Chapter 854: Feign Ignorance

Roxanne caressed Benny and Archie's heads. "I'm sorry, but I have important work requiring immediate attention. You both know the company is facing imminent seizure. I must go, no matter what."

The two children stared at the ground, sullen and silent. They understood the importance of her work. However, they resented her spending time with Jack.

Roxanne felt apologetic and confused by their reluctance. They hadn't minded her overseas work, nor her earlier involvement with a medicinal herbs company. What was different this time?

"Mommy, are you going to let Mr. Damaris become our daddy?" Benny blurted out.

Roxanne paused, understanding their concern. Amusement and upset warred within her as she reassured them, "Mr. Damaris and I are work partners, nothing more. He's like the others you met overseas." She locked eyes with Benny and Archie. "You needn't worry. I'll ask for your opinions before making any such plans. I won't let someone you dislike become your father."

The children relaxed, inclining their heads. Roxanne sighed in relief.

Checking the time, she rose and patted their heads affectionately. "I must go, or I'll be late. Wait for me at home. I'll be back soon, and we'll have some fun later."

They promised obedience and apologized. "We're sorry for scaring you, Mommy."

Roxanne smiled. "It's all right, as long as you learn from this. Tell me anything next time, and don't pretend to be sick again. I'll worry."

They agreed. Roxanne went downstairs.

Jack sat on the couch. He rose as she approached. "How are the children?"

Roxanne grinned sheepishly, remembering their words. "They might have caught a cold last night. I gave them medicine and told them to rest."

Jack nodded slightly. "In that case, you needn't worry. I can go to Herbscape Group myself."

"It's all right. We'll just return sooner."

Jack didn't press the issue.

Meanwhile, Lucian left the Farwell residence in a hurry, skipping breakfast. Estella, fuming over her interrupted conversation, lost her appetite. Catalina tried to coax her, but Estella stubbornly refused to speak.

"Ms. Estella…" Catalina looked at her helplessly.

Estella looked at Catalina pitifully. "Ms. Catalina, I want to play with Archie and Benny." She didn't know how to ask her father for the brothers' help.

Catalina's heart ached for Estella. However, remembering Lucian's orders, she could only feign ignorance.