Chapter 581

Meanwhile, Lucian and Estella were returning home. A heavy silence filled the car; both father and daughter were preoccupied. Estella, in the back seat, stared at her shell bracelet, her small face etched with worry.

After a long pause, she finally asked, "Daddy, is Ms. Jarvis avoiding us again?" Despite Roxanne's promise of a visit, Estella feared future rejection.

Lucian, whose thoughts mirrored her own, replied after a moment, "I don't know." His voice held a mixture of emotions.

Estella's lips pursed in disappointment. "Am I not good enough?" she whispered, remembering her father's assurances that Roxanne wouldn't shun them if she behaved well. Roxanne had seemed fond of her recently, even giving her a gift. This only deepened her sadness, and she clutched the bracelet tighter.

Lucian frowned, frustration simmering. He couldn't understand Roxanne's behavior. Earlier, she'd been amiable, happily exchanging gifts with Estella, yet she'd abruptly withdrawn. He was baffled by this sudden shift in her demeanor. Her rejection fueled his self-reproach, the memory of her drunken words from six years ago still haunting him. He'd been utterly loved, yet he'd let her go.

The remainder of the journey was tense and silent. Estella remained gloomy, even foregoing Lucian's usual assistance, exiting the car and walking alone toward the mansion. Watching her small figure, Lucian frowned, sensing a worsening in her condition. Roxanne's fluctuating attitude was clearly impacting Estella's mental well-being, and Lucian resolved to prevent further estrangement.

He followed Estella inside, finding her sitting on the couch, her head bowed. Catalina offered comfort, but Estella remained silent. Noticing Lucian's arrival, Catalina inquired, "What's wrong with Ms. Estella, Mr. Farwell?" She paused, noting the mirroring concern on his face. Her brow furrowed in confusion.

Lucian was about to respond when his phone rang. Glancing at the caller ID, he suppressed his words. "Nothing," he said. "Please take her upstairs. I'll check on her later."

Catalina nodded, casting a worried glance at Estella. Fortunately, the little girl, despite her sadness, understood her father's work commitments. She quietly ascended the stairs before Catalina could say more.

Lucian strode to his study and answered the call.

"Mr. Farwell, we've uncovered something regarding Mrs. Farwell's accident," Cayden's voice announced. The accident was suspicious; the perpetrator appeared meticulously prepared. Finding even a small clue had required considerable effort.

Lucian's expression hardened. "What is it?" he asked, his voice low and grave.