Chapter 823: Stand By My Words

Meanwhile, back at Roxanne's house, Archie and Benny simultaneously produced toys, arranged various snacks on the table, and sat on opposite sides of Estella. Estella's eyes were downcast, her cheeks puffed out, sadness etched across her face. Archie and Benny exchanged a helpless glance; they had promised Roxanne they would comfort her. They could only try their best. Archie handed her a tissue, speaking in a soothing voice, "Don't cry, Essie. If you like Mommy, try harder to help Mr. Farwell win her over!"

She glanced at him with a pout, her attention caught. He dabbed at the tears welling in the corners of her eyes, frowning worriedly. "We wanted Mommy and Mr. Farwell to get closer, but it seems he's upset with her again."

Benny interjected, "Mommy is in the wrong, but we can't be a family if Mr. Farwell keeps being angry."

Perturbation replaced her sadness. "It's all my fault. Daddy and Ms. Jarvis wouldn't have fought if I hadn't thrown a tantrum." Estella lowered her head in guilt. "It's my fault."

Archie and Benny, intending only to distract her, had inadvertently made her feel worse, so they tried to shift the blame to the adults. "It's not your fault, it's all Mommy and Mr. Farwell!"

She looked bewildered. "Mr. Farwell wants to win Mommy over, yet he's always mad at her," Archie explained. "And Mommy won't accept him even though he treats us well." Their conversation quickly shifted from consoling Estella to matchmaking their parents.

Meanwhile, Roxanne's car pulled up to the research institute, and she hurried inside, bumping into Jack and a group of people at the entrance. Two sneezes escaped before she could greet them.

"Dr. Jarvis, are you sick?" Hector inquired.

She smiled sheepishly. "No, I'm not sure why I suddenly sneezed." She apologized to the others. "Please excuse my lateness. I had to attend to some family matters and kept you all waiting. Lunch is on me."

Hector returned her smile. "We didn't wait in vain. Dr. Galloway gave us a tour of the institute, which was wonderful. He said you're a significant contributor to the institute's existence."

Roxanne was surprised that Colby had praised her to Hector. Colby met her gaze and smiled gently. "And I stand by my words."

A bashful smile touched her lips. "The institute has great potential. All I did was solve a small problem."

Hector nodded gratefully, observing the humble Colby and Roxanne. "Both of you did an amazing job, and I'll gladly entrust the research institute to your capable hands."