Chapter 885: Disappointment
Lucian’s phone rang again at the Farwell residence. He frowned at the caller ID, hesitating before stepping outside to answer. He wouldn't refuse a call from either boy; the possibility, however slight, of an emergency frightened him.
Archie's childish voice filled the line. He glanced hesitantly at his mother, Roxanne, who offered an encouraging smile, though a peculiar sensation stirred in her heart.
"I heard Mommy say Essie's crying," Archie said. "How's she doing now?" His mention of his mother was a deliberate ploy, hoping Lucian would understand Roxanne's hand in the inquiry.
Lucian's gaze darkened. He suspected Roxanne's involvement but didn't expect such straightforward confirmation. "Is Essie still crying?" he asked.
Archie, without waiting for a response, activated the speakerphone, including Roxanne in the conversation. Silence followed. Lucian wrestled with whether to tell Archie the truth, knowing Roxanne would inevitably find out. He saw an opportunity to make Roxanne consider her priorities—work or her children.
Archie seemed to sense Lucian's thoughts. "Mr. Farwell," he pleaded, his voice trembling, "we can keep it a secret from Mommy since you're angry at her. But Benny and I are worried about Essie. Please, tell us how she is."
"Mr. Farwell, please!" Benny added.
Their distress softened Lucian. "Estella's fine," he finally said. "She's asleep now. Don't worry. And since I made her cry, I'll take responsibility."
Archie and Benny exchanged relieved glances with Roxanne. They assumed her worry would ease, but her troubled expression remained. Estella's tears before sleep hinted at further tantrums.
Roxanne opened her mouth as if to speak, then thought better of it. If only he'd let me see Essie… Instead, she directed a pleading look at her sons.
They instantly grasped her intention. "Mr. Farwell," Benny begged, his voice sweet, "can Mommy bring us to visit Essie?" Roxanne nervously watched her smartwatch as if peering through it at Lucian.
His reply was immediate: "No. You can see her at school tomorrow."
Disappointment etched itself onto Archie and Benny's faces, mirrored by Roxanne's. The boys, unable to bear their mother's sadness, frantically searched for another solution.