed her lips, her mind racing.

He didn't say where he was going, so she drove home. Without waiting for him to speak, she opened her door and got out. Lucian followed shortly after.

"Now that Essie's condition is stable, it's best she return home. Mr. Farwell, if it's convenient, please take her back," Roxanne said, a decision reached after considerable thought during the drive. She was reluctant to part with Estella, but the constant visits—every few days—because Estella was with her had become tiresome. "From the beginning, I made it clear we were strangers. Yet, you keep appearing—even at Old Mr. Queen's birthday banquet! I'm confused about our relationship. And Archie and Benny, especially Benny, are growing close to you. Benny liked you from the start, and your recent gifts have only strengthened their affection. I'm afraid Benny will tell you everything about me someday. With your intelligence, you'll inevitably discover their connection to you. I don't even want to think about what will happen then."

Silence followed. Finally, she added, "Besides, it seems Mrs. Farwell doesn't want Essie to stay with me"

She felt Lucian's gaze, a strange intensity in his eyes. She fell silent.

He gave her one last look before leaving without a word. Roxanne sighed, then entered the mansion.

Inside, Archie, Benny, and Estella greeted her enthusiastically. Roxanne automatically squatted, opening her arms. The three children leaped into a hug. The warmth of their embrace and their sweet scent melted her worries away. She held them close, her anxieties fading.

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