Not wanting to attract attention, Roxanne interrupted coldly. "Since Ms. Pearson is back and Essie's tree has been planted, I think you should take Essie and go back with Ms. Pearson, Mr. Farwell." Aubree shot to her feet, grinning at Lucian.
Aubree's motive was to prevent Lucian and Roxanne from spending time together. Roxanne's suggestion, therefore, delighted her.
Lucian's gaze turned grim. He frowned at Roxanne. "Ms. Jarvis, you helped Essie and me plant the tree. I can't leave now. Besides, there's another tree. Let's plant it together."
Roxanne furrowed her brows. As she was about to refuse, Estella called out timidly, "Ms. Jarvis"
Roxanne's heart softened. She turned, only to see aversion on Estella's face. Clearly, Estella was traumatized by Aubree's previous actions and remained afraid of her.
Roxanne thought, I'd love to keep Essie, but we're not related. I can't protect her.
After a moment's hesitation, Roxanne lowered her eyes and agreed. "Since you've said so, Mr. Farwell, I'll have to trouble you."
Lucian's expression relaxed. He picked up the shovel and continued filling the holes. Estella's mood lifted; realizing Roxanne wouldn't leave, she smiled and joined the boys.
Aubree was suddenly ignored. After a pause, she mustered her courage, deciding to take Lucian away. "Lucian, you must be tired. Why don't you rest?" He didn't respond, as if he hadn't heard her.
Aubree gritted her teeth, summoning her courage and reaching for the shovel.
Archie and Benny could no longer bear it. Archie looked at Aubree innocently. "Ms. Pearson, if you're worried, shouldn't you worry about Essie? Mr. Farwell has only filled a few holes. It's easy for adults. Look at Essie; she's sweaty."
"Didn't you apologize to Essie? Do you not mean it?" Benny added.
Aubree's face turned ashen. She pinched her palm to suppress her anger.
Having been called out, Aubree had no choice but to approach Estella. She asked patiently, "Essie, are you tired? I'll take you somewhere yummy. Would you like that?"
Estella shrank back, biting her lip, and glancing at Roxanne.
Roxanne felt bad for Estella but didn't know what to say. Aubree was Lucian's publicly announced fiancรฉe and Estella's future mother; Roxanne had no right to interfere.
Seeing Roxanne's silence, Aubree smirked and pulled Estella into a hug. Estella struggled, but Aubree tightened her embrace. Estella could only bite her lip and submit.
Seeing Estella's quietness, Lucian assumed she didn't hate Aubree that much, and that Aubree wouldn't dare bully her in his presence. Aubree remained silent.
After planting the last tree, Roxanne again suggested Lucian leave with Estella and Aubree. He nodded silently.