"Put your hands together as we invite the champion to receive the prize onstage!" The host smiled, looking toward Roxanne and the others.

Roxanne glanced at Lucian, hoping he would go up. He remained seated calmly, showing no intention of moving. Roxanne had no choice but to accept the hot spring vacation vouchers from Jeffrey.

As she walked onstage, envious glances followed her. Thinking they might have seen her kiss with Lucian, she hurried through the presentation, thanked Jeffrey, and quickly descended. The children’s faces lit up at the sight of the vouchers. Roxanne, however, felt distracted and longed for the event to end.

As soon as it did, she immediately gathered the children, eager to leave. Walking out of the hall, Estella said hesitantly, "Ms. Jarvis, let's go together!"

Roxanne was startled. Estella, flushed and expectant, rushed to her side. "Let's go to the hot spring together!" She had never been so far with Roxanne before and was clearly thrilled at the prospect. After all, they had worked hard to win the vouchers.

Roxanne’s heart softened at Estella’s hopeful gaze. Lucian walked up, standing silently beside Estella, his expression unreadable. Feeling his gaze, Roxanne hesitated, then firmly declined. "I will be busy. You go ahead with your father."

The children's disappointment was palpable. They had looked forward to a fun trip together; Roxanne, it seemed, felt differently. Lucian's eyes darkened, the atmosphere growing tense. Estella, her puppy-dog eyes darting between Roxanne and Lucian, knew this was a repeat of Roxanne's previous avoidance. Tears welled in her eyes as she watched the silent adults. The time spent together had only intensified her reluctance to part ways. She didn't want Roxanne to avoid them again. She grabbed Roxanne's clothes, pouting. "Ms. Jarvis..."

Seeing Estella's sorrow, Archie and Benny exchanged worried glances. "Mommy, let's go with Essie!"

Roxanne's heart was in turmoil. She looked at Lucian. He frowned, saying coldly, "Ms. Jarvis, if you don't wish to accompany me, I can stay, but you will be responsible for Essie."

Roxanne was surprised. Estella, grabbing Roxanne and Lucian’s clothes, choked out, "Together..." Tears threatened.

Roxanne’s heart ached. After a few seconds, she said, "Don't cry, Essie. I'll go with you," patting Estella's head.

Estella remained skeptical. Roxanne, turning to Lucian, asked, "When will you be free, Mr. Farwell?"