Chapter 677

“Mr. Damaris and I…” Roxanne began, but sounds from behind interrupted her. The children had awakened.

Turning, she saw Benny rubbing his eyes sleepily. He slowly lowered his hand, squinting at his mother. “Mommy…”

Roxanne glanced at Lucian, suppressing her emotions. Smiling at Benny, she asked, “Are we home?”

Benny sat up, peering out the window. Seeing the familiar mansion, he asked in confusion, “Why didn’t you wake us?”

Guilt washed over Roxanne, remembering her conversation with Lucian. “We just arrived. I was about to wake you, but you woke up on your own.”

Still drowsy, Benny nudged his brother awake, startling Estella. Dazed, she looked around, disoriented.

The children’s awakening ended Roxanne and Lucian’s conversation. Turning back to Lucian, Roxanne said, “Thank you for bringing us home, Mr. Farwell. It’s late, so I won’t keep you.”

She opened the car door, carrying the children from the back seats. The night air was chilly. Despite the car heater, Roxanne’s clothes were damp, and she shivered in the breeze. Archie and Benny also shivered, hugging themselves. Estella, seeing Roxanne carry the boys, reached out. “I want to go with Ms. Jarvis too!”

Sleepy and unaware of the tension, Estella simply voiced her immediate desire.

Roxanne, about to close the car door, froze. A troubled look crossed her face. “Be good, Essie, and go with Daddy. I have work to do later and won’t be able to care for you.”

The Damaris collaboration was progressing well, and Roxanne needed to focus. She planned to study ancient medicine that night. Letting Estella stay would disrupt her plans.

It was a difficult decision. Despite the pang in her heart, she refused the girl, reasoning they had more time together, but this collaboration was a singular opportunity.

Estella, still drowsy, registered Roxanne’s refusal. After a moment, she pouted. “I can take care of myself.”

Roxanne felt helpless at the girl’s pitiful expression. Turning to Lucian, she explained, “I have to prepare for the Damaris collaboration; I truly don’t have time for her.”

Lucian’s expression darkened. Roxanne’s heart lurched, remembering their earlier conversation. His annoyance at her mention of the Damaris family surprised her. She hadn't expected Lucian to be so concerned about her relationship with Jack.