Chapter 592

Roxanne’s heart ached at the sight. Patting Estella’s head, she said, “I accidentally reopened my wound earlier, but I’m fine now.”

Estella’s eyes were already reddening. “Does it hurt?” Roxanne’s heart softened. “Not at all,” she replied. “I don’t feel a thing.” She glanced at Lucian and shifted the conversation. “Besides, your daddy was very careful bandaging it. You can ask him if my injury is serious.”

Estella immediately turned to her father. Lucian raised an eyebrow at Roxanne’s mention of him, but nodded at the child. “She’ll recover quickly with enough rest.”

The girl believed him implicitly, sniffing and nodding obediently.

Roxanne had initially planned to send Estella home after assuring her she was fine. However, Estella’s distress made it impossible to dismiss her.

Roxanne’s injury kept the boys from their usual play. They sat quietly beside her until Lysa called, “Dinner’s ready! Come and eat!”

Roxanne subconsciously glanced at Lucian. She was about to ask him to leave, but then her sons piped up, “Mommy, can Essie eat with us?” They’d seen the girl’s happiness on the way back and hoped she could spend more time with their mother.

Roxanne’s eyebrows furrowed. She’d just seen Aubree calling Lucian. Letting him and Estella stay for dinner might seem deliberate, especially after his earlier words.

She intended to refuse, but Estella grabbed her sleeve. Her heart wavered as she looked at the girl’s pitifully red, aggrieved eyes. She couldn't refuse.

Seeing Roxanne hesitate, Estella turned to her father with flushed cheeks. “Daddy…”

Lucian glanced at Roxanne, then at his daughter. “Ms. Jarvis has already agreed. You should thank her.”

Doubt lingered in Estella’s heart; she needed confirmation from Roxanne. Roxanne, unable to speak the words, simply patted the child’s head in silent assent. Then, turning to her sons, she said, “Take her to the dining room.”

The boys understood. They nodded obediently and guided Estella. “Come with us, Essie!”

Only then did Estella truly believe it. Still, worried about Roxanne’s leg, she insisted on helping her walk.

Sensing the girl’s intentions, Roxanne smiled warmly. She was about to ask Lysa for help when Lucian appeared beside her.

“Essie, go with Archie and Benny. I’ll take Ms. Jarvis to the dining room,” Lucian said. Estella trusted her father and followed the boys, leaving the adults alone.