Upon seeing Estella crying and Lucian's sudden departure, Roxanne clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. "Ms. Jarvis..." Even Pippa interceded for Estella.

Cassandra rose anxiously, "I'm sorry, Ms. Jarvis, but I won't change teams. You should calm Essie down!" Fear filled her eyes.

Roxanne's plan to get closer to Lucian had caused Estella's distress. The Farwells' potential intervention filled her with dread. She gritted her teeth, lowered her gaze, and conceded. Approaching Estella, she said, "Stop crying, Essie. I won't change teams."

Estella sobbed uncontrollably, looking up at Roxanne. Roxanne's heart ached at the sight of Estella's tear-streaked face. As Roxanne reached to wipe the tears, Estella obediently submitted.

Before Roxanne could fully soothe Estella, Lucian's voice cut through the air. "You don't have to force yourself, Ms. Jarvis. Essie rarely participates in these activities."

Roxanne's guilt intensified. Estella was finally adapting, and Roxanne had upset her. Caressing Estella's cheeks, Roxanne said, "I'm sorry, Essie. I take back what I said."

Estella nodded, releasing Lucian's hand and throwing herself into Roxanne's embrace. Roxanne's heart softened.

Pippa sighed in relief. "Now that the grouping is settled, let's discuss the plot change!"

Everyone agreed and began discussing. Roxanne led Estella back to her seat. Archie and Benny vacated their shared chair for her. Estella, her nose still red, smiled at them as she sat beside Roxanne.

Roxanne watched Pippa, hoping for a plot change to Sleeping Beauty, her heart conflicted.

Pippa explained, "As you noticed, we've chosen fairy tales with diverse themes to illustrate various relationships, including romantic ones."

Roxanne's heart sank. Pippa continued, "We won't change the plots. Any objections?"

No one objected except Roxanne, whose face betrayed her discomfort. The unchanged plot meant a kiss with Lucian. The thought caused her to glance at Lucian, meeting his unfathomable gaze. Their eyes locked for a moment before Roxanne looked away, striving for composure.