Chapter 258

The mention of Lucian and Aubree's impending wedding caused Roxanne to lower her gaze. Swallowing the retort on her tongue, she replied to the woman, "Thank you for your advice. I'll be more mindful in the future." The woman took Roxanne's meekness as a sign of victory, mentally noting to tell Aubree about the incident and use it to curry favor with the future Mrs. Farwell.

Scowling, she spat, "Good. You would never be a good match for Mr. Farwell."

Their conversation had lasted so long that Estella, wondering why Roxanne hadn't returned, peeped from behind a tree. She saw a fierce-looking woman confronting Roxanne, whom she perceived as bullying her. Hastily, Estella clambered toward them, yelling, "Don't bully Ms. Jarvis!" She latched onto Roxanne's legs and glared at the woman.

The woman's expression changed instantly. She smiled, knelt, and attempted to stroke Estella's head, cooing, "Isn't this Ms. Estella? You're such an adorable girl." However, Estella, autistic and wary of strangers, pushed the woman's hand away and stared cautiously. The woman's smile froze.

Estella's closeness to Roxanne further vexed the woman, who stubbornly tried again. "Don't worry, Ms. Estella. I mean no harm. I just think you look adorable." She reached for Estella again.

Panic filled Estella's eyes; she hid behind Roxanne, clinging to her leg. Roxanne, concerned, stopped the woman. "Essie's scared of strangers," she explained. "If you really like her, it would be better to keep your distance."

Estella's repeated rejection and Roxanne's words enraged the woman. She stood, arguing, "I'm close to Ms. Pearson, and she's going to become Essie's mother soon. My relationship with Essie is none of your business."

Roxanne's expression changed. The woman was telling the truth. Roxanne didn't deserve to interfere, but Essie was clearly terrified, trembling in her arms. Roxanne said, "Since your daughter and Essie are in the same class, you should know about Essie's condition. She doesn't like strangers touching her. Thank you for your advice, but if there's nothing else, please leave. Essie is still shaken." She gently pulled Estella into her arms.

Tears in her eyes, Estella glared at the woman. The woman, ignoring Roxanne, was about to speak when Lucian arrived.

"What happened to Essie?"

Estella ran to him, wailing, "That lady doesn't like Ms. Jarvis."

Lucian frowned. He'd been delayed by parents, and hadn't expected to find Estella crying. He immediately understood that "the lady" was the woman standing before Roxanne.

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