Chapter 353: Fury

Estella stared at Lucian after she finished speaking. She sensed Roxanne, Archie, and Benny's aversion to him. She attributed their dislike to Lucian's behavior. She had been honest with him, hoping he would reflect on his actions and treat Roxanne, Archie, and Benny better, thereby winning their affection and perhaps persuading Roxanne to stay. The thought of Roxanne moving overseas filled the little girl with wistfulness.

Lucian's mood fluctuated dramatically at his daughter's words. Roxanne had said the same thing. "Did she say that to Essie, too? Is that why Essie came back so upset?" he wondered.

He wanted answers, so he asked, "Did Ms. Jarvis tell you she doesn't like me this afternoon?"

Estella shook her head.

Lucian was relieved. He knew Estella had drawn her own conclusions from Roxanne's treatment of him. But if Roxanne hadn't said anything to Estella, why was the little girl so upset? Estella had also acted strangely at dinner.

The more Lucian thought about it, the more confused he became. "Why were you so upset? Did Ms. Jarvis tell you something?"

His question hit the mark. Estella, having ruminated on Roxanne's words all afternoon, lowered her head sadly. Finally, she muttered, "Ms. Jarvis won't play with me anymore." Lucian's eyes darkened. "Why?"

Roxanne had promised that their issues wouldn't affect the children. Why had she told Estella that?

Again, Estella shook her head.

Lucian pressed, "Did Ms. Jarvis say you can't tell me?"

The little girl shook her head.

"Then tell me. Maybe I can help you persuade her," Lucian said.

Although Estella knew the chances were slim, a glimmer of hope appeared. In a small voice, she said, "Ms. Jarvis is moving overseas with Archie and Benny." Despondency filled her voice.

Lucian's heart skipped a beat. His face turned cold, the air growing still.

"Roxanne is moving overseas with the boys?" he thought. He'd never heard of this before.

"Is she doing this because of me? Or is she just brushing Essie off?" he wondered.

If true, considering her recent avoidance, Lucian realized he wouldn't have known until after Roxanne had left.

He had spent six years searching for her, finally succeeding after much effort. He fumed at the thought of Roxanne leaving without a word. The more he considered it, the angrier he became.

Estella's eyes filled with tears as she received no response from Lucian. "Daddy, I don't want Ms. Jarvis to go" She gently tugged at his shirt.

Snapping out of his thoughts, Lucian turned to his daughter, but couldn't find the words to reassure her. Of course, he didn't want Roxanne to avoid him again. However, given their strained relationship, he knew he had no right to interfere.

(The promotional message should be removed from the text.)