Chapter 704: Lilies

Roxanne’s expression froze when Lucian mentioned her date. "You should have told me you were busy, Ms. Jarvis," she said. "I would have brought Essie home."

Hearing his tone, Estella knew Lucian was angry. "Daddy!" she said anxiously. Lucian's eyes darkened. He looked down at Estella, realizing how coldly he'd spoken. "I got angry when I saw those flowers," he admitted, "but Roxanne may not think I have the right to be."

"I'm sorry I couldn't come back earlier, Essie," Roxanne said, ignoring Lucian and offering Estella an apologetic look.

Estella quickly shook her head. "It's all right, Ms. Jarvis. You're back now. Besides, those fried chickens were delicious! I love them!" She then shot her father a discontented look. Forget that he forbade me from eating delicious food. Now, he even got angry at Ms. Jarvis! she thought. I'm not happy about that!

Lucian merely frowned, remaining silent. He feared losing his temper if he spoke again.

Roxanne understood Estella didn't want her to blame herself. She smiled and said, "I'll make you something yummy tonight, okay?"

Estella's eyes lit up. "Okay!"

Roxanne walked into the living room. Only then did Archie and Benny notice the bouquet in her hands. They instinctively turned to Lucian, whose expression was as dark as a storm cloud.

Though displeased by Lucian's earlier prohibition of fried chicken, they sided with him, knowing his pursuit of Roxanne could be jeopardized.

"Mommy!" Archie cautiously tugged at Roxanne's clothes.

Roxanne looked down, confused.

Archie glanced at Lucian before pulling Roxanne into the kitchen. He whispered, "Did Mr. Damaris give you those flowers?"

Roxanne was stunned. Is he asking this because he thinks I'm going to let Jack become their father?

She smiled and explained, "They're from Mr. Damaris, but it's not what you think. I did him a favor, so he gave me these flowers as a thank you."

Archie and Benny remained unconvinced. Who gives flowers simply to express gratitude?

Noticing their puzzlement, Roxanne patiently explained, "These are lilies. Find out what they symbolize. If you want to thank someone in the future, you can give them lilies."

Archie and Benny exchanged a dubious look, then nodded.

"All right, I'm going to tidy the living room," Roxanne said, ruffling their hair. "You guys keep Essie company."

Archie and Benny nodded obediently, taking Estella to their room and immediately researching the symbolism of lilies. Relieved to discover lilies represented gratitude, they breathed a collective sigh of relief.