Estella obediently reached out her injured hand. When Lucian saw the wound, he furrowed his brows. "What happened? Were you bullied?"

Estella stiffened, then vigorously shook her head.

Lucian was confused. "Then what happened?"

Estella picked up her pencil and slowly wrote "treeped" in her book. She cocked her head, dubious of her spelling. It was too difficult for her; she often spelled phonetically or skipped words. This word, however, was unusual, so she was unsure if it was correct.

Lucian, after looking at the word, asked, "Did you trip?"

Estella nodded.

He sighed in relief, gently touching her injured hand. "Did the teacher treat your wound?"

Estella nodded. Lucian nodded, his gaze returning to her small hands. "This will take days to heal, and you need proper care. I'll help you, okay?"

Estella didn't object. Lucian immediately crouched, lifted her into his arms, and carried her downstairs. In the living room, he settled her on his lap on the couch and said to Catalina, "Bring the medical kit."

Catalina nodded and quickly returned with it. Lucian sprayed the bruise and massaged the area. It was quite bad; even hours later, it still hurt. Estella, however, didn't complain, merely pursing her lips and furrowing her brows. Lucian periodically checked her expression to ensure he wasn't causing her pain. Her frown reminded him of someone.

Seeing her father staring, Estella looked up, baffled. She noticed his injured lip and pointed at it questioningly. He understood.

Lucian held her hand. "It's fine. A wild kitty bit me."

Estella was even more confused. She grabbed pencil and paper and wrote: "Where did the cat come from?"

Lucian's eyes darkened slightly. "From overseas," he said, unwilling to elaborate. He feared losing control of his anger in front of his daughter. Noticing her perplexed expression, he took the pencil and paper. "Let's not talk about this anymore. It's almost bedtime."

Estella, though curious, obeyed. He carried her upstairs.

Roxanne found the two children still awake, watching television with Madilyn. They ran to her upon her arrival, shouting, "Mommy!"

Roxanne smiled and patted their heads. Archie smelled alcohol on her and wrinkled his nose. "I'll make a hangover remedy," he said. "That way, your head won't hurt tomorrow." He went to the kitchen.

Benny guided Roxanne to the couch, climbed onto her lap, and began massaging her temples. "I'll massage your head so you won't feel bad," he said solemnly.

Madilyn was impressed. "Why are your godsons so sweet?"

Roxanne smiled. "Do you like them? Have one yourself."

Madilyn quickly shook her head. "Forget it! Mine might not be as sensible. I just want to steal yours!"

Benny consoled her, "Aunt Madilyn, no need to steal us! If you're drunk, Archie and I will take care of you too!"

Madilyn was overwhelmed. "You boys are the best! I love you to death!"

Roxanne shuddered at the cheesiness. She drank Archie's remedy. By the time she finished, it was late.

"All right, I'm fine now. Go to bed." She kissed her sons' foreheads. They said goodnight to Madilyn and went upstairs.