Chapter 706: Secretly Took One of Her Flowers

Downstairs, Lucian noticed the children descending. They started to speak, but Lucian looked up at Estella and said impassively, "Come down, Essie. We should be heading home."

The children were startled. Estella's eyes widened in confusion. "Daddy... I've already promised Ms. Jarvis I'd stay for dinner. What do you mean? Even if you and Ms. Jarvis argued, you shouldn't take me home. After all, you said you wanted me to help you win her over. If I leave, how will that help?"

Lucian remained unmoved. "Ms. Jarvis has other matters to attend to, and we don't know if there will be other guests. It's best we don't intrude."

He took two strides toward the stairs and extended a hand to Estella. She pursed her lips and hid behind the older boys. "No! I want to have dinner with Ms. Jarvis!"

Archie and Benny shielded Estella. "Mr. Farwell, we don't have any other guests tonight; you and Essie can stay."

Lucian furrowed his brows. Knowing the boys weren't his children, he softened his tone slightly. "If you like Essie so much, you can play together at kindergarten. But she must come home with me now."

Archie and Benny exchanged anxious glances, aware of his anger over Roxanne's bouquet. They wanted to explain, but knew if they moved, he would take Estella. They were caught in a dilemma.

After a moment, Archie ran downstairs. Benny, unable to stop Lucian alone, watched as Lucian lifted Estella into his arms and started toward the door.

Estella's reluctance was evident. She stared toward the kitchen, hoping Roxanne would intervene. But even as Lucian neared the door, Roxanne remained absent, leaving Estella disappointed.

"Mr. Farwell!"

Lucian heard Archie's voice. Estella was surprised to see him holding a single lily.

Lucian frowned, pausing and turning. "What is it?"

Archie hurried toward them, breathless and flushed. "If you let Essie stay for dinner, I'll give you this lily."

Lucian was confused, unsure of the flower's origin or the boy's meaning.

Archie, guessing Lucian's thoughts, explained sweetly, "I took this from Mommy's bouquet. She said if you want to thank someone, give them lilies; they symbolize gratitude." He added guiltily, "Don't tell Mommy I secretly took one, okay?"

Lucian understood. Archie was expressing gratitude for letting Estella stay.