Chapter 759: Argument

“Mommy,” Archie tugged at Roxanne’s shirt as she turned. Roxanne looked down in confusion.

Archie glanced at Benny before saying earnestly, “Benny and I will talk to Essie. She’s upset, so she probably won’t listen to you.”

Roxanne realized she was partly responsible for Estella’s distress. Accepting their offer, she said, “I’ll leave it to you boys, then.”

Archie and Benny nodded, then ran to Estella’s side, exchanging a mysterious look with the adults before disappearing behind the couch.

Roxanne, perplexed by their serious demeanor, didn’t interrupt. She stood helplessly, facing Lucian’s condemning gaze. She couldn’t understand what she had done to elicit such a reaction. Meanwhile, the three children huddled together, whispering.

“I don’t want to go home,” Estella said, anticipating their attempt to persuade her. Archie and Benny exchanged a look. Archie said solemnly, “You have to go home with Mr. Farwell.”

Estella’s spirits sank. “Do you not like me anymore? I don’t want to go home. Ms. Pearson is there.”

Archie and Benny’s hearts softened at her sadness, but they focused on the bigger picture. Benny stroked Estella’s hair. “We like you a lot; that’s why we want to be family with you.”

Estella looked puzzled. Archie explained, looking intently at her, “I think Mr. Farwell and Mommy had an argument, but I don’t know why.”

Estella nodded; she’d noticed Lucian and Roxanne arguing, which is why she’d resisted going home with him.

Archie continued, “You should go home with Mr. Farwell and try to get him to talk, while Benny and I will ask our mommy.” A realization dawned on Estella. If she wanted Ms. Jarvis to be her mother, she couldn't allow their silent treatment to continue. They needed to reconcile!

Estella nodded emphatically. “I get it!” Archie and Benny nodded, each extending a hand. “Then let’s go.”

Estella took their hands and stood. Reaching the door, she shyly tugged on Lucian’s shirt, indicating her wish to go home with him.

Roxanne, surprised by Estella’s quick change of heart, looked at her sons. What had they said?

Archie and Benny remained nonchalant, waving at Estella. “Bye, Essie!” Roxanne, astonished, turned to Estella, who waved back at the boys before waving at her.

Estella seemed no longer upset. Roxanne smiled and nodded, but sighed inwardly. Even the children communicated better than the adults.