Chapter 666

Archie and Benny watched silently, enviously, from behind. They longed to wear matching outfits with their parents, but lacked their younger sister's boldness. Being aware of Lucian's paternity, they tended toward reserve in his presence.

Roxanne, noticing Estella's happy smile, felt her concern ease. Patting the girl's head, she said, "The dress really suits you, Essie. Let's take it off now so the employee can bag them."

Estella shook her head resolutely, gripping Roxanne's hand. She was loath to remove the dress so quickly; such matching outfits were rare.

Roxanne understood. "Well," she conceded, "since we're already wearing these matching outfits, a little longer won't make a difference." She instructed the employee to bag their original clothes instead.

At the cash register, Roxanne prepared to pay with her phone when Lucian produced his card.

Slightly stunned by the intimacy of the gesture, Roxanne frowned. "I can pay for it."

Lucian looked at her, then at Estella. "You didn't need to buy any clothes, Ms. Jarvis. You're only doing so because of Essie, so I should pay."

The employee, sensing the ambiguous atmosphere and noting Lucian's black card, interjected, "There's no need for such courtesy, Miss. A man should pay for a woman." She took the card from Lucian's hand.

Roxanne, retaining her phone, frowned; the employee clearly misunderstood their relationship.

Before leaving, the employee asked, "May I take a photo of you with the girl?"

Roxanne politely refused, aware of the employee's intentions, and departed with the children. She knew a photograph displayed in the shop could cause unnecessary misunderstandings.

Frieda watched them exit, immediately noticing their new, matching outfits. "That b*tch!" she fumed. "Not only has she not learned her lesson, she's becoming more ridiculous! Even knowing Lucian has a fiancée and Essie will have a new mother, she dares wear matching outfits! And they look so close from behind! If I let this continue, won't Roxanne replace Aubree?"

Frieda snapped a photo of Roxanne and Estella, sending it to Aubree. She then followed them, scowling. "The sky's turning dark. Let's see where they're going."

"Frieda!" Hasso, burdened with shopping bags, found Frieda leaving. "How much longer must we follow them? I've made dinner reservations…"

Frieda, lips pursed in annoyance, softened upon seeing him. Petulantly, she took his arm. "Is my friend more important, or dinner?"

Thrilled by her affection, Hasso readily agreed. "Your friend, of course!"