The same thought occurred to Roxanne: Is this little girl mute? Her sympathy grew. In a gentle voice, she asked, "Can you give me your hand?" Extending her hand, she waited patiently. Despite staring timidly, the little girl seemed less rigid after hearing Roxanne's words.

After a long hesitation, the little girl cautiously took Roxanne's hand. Roxanne gently helped her up, carefully checking for injuries. Their physical proximity increased. The little girl felt soft and fluffy, smelling faintly of milk. Roxanne was reminded of her stillborn daughter, who would have been around this girl's age. The thought brought a wave of heartache and regret.

As if sensing Roxanne's emotions, the little girl gazed at her quietly. I know I shouldn't talk to strangers, the girl thought, but this lady is really pretty. I feel the urge to get close to her.

Madilyn remarked, "Oh, what an adorable young girl! She's as adorable as our boys!"

Roxanne agreed. "I believe she's lost. Let's take her to the police station to contact her family."

The girl tugged at Roxanne's hand. Roxanne looked down in confusion as the little girl shook her head vehemently, her eyes reddening, on the verge of tears. Clearly, she didn't want to go to the police station. This tugged at Roxanne's heartstrings, but she worried about being accused of kidnapping if she didn't take the girl to the authorities.

Roxanne was in a dilemma. "All right, we don't have to go to the police station," she said, squatting down. "Do you have your parents' phone number? I can call them."

The little girl slumped in dejection. Assuming she didn't have the number, Roxanne was about to take her to the police station when the girl produced a pencil and a sticky note. She scribbled a phone number with the word "Daddy" beside it and handed it to Roxanne.

Roxanne dialed the number.

"Oh, she is mute," Archie and Benny whispered.

Roxanne glared at her sons. "Don't be rude."

The boys straightened, offering guilty smiles. The little girl instinctively inched closer to Roxanne, grabbing the corner of her dress, unnoticed as Roxanne double-checked the number before calling.

Back at the Farwell residence, Lucian stormed in angrily. "Is Essie back?"

The worried butler replied, "No, sir. I haven't seen Ms. Estella."

Lucian's brow furrowed. I've searched everywhere. Where could she be? What happened to her? A gleam of malice flickered in his eyes.

Aubree, Lucian's former fiancée, rushed in anxiously. "Lucian, I heard Essie's missing! Did you find her?"

Lucian maintained his authoritative demeanor. "She's still missing. I need to know what you told Essie this afternoon. Why would she run away?"

Aubree stared incredulously. "Lucian, are you accusing me? I did nothing! You've seen how much I cared for her! Even though she was cold to me, I took good care of her. I never yelled at her. I would never do anything to make her run away!"

Her red-rimmed eyes and innocent expression were a carefully constructed facade. Deep down, she secretly wished the mute girl would disappear forever. She had been harsh that afternoon, telling Estella she would have more adorable children after marrying Lucian, rendering Estella less important. Estella's inability to speak had given Aubree a false sense of security. She hadn't anticipated Estella running away. This is great! she thought. It's better if she doesn't come back!

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