Chapter 863: Agitate Her

Estella pursed her lips, silent for a long moment before slowly shaking her head. "I still like Daddy, but..."

"Daddy lied. Daddy is a bad person," James said, a smile finally breaking across his face. "You're angry with your daddy, but your daddy is angry with Ms. Jarvis."

Estella immediately shook her head. "Daddy cannot be angry with Ms. Jarvis." James was astonished. He knew Estella was exceedingly fond of Roxanne, but he hadn't realized the extent. Lucian must be exasperated.

Seeing Estella on the verge of another outburst, James hastily said, "I'll punish him for you. He knows he's wrong, too."

Estella calmed, but remained sullen. "I want Ms. Jarvis as my mommy. I don’t want anyone else!"

James glanced at the door. He could only agree on Lucian's behalf. "Okay. Only Ms. Jarvis."

Estella finally quieted, lying on James' shoulder, sniffling occasionally. James gently touched her eyes. "Do you feel awful?"

Estella nodded between sobs. Her eyes hurt, too.

James stood, retrieving a pocket watch. Patting Estella's hair, he comforted her, "How about you sleep for a while?"

Estella was reluctant, but nodded obediently. Soon, James had her under hypnosis, and watched her drift off.

Lucian hadn't gone far and had overheard their conversation. When Estella's voice ceased, he entered, knowing she was asleep. James was placing Estella on the couch when he heard the door open. Seeing Lucian, he exchanged a look, and they left the room together.

"How is she?" Lucian inquired.

"She's asleep. It will take a while before she wakes. Let's talk. This isn't a long-term solution," James replied.

Lucian nodded. James poured two cups of coffee before sitting on the couch.

"You should know that Essie views Ms. Jarvis as a very important person."

Lucian frowned slightly. "I know." He knew Roxanne's place in Estella's heart far exceeded his own.

James' brows furrowed. "If you know that, you shouldn't have used Ms. Jarvis to agitate her, knowing her condition."

Lucian looked away awkwardly, trying to hide his regret. He'd been hiding from Estella for two days, fearing he'd upset her. He hadn't expected to say those careless words during a call. Though he'd felt his statement unremarkable, it had deeply hurt Estella.

James said softly, "At her age, overthinking is inevitable. Moreover, she never had a mother. She craves maternal love and security more than anything. But you've avoided women all these years, and Essie never accepted Aubree. Why are you opposing Essie now that she's found someone she likes?"