Chapter 862: Do You Like Her a Lot?

“Is that true?” James looked down at the girl in his arms. Estella shook her head vigorously. Lucian’s explanation wasn’t the whole story; Estella’s distress ran deeper.

James turned to Lucian, a helpless expression on his face. “If you’re going to be so secretive, I won’t be able to help.”

Lucian was bewildered. He hadn’t been secretive; those were the only explanations he could think of. Yet, James’s words implied he’d missed something. Lucian began to think hard.

Estella remained in James’s arms, her back to Lucian, her body seemingly resisting her father. Suddenly, Lucian remembered Estella had started crying after something he’d said during their phone call. What had he said?

Seeing his friend’s distress, James frowned. He looked down at Estella. “Essie, what did your daddy do to make you sad? Tell me, and I’ll punish him for you.” James had always been Estella’s comfort during her outbursts; she trusted him implicitly.

Estella grumbled, “Daddy doesn’t keep his promises! I only want Ms. Jarvis…” She glared at Lucian before hiding again in James’s arms.

James looked meaningfully at Lucian. Since Roxanne’s arrival, Estella’s autistic symptoms had lessened. Her recent episodes clearly involved Roxanne. What had Lucian done this time?

At Estella’s words, Lucian recalled his phone conversation. He grimaced. “Essie, I didn’t mean it like that.” He’d been angry at Roxanne and blurted it out.

Estella remained silent.

“So, what did you say?” James asked.

“I was angry. I said Roxanne might not be her mother.”

Estella’s wails intensified, punctuated by occasional screams. James and Lucian watched, hearts sinking.

Understanding the cause, James urged Lucian, “I get it. You should leave.” Estella’s anger was directed at Lucian; his presence would only escalate the situation. Trusting James implicitly, Lucian left without a word.

James struggled to calm the struggling girl. “Your daddy’s gone. Look, it’s just us now.” He stood, carrying Estella, and walked around the room, pointing out small changes and asking if she noticed them. Estella responded, but her tears continued.

Finally, James sat down and spoke gently. “Essie, do you like Ms. Jarvis a lot?”

More tears flowed, but Estella nodded firmly. James wiped her tears. “How about your daddy? Do you not like him anymore?”