Roxanne had wanted to call the research institute to say she would be arriving late. However, Colby answered and immediately consulted her on a project they'd been rushing for the past two days. Before she could speak, he sought her help with some group data.

Lost in a long discussion, Roxanne lost track of time. She only ended the call after hearing Lucian's voice from downstairs. Remembering Lucian's imminent arrival and her sons' presence with Estella, she panicked. If Lucian saw her boys

The thought flustered her. By the time she reached the bottom of the stairs to prevent a meeting, it was too late. Rounding the corner, she saw Lucian standing near the carpet; her three children were nearly finished tidying their toys. Lucian turned coldly, seemingly having heard her descend.

Roxanne's expression stiffened as their eyes met, but she composed herself, greeting him casually, "You're here."

Lucian nodded curtly, his gaze unwavering. His thoughts remained unreadable. Suspecting he knew the boys' identity, Roxanne felt guilty. "So… are you taking Essie home now, or?"

She feared he might want to talk after discovering the boys' origins. Luckily, he seemed to interpret her words as a hint to leave. "We'll be leaving now. Don't worry. I won't stay long," he replied coldly.

He turned to Estella, who was slowly putting away Lego bricks. "Are you done packing up? It's time to go."

Estella deliberately slowed down, unwilling to leave, but Archie and Benny worked quickly, leaving the area almost spotless. At her father's prompting, she stood reluctantly, gazing at Roxanne with tears in her eyes.

Roxanne's chest tightened, but with Lucian present and yesterday's events, she couldn't offer comfort.

"Thank Ms. Jarvis, then we'll go home," Lucian instructed frigidly.

Estella's expression softened, and she looked expectantly at Roxanne, hoping for an invitation to visit again. However, she received no response. The girl looked down dejectedly.

"Ms. Jarvis has to go to work. We shouldn't bother her anymore," Lucian urged.

Estella picked up her notebook and wrote "Thank you." After a long time, she showed it to Lucian. It said, "Daddy, can I come to see Ms. Jarvis again next time? I want to be friends with Archie and Benny."

Everyone saw the message. Roxanne and her sons felt sorry for Estella, but Lucian's sullen expression silenced them. Noticing their reactions and Estella's attachment to them, Lucian gritted his teeth. "No."