Roxanne was slightly stunned before turning to Lucian with a worried expression. She hadn't been honest with him about the incident when Estella had gotten lost. She doubted she could hide it now. Hesitantly, she explained, "It's probably because I found her when she got lost last time."

Jonathan, unaware of this, shifted his gaze between Estella and Roxanne. "I guess you two are destined to meet, then."

"Destined?" Roxanne pondered Estella's identity, pursed her lips, and replied plainly, "I suppose so."

Jonathan noticed nothing unusual. Standing, he suggested, "Since my grandfather still needs an hour, we should wait downstairs and have some water. Thanks for your help, Dr. Jarvis."

Roxanne sighed with relief at the change of subject and readily agreed.

Lucian, having walked away from the bed, responded to the suggestion with his actions. When he tried to hug Estella, she showed no interest. After Estella gave Roxanne her handkerchief, she had remained at Roxanne's side. Upon hearing they were going downstairs, she immediately reached for and grabbed Roxanne's hand, as she had done before.

Just as her hand touched Roxanne's, a phone rang. Roxanne quickly retrieved her phone from her bag, her fingertips brushing the little girl's. Estella, having finally worked up the courage to hold Roxanne's hand, faltered at the last second. Disappointment clouded her expression as she fidgeted with her fingers.

Lucian saw their near-miss. His eyes darkened.

Roxanne answered her phone to find it was Madilyn. She had left her children with Madilyn for an appointment at the Queen's residence. Fearing something had happened, she answered quickly. As she swiped the screen, she accidentally activated the speakerphone.

"Hello?" Roxanne said, unaware of her mistake.

A moment later, two childish voices rang out: "When are you coming back, Mommy?"

Startled, she quickly deactivated the speakerphone, silencing the voices. Her heart pounded. Worriedly, she glanced at Lucian, fearing he'd learned of her children.

His face was as dark as a pre-storm sky; his eyes were icy. He had heard the boy's voice calling her "Mommy." The realization that she might be remarried ignited his rage. He gritted his teeth, forcing himself to calm down and resist the urge to confront her.

Jonathan, oblivious to the tension, smiled. "Are you married, Dr. Jarvis?"

Roxanne, her mind racing, simply nodded.

Jonathan smiled again. "I couldn't tell you already had children."

She apologized, "I'm sorry. Please excuse me while I take this call," then left the room without looking back at Lucian.