Chapter 758: Impasse
Noticing the adults hadn't entered the room, the three children went outside to investigate. They immediately sensed the tension between Roxanne and Lucian.
"Mommy?" Benny tugged cautiously at Roxanne's clothes. "Did you get into a fight with Mr. Farwell?"
His question startled Roxanne back to reality. She composed herself, offering a faint smile. "No, dear. We just disagree on a few things."
She then shot Lucian a look, urging him to maintain composure. He softened his expression, clearly caring about the children's presence.
He looked down at Estella. "Essie, it's late. Time to go home."
Sensing her father's chilling demeanor, Estella pouted and shook her head. "No!"
Lucian frowned, but before he could respond, Estella declared, "I want to stay with Ms. Jarvis! I don't want to go home!" She'd made up her mind while playing with Archie and Benny. "Since Ms. Jarvis, Archie, and Benny can't stay at our house, I can stay here instead! I don't want to go home and see scary Ms. Pearson. And Daddy looks scary too! That means he won't spend much time with me."
This realization intensified Estella's resistance. Lucian looked at Roxanne, his anger still simmering. He knew Roxanne was Estella's mother, but she'd never indicated a desire to return home. Yet, Estella clearly adored her. He wondered: If Roxanne learns the truth, will she think I'm cruel to Essie?
Roxanne, sensing Lucian's gaze, felt puzzled but avoided deeper thought. Lowering her eyes, she caressed Estella's head. "Essie, be a good girl. It's late. Go home with your daddy."
She, too, wished Estella could stay, but Lucian clearly wouldn't allow it, and she was in no position to ask.
Estella looked at Roxanne dejectedly. Roxanne's heart ached at the sight. She glanced at Lucian, his expression unchanged. This made it even harder to intervene.
Frustrated, Estella stomped her feet, retreated to the living room, and sat behind the couch, determined to stay.
Roxanne felt helpless, looking again at Lucian with a gentler expression. But his anger remained, preventing any chance of Estella staying. He remained immobile.
Father and daughter had reached an impasse. Roxanne sighed inwardly, deciding to comfort Estella first. Unable to sway Lucian, she would focus on her daughter.