Chapter 865: Demanding to See You

James drove while Lucian sat in the back with Estella. Suddenly, Estella scrunched her face and mumbled something.

Lucian leaned closer. “Mommy…” she mumbled, clutching his clothes. Even asleep, her attachment to Roxanne was evident. His gaze darkened at the thought of her. James, having heard Estella, cast a troubled glance at the rearview mirror, noting Lucian’s grim expression and sighing silently.

“Estella needs a mother,” James said. “Until you find someone you like, you shouldn’t prevent her from seeing Ms. Jarvis, regardless of your feelings.”

After a long pause, Lucian replied in a low voice, “I’ll keep that in mind.” James remained silent; further discussion seemed futile.

Meanwhile, Roxanne waited outside the Farwell residence, having received no reply from Lucian.

“You can go home,” Catalina advised, noticing Roxanne’s worried expression. “I’ll contact you if Mr. Farwell returns.”

Roxanne’s eyes glistened. She hesitated, wanting to wait longer. She’d already been late; what if they returned after she left? Would she miss Estella again?

For some reason, Estella, despite their short acquaintance, had become as important to her as Archie and Benny. Perhaps Estella’s dependence fostered a reciprocal feeling.

Catalina sighed. “When Estella left, she was sobbing and demanding to see you. Mr. Farwell may have brought her. You should go home and check.”

Roxanne’s eyes brightened. “Thank you,” she said gratefully. “I’ll go home and see.”

She quickly drove home. Archie and Benny were on the couch with their laptops – Archie researching the stock market, Benny typing furiously.

“Mommy!” They dropped their laptops and ran to her. Cautiously, they peered behind her.

Roxanne smiled absently, scanning the living room. Estella and Lucian were nowhere in sight.

“Mommy, what are you looking for?” they asked, confused.

Roxanne asked hopefully, “Did Estella and Mr. Farwell come by?”

Archie and Benny exchanged glances and shook their heads. “What happened?” they asked, puzzled by her question.

Roxanne’s heart sank, but she hid her worry. “It’s nothing,” she said calmly.

Archie and Benny noticed her concern but didn’t press further, respecting her desire for privacy.