Roxanne tensed as their gazes met, quickly averting her eyes and pretending to examine something nearby.

"Hurry up and dig in. The food's getting cold," Lysa urged with a smile.

Snapped from her reverie, Roxanne nodded absentmindedly and served the children. Estella stared at her food, refusing to eat.

"What's wrong, Essie? Don't you like it?" Roxanne asked, confused. She hadn't recalled Estella being a picky eater.

Estella cautiously glanced toward the living room before saying, in an adorable voice, "Daddy..."

Roxanne's expression froze; she knew what was coming.

"Daddy hasn't eaten either. Can he join us?" Estella asked expectantly.

Roxanne sighed. She'd suspected Lucian hadn't eaten, knowing Estella had arrived directly from school. His presence had prompted an invitation, but he'd only asked about Estella joining dinner, leaving Roxanne hesitant to extend the invitation further, especially as he didn't seem inclined to join.

"Ms. Jarvis?" Estella tugged at her sleeve.

Roxanne sighed silently, patting Estella's head. "Sorry, dear. I'll invite your daddy now." She turned to Lysa. "Lysa, another set of utensils, please."

Lysa nodded and fetched them while Roxanne went to the living room. Lucian scrolled through his phone on the couch. Unsure if he was oblivious or waiting, Roxanne said, "Essie said you haven't eaten."

Lucian looked up, replying coldly, "Yeah."

What the heck is with his attitude? He clearly waited for my invitation! Roxanne thought, frowning.

Having initiated the conversation, she reluctantly continued, "If you don't mind, would you join us for dinner?" Her tone was polite, but distant.

Lucian arched an eyebrow. "I don't mind, but I'm not sure you would, Ms. Jarvis." Roxanne glared, forcing the words, "No, I don't..."

Lucian put away his phone and stood. "In that case, I shall graciously accept your invitation."

Roxanne nodded and returned to the dining room. Lucian, a gleeful smile playing on his lips, followed. Roxanne remained oblivious, but Archie and Benny, at the dining table, exchanged surprised glances.

Who would have thought Daddy was so cunning?