"Are you in a bad mood, Mommy?" Archie and Benny looked at her with concern.

Roxanne was taken aback. She thought she had hidden her emotions well from her children, but they saw right through her.

"Why did you ask?" she asked nonchalantly, glancing at them in the rearview mirror.

Archie's face creased in bewilderment. "You ignored Essie just now. Did Mr. Farwell annoy you?"

The mention of Lucian unsettled her. She must have been very close to him at one time for Archie to misunderstand.

Benny added, "Essie almost cried."

Roxanne frowned, her heart wrenching as she imagined Estella's distress. She wished she could apologize. Aubree's words further solidified her desire to cut ties with Lucian. She didn't want to interfere with the children's friendship, but she needed to limit her contact with him.

Roxanne stole a casual peek at them and said, "Come out earlier after school. I'll be busy, so Ms. Lane will pick you up."

Archie and Benny, unsatisfied with the answer, exchanged puzzled glances before nodding obediently.

The doorbell rang shortly after Roxanne ushered them inside. She froze before answering.

Madilyn stood on the doorstep, her expression pinched. She opened her mouth, but seeing Archie and Benny, hesitated.

"What is it?" Roxanne stepped aside to let her in.

Madilyn took a deep breath, controlling her temper. "I'll tell you later."

Roxanne didn't press her and invited her to dinner.

Madilyn didn't begin her rant until after Archie and Benny had gone upstairs. "I saw the news yesterday. What was Lucian trying to do?"

Roxanne was caught off guard.

"He shouldn't have looked for you after deciding to marry Aubree!" Madilyn slapped the table. "I thought he'd changed when he sought you out. I never expected to see that news."

Madilyn had always known about Lucian and Aubree's betrothal and hadn't minded when it was publicized before. Living next door, she'd noticed Lucian visiting Roxanne more frequently. She'd excused it the last time, thinking he didn't mean to marry Aubree. But yesterday's news angered her. If Lucian wanted to treat Aubree well, why would he seek out Roxanne?

Bitterness filled Roxanne's heart. "He was going to marry Aubree all along. Don't overthink it."

Madilyn stared, shocked. She realized she was upsetting Roxanne, the one who should be most affected by the news.

She stood abruptly, grabbing Roxanne's arm. "Come on, we're going out for drinks. We'll stay out until we're both completely drunk! Forget those low-life men!"