The silence stretched, then Lucian broke it. "As you wish."

Roxanne nodded and went upstairs to get Estella. The three children—Archie, Benny, and Estella—were in Archie and Benny's room. Everyone was upset; the atmosphere was grim. Archie and Benny played with their robot toys; Estella had buried her face in a plush toy. Each child was lost in their own world.

The sound of the opening door drew their attention.

Roxanne softened as she looked at them, but remembering the man downstairs, she regained her composure. Calmly, she said, "Essie, your dad is here to pick you up."

The children were stunned. Estella's eyes widened, shining with confusion, as she hugged her plush toy, motionless.

Roxanne repeated stiffly, "Your dad is waiting downstairs. Hurry."

She stepped aside and waited quietly.

"Ms. Jarvis…" Estella murmured, her voice filled with fear and reluctance.

Roxanne averted her gaze, afraid to speak, lest she encourage the child to stay.

Finally, Estella went to the door. Roxanne stroked her hair and held her hand as they descended the stairs. Lucian had risen from the couch, one hand in his pocket, standing in the middle of the living room, seemingly ready to leave with Estella.

Roxanne held Estella's hand until they reached the bottom step. "Go on, then," she said sweetly, releasing Estella's hand.

Estella looked at her father, then at Roxanne. Dissatisfaction and reluctance shone in her eyes. She took two steps, then whirled around and hugged Roxanne's leg tightly.

Roxanne's heart melted. She reached out, intending to comfort Estella, but instead gently pried the child's hands from her leg. "Be good and go home with your dad. I'll be very busy in the coming days, you know that."

Sensing something was wrong, Estella clung to Roxanne's skirt, shaking her head vehemently. "No! No going home!"

Lucian frowned, his eyes showing surprise and a hint of bitterness. He thought, She needs her mother so badly, but that woman has no intention of taking care of her…

Roxanne looked at Lucian, hoping he would intervene, but he remained stoic, observing them without offering help.

Roxanne crouched to look at Estella's face. Tears welled in Estella's eyes as she pouted and gazed longingly at Roxanne. "I want to stay with you!"

Roxanne's gaze softened. Unable to bear the child's tears, she cooed patiently, "Be good, Essie. I know you like me, and I enjoy spending time with you, but I've been very busy and tired lately. If you want to help me, be good and go home with your dad, okay?"

"I want to stay with Ms. Jarvis…" Estella murmured stubbornly, biting her lip. There's no saying if I can see Ms. Jarvis again if I go home with Daddy now…

Roxanne, understanding Estella's thoughts, was momentarily speechless.

After a few moments, she smiled sweetly. "I'll always be here, and you can visit anytime, okay?"

Estella remained unconvinced.

Lucian, misinterpreting the situation, sternly said, "Estella Farwell, have you forgotten this isn't your home?"

Estella slowly lowered her head, then turned and went to her father.