Chapter 787: Did Not Lie To You

Estella feigned a nod, grinning at the boys before turning away. Roxanne, though relieved by Lucian's timely arrival, still felt stressed. Lunch concluded, Roxanne expected Lucian to take Estella home, but Estella was reluctant to leave. Roxanne allowed her to stay and play for a while before finally seeing them off.

Estella was ecstatic that day, having enjoyed playing at Roxanne's house and learning that Aubree was gone. She grinned throughout the journey back to the manor. Lucian, however, felt conflicted, observing her happiness in the rearview mirror.

"Daddy, Benny says you and Ms. Jarvis were in the living room last night. Is that true?" Estella finally asked, a question that had been bothering her all day.

Lucian froze. His actions the previous night had been impulsive, and he realized Roxanne must have been startled. Regret was futile, however. He, too, had feigned composure around Roxanne. Estella's question stirred a complex mix of emotions.

Before Lucian could answer, Estella continued sweetly, "Daddy, what were you and Ms. Jarvis talking about so late? Did you make her angry again?"

Lucian felt a headache coming on. He imagined Estella's reaction if she knew the truth about his relationship with Roxanne.

"Ms. Jarvis came for a glass of water, and we talked about your illness," Lucian replied solemnly, avoiding the question of whether he had angered Roxanne. He considered his behavior toward her to have been excessive, but it was too late to dwell on it.

Estella, though relieved, complained, "Is that all?"

Lucian raised an eyebrow. "What else should we have talked about?"

Estella stated matter-of-factly, "You should have asked her when she'll become my mommy!"

Her words redefined Lucian's perception of her. He had feared her silence after she learned to speak, but she had proven his worries unfounded. Was it because she likes Roxanne so much? She seems to talk much more when it's about Roxanne and me.

Estella's words were consistently surprising. He would not have believed it was his daughter speaking if he hadn't heard it himself.

Estella glanced at Lucian disdainfully. "Daddy, do you not know how to pursue Ms. Jarvis, or were you lying to me?"

Lucian frowned. "I didn't lie to you."

"Then when will Ms. Jarvis become my mommy?"

Lucian's eyes darkened. "I can only promise you I won't let any other woman become your mommy besides Ms. Jarvis."

He didn't specify when. He had proposed, but his overwhelming approach had made Roxanne extremely averse to him.