Chapter 679

Roxanne, roused from her thoughts by the girl's voice, accepted the bouquet. She glanced at the man and softly murmured, "Thank you."

The little girl beamed at Roxanne's acceptance. Lucian, however, remained impassive, urging Estella, "Close the door. We should go."

Estella nodded and closed the door.

"Mr. Farwell, Essie is still a child. Please be gentler with her," Roxanne gently reminded Lucian.

Spending time with the father and daughter, Roxanne observed that while Lucian meticulously cared for Estella, his tone was sometimes overly harsh. Even her own sons were sometimes startled by his sternness, let alone Estella, who needed more tender care. Her well-meaning reminder earned her an ambiguous reply: "Essie doesn't need me to be gentler. She needs a mother. If you're truly worried about her, reconsider my offer."

Roxanne stiffened, noticing Estella had overheard. The little girl tilted her head, blinking innocently, feigning incomprehension. Roxanne breathed a sigh of relief, unsure how to respond.

"Essie, close the door," Lucian directed, not expecting a reply from Roxanne.

Roxanne retreated with Archie and Benny. After the door closed, Lucian drove away. Even after the car disappeared, Roxanne replayed his words in her head. He'd said he wouldn't force her, yet he'd spoken that way in front of Estella. She suspected his anger stemmed from her relationship with Jack. She'd certainly walked into a difficult situation. It gave her a headache.

"Mommy, let's go inside!" Archie and Benny, remembering Lucian's words, feared their mother might catch cold.

Roxanne, snapping out of her reverie, nodded and ushered her children into the mansion. The boys urged her to take a hot shower.

Meanwhile, in the car, Estella sat in her car seat, her lips pursed, staring at Lucian's back. He felt her gaze and furrowed his brows. "What's wrong? Weren't you alright just now?"

Noticing her father finally addressing her, Estella huffed, "Why were you so stern with Ms. Jarvis? She's going to run away if you keep doing that!"

Lucian frowned, struck by Estella's resemblance to Roxanne, particularly in her manner. Roxanne had also reminded him to be gentler. He thought, This mother and daughter really have each other's backs.

"No. I just want her to take my offer seriously," Lucian explained, exasperated with himself.