Chapter 626

Jonathan offered Lucian a few more ideas, and they parted ways as it grew late. Lucian's gaze darkened as he left the restaurant and checked his tickets. Though Roxanne seemed slightly moved, he remained doubtful.

She didn't even accept my flowers. If I invite her to a concert, she'll surely refuse. What if I get Essie to ask her out? That might work; Roxanne has never refused Essie.

Holding this thought, Lucian quickly drove back to the Farwell residence. Estella had just finished dinner and was sprawled over the table, scribbling furiously. Catalina sat beside her.

"Mr. Farwell," Catalina greeted politely upon seeing Lucian. She stood, allowing him to take the seat next to Estella.

Estella merely raised her head, greeting him in her high-pitched voice, "Daddy." Then, she returned to her drawing. Since Roxanne's injury, Estella had visited only once, and her mood worsened daily.

Her mood was particularly sour today because Archie and Benny had told her Roxanne had recovered and gone to the research institute. Estella had expected Roxanne to pick up Archie and Benny from kindergarten, but was disappointed to see Lysa instead.

"Ms. Estella has been rather moody since she came home," Catalina remarked as Lucian approached. Lucian nodded, dismissing her. He'd noticed Estella's moodiness immediately upon arrival. Only Roxanne could elicit such strong emotions from Essie.

Lucian quietly sat beside Estella, leaning to see her scribbling. She seemed unsure of what she wanted to draw; why else would she keep erasing after only two lines?

Estella angrily put down her pencil and turned to Lucian. "Daddy!"

"Yes?" Lucian met her gaze.

"Are you done with your work?" she asked seriously. Lucian had promised to take her to visit Roxanne once his work was finished.

Lucian frowned. "I am, but—" Before he could finish, Estella interrupted, "Then take me to see Ms. Jarvis!"

"Not now," Lucian said, patting her head. Estella pursed her lips. "I haven't seen Ms. Jarvis in so long!"

"Essie, would you like Ms. Jarvis to be your mommy?"

Estella was stunned. Her eyes widened. "Daddy, are you serious?"

Lucian nodded. "Have I ever lied to you?"

Estella tilted her head, considering. She smiled and shook her head. Daddy has never lied to me! But…

She looked at Lucian with confusion. "Aren't you marrying Ms. Pearson, Daddy?"

Though Estella disliked Aubree, she knew of Lucian's marriage contract. As long as she could remember, Aubree had acted differently around Lucian.