Lucian's expression turned grim. "What's to talk about? Pretend you don't know her. Never interact with her again."

Since she had no intention of acknowledging her daughter, he would comply.

Taken aback by his tone, Estella was stunned. Then, she pouted and wrote in her notebook: Why?

Before he could reply, she quickly wrote: I like her very much. She is kind and gentle to me. I want to be with her!

Despite Lucian's sympathy for her fondness of Roxanne, they had to face reality. He replied indifferently, "She has children. She doesn't need another."

Estella was confused. "I know the two boys are her sons, but she's been very nice to me. Daddy seems to hate her."

Disappointed, Estella fell silent. Lucian instructed his assistant to drive.

After leaving the Queen residence, Estella tugged on his sleeve. He looked over with knitted brows.

She wrote: Where is my mommy? Her pitiful, confused gaze met his. "The pretty lady is the boys' mommy. I can't be with her. So, where's my mommy?"

Her question pierced Lucian's heart. He couldn't answer. She's asking where her mommy is, and I know. But how do I explain the cruel truth? That woman has a new family. Even with her daughter before her, she won't acknowledge her.

The more he thought, the gloomier he became. Silence was his only response.

Estella continued to stare blankly, yearning for an answer. Finally, Lucian replied through gritted teeth, "I don't know where she is, and don't ever ask again! Having me is enough. You don't need a mommy!"

Shocked, Estella put away her notebook and hung her head. The rest of the journey home was silent.

Back at the Queen residence, Roxanne felt unsettled. Jonathan sensed it but didn't mention it, instead leading her downstairs for coffee and idle chatter. Outwardly, they seemed to be getting along well.

After Frieda was dismissed, she returned to her room, then emerged to observe. Seeing her brother with Roxanne, she snorted inaudibly. She'd never believed in Roxanne's abilities, and her opinion hadn't changed.

Despite noticing Frieda's contempt, Roxanne ignored it.

An hour later, Roxanne said, "It's time. We can remove the needles now." She went upstairs, followed by Jonathan and a skeptical Frieda. Though lacking faith in Roxanne, Frieda was concerned about her grandfather and wanted to see if Roxanne was as capable as she claimed.

(The final promotional sentence has been removed as it is unrelated to the text.)