Chapter 846: Wanted to Tell You Something

Lucian woke later than usual, having spent the previous night following online discussions of Herbscape Group’s scandals. Opening his bedroom door, he was met by a furious Estella. He knew her anger stemmed from his failure to check on her after returning home the night before.

Lucian frowned, concealing his frustration. She was his child; he wouldn't ignore her. He pretended not to notice her ire, asking, "Essie, why are you looking for me so early?"

Estella glared up. "Daddy's a meanie! Daddy doesn't care about me at all!"

Lucian's brows arched in surprise. He hadn't anticipated this conclusion. "Why would you say that?" he asked calmly, despite knowing the reason.

Estella's anger puffed her cheeks, then deflated into sadness. "Ms. Catalina said you came home last night." She'd already been upset with herself for falling asleep before his return, expecting a visit but receiving none. Waking that morning, she'd assumed he'd been out all night and felt sorry for him. Later, downstairs, Catalina revealed Lucian had come home, transforming her sympathy into anger. She'd stalked upstairs, waiting outside his room.

Lucian knew feigning ignorance would result in tears. He sighed, bending to stroke her hair. "I was too tired last night, so I went straight to my room."

Estella scrutinized his face. Convinced of his truthfulness, her anger subsided. Tugging his shirt, she wailed, "But Daddy, I wanted to tell you something last night."

Lucian sighed inwardly. He couldn't avoid the topic. He would have entertained her before learning of Jonathan's actions. Now, however, his actions risked jeopardizing Roxanne's life, and he feared regretting them after hearing Estella praise her mother.

He removed her hand, ruffling her hair. "I have to rush to the office. Can we talk after work?"

Before she could respond, he straightened and walked past her. Estella belatedly realized his escape, chasing after him. "But I won't take long! Wait for me, Daddy..."

Lucian frowned but resolutely ignored her pleas. Downstairs, Catalina, observing their descent, was perturbed by Lucian's impassivity and Estella's distress. Guessing the reason, she began carefully, "Mr. Farwell, Ms. Estella was asking about—"

Her words were cut short as Estella nearly tumbled down the stairs in her haste. "Ms. Estella!" Catalina shrieked, rushing to her aid.