Chapter 861: Daddy Is Lying

Lucian pulled up in front of James’ psychiatric clinic. Having called ahead, James waited at the entrance. Lucian exited the car, then went around to retrieve Estella, who was still crying. She shied away from his outstretched hands.

“Let me,” James offered, stepping forward. He gently approached Estella. “Essie, sweetheart. Let me carry you.”

Estella shook her head, her voice choked with tears. “I want Ms. Jarvis…”

James frowned, glancing at Lucian. Lucian had mentioned Estella’s distress on the phone, but hadn’t had time to explain fully.

Meeting James’ gaze, Lucian said, “Let’s talk inside.”

James nodded and turned back to Estella. “Ms. Jarvis will be here soon. Come with me, and we’ll wait inside, okay?”

Estella regarded him doubtfully. James’ expression remained impassive; he was a professional, after all. Seeing no deception, Estella finally reached for him, allowing him to lift her from the car. She continued to sniffle.

At the sight of her father, she whimpered and buried her face in James’ chest, clearly avoiding Lucian.

Lucian’s eyes darkened at his daughter’s rejection, but he remained silent, following James into the clinic. James’ confusion deepened as he held the little girl. She’d displayed similar behavior before, but this level of resistance to Lucian was unprecedented. What had happened?

In the treatment room, James sat holding Estella, gesturing for Lucian to sit opposite. Estella’s crying had subsided to quiet sobs. After observing her, James turned to Lucian. “So, what happened?”

Lucian rubbed his temples. “It’s my fault,” he said, his voice deep. “She’s wanted to talk to me since last night, but I was preoccupied with work. Earlier, she wanted to visit the other children, but I said no. That upset her.”

To avoid further upsetting Estella, Lucian avoided mentioning Roxanne. Despite this, Estella cried out, “Bad Daddy! Daddy is lying!” Sobbing intensified.

James stroked her head. “Calm down, Essie. I’ll make your daddy tell the truth.” He looked at Lucian, his meaning clear. Even Estella sensed Lucian’s omission.

A troubled expression crossed Lucian’s face as he looked at his weeping daughter.

“I can’t comfort Essie without knowing the full story,” James prompted, shrugging slightly.

Lucian glanced at Estella before admitting, “She seems very concerned about my relationship with Roxanne.”

James raised a questioning eyebrow.

“Roxanne and I had a disagreement yesterday. It may have affected her,” Lucian said, scowling and looking away, his displeasure evident.