Chapter 756: Keep the Woman Away
Lucian hurried to Roxanne's house to collect Estella after work. Cayden's words echoed in his mind: Roxanne hadn't explained her relationship with Jack. Even upon arriving, the matter preoccupied him, filling him with displeasure. Roxanne opened the door to his cold gaze, instantly freezing her in place.
"What's wrong? Is something up at work?" Roxanne asked patiently. Lucian merely looked past her, his expression deadpan. "Where's Essie? I'm here to take her home."
Roxanne sensed his gloom. The three children rushed to the door. Lucian, extending a hand to Estella, found her hiding behind Roxanne, sensing his bad mood and shaking her head. He frowned, turning back to Roxanne, who patted Estella's head before instructing her sons. "Why don't you guys play with Essie for a while? Mommy has something to discuss with Mr. Farwell."
Archie and Benny, understanding the need to discuss Aubree, readily took Estella to the living room. Lucian, however, was unsure what Roxanne wanted. He primarily wished to hear her account of recent events, particularly concerning Jack.
"Essie said Ms. Pearson just moved in," Roxanne began, attempting to ignore Lucian's tense demeanor.
His eyes dulled, realizing the subject. He nodded slightly. "She's staying with us because of her arm injury."
Another wave of unease washed over Roxanne, though she remained composed. "You didn't forget Ms. Pearson's previous altercation with Essie, did you, Mr. Farwell? Essie's feelings about Ms. Pearson staying are quite obvious."
Lucian resented her questioning his judgment. "I know how to handle it."
"Letting Ms. Pearson stay is why Essie is upset," Roxanne's tone sharpened. "I don't want Essie to regress. Where Ms. Pearson stays is none of my concern; I just hope she stays away from Essie."
Pausing, she added, "At least give Essie time to accept Ms. Pearson before letting her get close." She almost forgot Aubree's status as Lucian's fiancรฉe and Estella's future stepmother. If Lucian married Aubree, Estella couldn't avoid her forever.
Lucian's aura froze. He understood her pause and subsequent words perfectly. She still lacked faith in his promises.