Chapter 351: A Heavy Heart

After confirming Estella was safe, James left before dinner.

Lucian remained in his study for a while, then called Pippa. He had personally taken Estella to kindergarten that morning. Even if she’d left alone, he assumed she’d left from the kindergarten; Pippa would know what happened.

Pippa was nervous to receive Lucian’s call. “I left after dropping Estella off. Ms. Jarvis said she’d bring her back. Didn’t she?” she asked anxiously.

She regretted leaving Estella with Roxanne. She hadn’t asked Lucian’s permission, taking Estella to Archie and Benny’s, and leaving her there. It was irresponsible.

Lucian was displeased by Pippa’s recklessness. Besides, Estella had come home alone.

“She did,” Lucian said, his eyes darkening. “How’s Benny?”

He told Pippa that Roxanne had sent Estella home. Pippa breathed a sigh of relief. “He’s fine now. Benny should be back at school in two days.”

“I see. Thank you,” Lucian replied curtly.

Pippa apologized profusely before hanging up.

Lucian was lost in thought. Since their café encounter, he hadn’t seen Roxanne. He didn’t know what his mother had said to Roxanne, but sensed Roxanne would avoid him for a while. He only knew Benny was unwell; he knew nothing of his recovery. Even if he called, Roxanne wouldn’t tell him anything. His lips pursed.

According to Pippa, Roxanne should have brought Estella home. She wouldn't have left her halfway. Roxanne likely dropped Estella at the manor entrance and left without entering, so Catalina didn't see her. Roxanne was still avoiding him.

Exasperated, Lucian pinched the bridge of his nose. A knock came on his study door. It was Catalina. “Mr. Farwell, it’s time for dinner.”

He snapped out of his thoughts, mumbled a reply, and went to get Estella. She came out immediately. Though not her best mood, she seemed normal. Lucian followed solemnly.

Estella should have been happy if she’d been to Roxanne’s, but she wasn’t. Lucian wondered what Roxanne had said. Didn’t she promise our argument wouldn’t affect the children?

Downstairs, Lucian sat beside Estella and asked casually, “Where did you go today?”

Estella hesitated, then shook her head silently. She clearly didn’t want to talk about it.

Lucian frowned, surer than ever that Roxanne had said something. Just as he pondered this, Estella tugged at his shirt.

He lowered his head, puzzled.

“I want veggies,” she said, giving him puppy-dog eyes and pointing to the vegetables across the table. Lucian was taken aback.

It was her first words to him since the abduction, and they had nothing to do with Roxanne.

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