Chapter 755: Do You Dislike Aubree?

"So what's going on?" Benny asked impatiently. Estella, however, simply stared at Roxanne, seeking an explanation.

Roxanne's expression softened. She nodded. "Okay. I won't get angry with Lucian." Only then did Estella reveal, "That wicked woman is staying with us."

Archie and Benny were stunned, but quickly realized who she meant. Roxanne, however, was puzzled.

"It's Aubree!" Benny exclaimed, furious at the memory of Aubree bullying his mother. He couldn't understand why his father would take her in.

Roxanne's eyebrows furrowed. Even though she'd promised Estella she wouldn't be upset, she felt uneasy. What is Lucian thinking? she wondered. Why bring Aubree home after promising to pursue me and explain himself? He knows how she hurt Essie. How can Essie feel safe with Aubree around when it's clear she's afraid of her?

Estella's autism symptoms had recently improved, and Roxanne worried Aubree's presence would reverse that progress. Furthermore, there was no guarantee Aubree wouldn't hurt Estella again. The thought of it broke Roxanne's heart.

"Ms. Jarvis," Estella said, tugging cautiously at Roxanne's sleeve.

Roxanne turned. "What is it?"

"Are you mad?" Estella asked worriedly. "You promised you wouldn't be angry with Daddy."

Roxanne's heart ached as Estella defended her father. "I'm not. I made you a promise, and I intend to keep it."

Estella smiled, relieved. "Are you unhappy because Ms. Pearson is staying with you?" Roxanne asked gently.

Estella, convinced Roxanne wasn't angry with her father, didn't hesitate. "That wicked woman was mean to me, so I don't like her." She looked up at Roxanne with pleading eyes. "Can you stay with us, Ms. Jarvis? Archie and Benny too!"

The boys immediately chimed in, "Mommy!" They wanted to protect Estella from Aubree.

Roxanne longed to say yes, but knew it wasn't possible. "I'm sorry," she said, hugging Estella tightly. "Essie, do you dislike Ms. Pearson?"

Estella nodded vehemently. "Ms. Pearson is always angry with me. She even hit me; she's just pretending to be nice in front of Daddy."

Roxanne felt helpless at Estella's distress. "The boys and I may not be able to stay, but I can talk to your father. Don't worry, okay?"

Estella, though disappointed, nodded passively.