Lucian, standing at the dining room entrance, looked conflicted when he saw Estella finally smiling. It had taken him a long time to coax her, but it was nothing compared to the trio's words. Not only had she stopped crying, she had even smiled.

After watching the boys make Estella grin for some time, he entered the room, wanting to take her home. They had only come because Estella wanted to confirm something in person. Now that it was done, it was time to go.

As he reached Estella's side, he heard her stomach growl.

Roxanne frowned. "Haven't you had dinner?"

Estella pursed her lips and nodded.

Seeing this, Roxanne turned to Lucien with a reprimanding gaze.

Lucian glanced at her emotionlessly. "I tried talking to her. She cried all night and locked herself in her room after returning home, refusing to eat or drink. She only stopped when I promised to bring her here. We haven't had dinner yet."

Roxanne scanned his thin shirt and looked away.

Archie, at the side, looked at Estella with concern. "We've just started eating. Do you want to join us?"

Estella's eyes lit up, and she nodded eagerly. It was then that she finally remembered to ask her father for permission.

Lucian hesitated, glancing at Roxanne. "If it's not too much trouble, could you prepare something for her?"

"Do you want to sit between the boys?" Roxanne suggested.

Estella beamed.

Archie and Benny quickly moved their chairs to make room for Estella between them.

Lucian frowned as he watched Estella sit between the twins. From his point of view, they looked like a family, and he looked like a stranger.

After helping Estella settle and serving her food, Roxanne smiled at the three children sitting side-by-side. However, Lucian's gaze sent a chill down her spine. She stopped smiling and turned to him.

He composed himself and put on a calm expression.

"What about you?" Roxanne asked casually, concealing her feelings.

Lucian looked confused.

Roxanne averted her gaze, glancing at the dishes. "Have you eaten?" If Essie had made a fuss without dinner, he must have been busy comforting her all night.

Stunned, Lucian stared at her before narrowing his eyes indifferently. Sounding distant, he said, "I'm fine. There's dinner at home. I'll heat it up later. Essie just likes spending time with them. Sorry to trouble you. I'll wait in the living room and not disturb you."

He cast a final glance at the joyful children before leaving.

Hearing his words and realizing he was about to leave on an empty stomach, Roxanne pursed her lips. "There's enough food for everyone. Besides, Essie will feel uneasy if her daddy isn't here."

Estella lifted her head, her eyes filled with nervousness as she watched Lucian leave.

Without waiting for a reply, Roxanne served him a plate of food. "Join us, if you don't mind."

Archie frowned slightly but said nothing. Benny continued eating, secretly glancing at the distant man with excitement.

The promotional text at the end was removed as it was irrelevant to the passage's content.