Chapter 629

Lucian approached the group, observing them quietly. Archie and Benny, after a moment's hesitation, greeted him. "Good morning, Mr. Farwell," they said.

Lucian raised an eyebrow and patted the boys' heads. Roxanne initially wanted to ignore him, but seeing Archie and Benny's greeting, she decided against it, especially with Pippa present. She looked at him and said placidly, "Mr. Farwell."

Lucian met her gaze. "What a surprise seeing you send Archie and Benny to school today, Ms. Jarvis, so soon after your recovery." He’d expected her to avoid him after yesterday's incident. He’d had Essie give the boys tickets, hoping to indirectly reach her. He was surprised to see her so soon.

Roxanne sensed his underlying meaning and, though slightly taken aback, forced a smile.

Estella tugged at Roxanne's sleeve. "Ms. Jarvis, let's go to a concert together!" she invited warmly. Estella, thrilled to see Roxanne sending the boys to school, had only remembered Lucian's plan upon seeing him. She'd been tasked with giving the tickets to Archie and Benny but was eager to see Roxanne's reaction.

Roxanne was astonished. Instinctively, she glanced at Lucian. It wasn't Estella's idea; it was clearly Lucian's arrangement. Throughout the exchange, he hadn't looked away from Roxanne.

Meeting her gaze, he calmly explained, "I happened to acquire two tickets yesterday. We could bring the children. Are you interested, Ms. Jarvis?"

Roxanne, though her mind raced, readily declined. "I'm sorry, but I don't have time." She apologized to Estella. "Essie, if you'd like to go, you can go with your father."

Estella, unexpectedly rejected, looked to Lucian for support. He, however, simply gestured that he couldn't intervene.

Pouting, Estella continued to tug Roxanne's sleeve. "I want to go with you, Ms. Jarvis."

Roxanne, though pained by Estella's distress, didn't want to be manipulated by Lucian again. His words from yesterday still puzzled her. He'd barely given her time to process them before issuing this invitation. She feared deepening her involvement.

"Ms. Jarvis, if you aren't going, then I won't either," Estella said, her head bowed in disappointment.

Roxanne saw Estella's trembling shoulders and fluffy hair, and heard her silent sobs. Her heart ached. She looked at Lucian, hoping for intervention, but he remained silent.

With no other choice, Roxanne agreed. "Don't cry, Essie. I'll go with you."