Roxanne was about to take the two boys upstairs when she felt resentful eyes on her back. Frowning, she glanced behind her and saw Estella hesitantly shuffling three paces behind. The child stopped when she noticed Roxanne had turned. Her little face was alight with anticipation. Not far away, Lucian pretended not to see them as he poured a glass of water at the bar.

Roxanne walked toward Estella. "Do you want to sleep with me, Essie?" The child nodded vigorously, then asked cautiously, "Is that okay?" Roxanne's heart softened at the child's tentativeness. "Go ask your Daddy," she said softly, gazing at Lucian. "If he says yes, I'll take you upstairs."

Estella's eyes brightened. She trotted to Lucian's side, but he ignored her approach. Knowing her father would agree, she fearlessly tugged his shirt. "Can I sleep with Ms. Jarvis, Daddy?"

Lucian finally lowered his gaze to his daughter, then to Roxanne. "Okay," he said with a slight frown, "but don't give Ms. Jarvis any trouble." The child nodded obediently and sprinted back to Roxanne with a wide grin. "Daddy said yes!"

Roxanne smiled, caressing the child's head. "I'll take Essie upstairs, then." Lucian nodded casually. "If she becomes a handful, Ms. Jarvis, you can send her back anytime."

Roxanne was taken aback by his sudden distance. Regaining her composure, she said, "Don't worry, Mr. Farwell. Essie will be in good hands." Lucian didn't respond, instead opening a bottle of wine and pouring himself a glass. Roxanne gazed at his back, confused. "We'll be heading up, then. Good night, Mr. Farwell."

Lucian grunted. Roxanne said nothing as she took the children upstairs.

After a day of excitement and hours on the beach, the children were sweaty, so Roxanne bathed them. During Estella's bath, the child asked, "Ms. Jarvis, will you still be picking up the boys?"

Roxanne's hands froze. She understood the child's intent and was speechless. After a long silence, she answered evasively, "I will if work permits." Estella pursed her lips, giving Roxanne a piercing gaze that seemed to see through the deception. Her eyes drooped sadly. Roxanne's heart ached, but she remained resolute.

Fortunately, Estella said nothing more, and Roxanne breathed a sigh of relief. Later, while tucking the children in, Estella said, "I want a bedtime story, Ms. Jarvis."

Roxanne, feeling guilty, agreed. "All right, I'll tell you one."

"I want to hear Sleeping Beauty."