Chapter 814: Illusion

Roxanne remained unaware of Aubree's machinations. Estella, however, desperately hoped Roxanne would accept her father's affection.

For several days, Estella had pestered Catalina to teach her how to bake a cake upon returning from school. Catalina naturally inquired about the sudden interest, but the little girl only offered shy smiles in response. Catalina's heart melted at Estella's expression, and she agreed to teach her. She assumed Estella was simply learning for fun; after all, the child was too short to reach the countertop without a stool.

To Catalina's surprise, Estella learned remarkably quickly. Early one weekend morning, Estella waited at Lucian's bedroom door.

"Daddy!" Lucian had just opened the door when he heard her sweet voice. Excitement radiated from her face.

"What is it?" Lucian asked. She tugged at his sleeve. "Let's go see Ms. Jarvis! I haven't thanked her yet!"

The mention of Roxanne furrowed Lucian's brow. Since his conversation with Jonathan, he had not visited Roxanne, nor had he considered any romantic gestures. Estella's desire to see Roxanne placed him in a difficult position. She continued to tug expectantly, urging him downstairs.

Even the exertion made Estella huff and puff, her face reddening. Lucian frowned, offering his arm for support. They descended the stairs at her pace. But reaching the bottom, Estella didn't stop; she pulled him toward the door, clearly determined to see Roxanne.

Lucian had no choice but to comply. They drove to Roxanne's house. Throughout the journey, Estella chattered excitedly about seeing Roxanne, but Lucian remained preoccupied with the prospect of facing her again. Their last meeting had been unpleasant, and he wasn't sure if her anger had subsided.

After half an hour, Lucian pulled into Roxanne's driveway. He carried Estella from the car, but she rushed toward the door before he could even react, enthusiastically ringing the doorbell.

Roxanne and her sons were having breakfast. They heard faint sounds from the door, dismissing them as an illusion. Then, the doorbell rang.

Roxanne frowned, rising to answer it.

"Ms. Jarvis!" Estella's sweet voice greeted her.

Roxanne smiled, patting the little girl's head. Her gaze then shifted to Lucian, a mixture of emotions evident on her face. An awkward silence filled the air.

"Essie wanted to see you, so I brought her," Lucian said, breaking the silence.

Roxanne recovered, forcing a smile. "Please, come in."