Chapter 900

Lifting her eyes, Roxanne glanced at Archie and Benny. Sensing her stare, they guiltily flashed her a smile before averting their gazes nonchalantly. A strange feeling welled within Roxanne. Gradually, realization dawned: Lucian's earlier question made sense. They had used her name to visit Essie.

Exasperation flooded her, but she remained silent. They had only done so because they desperately wanted to see Essie, and her mood had clearly improved because of their visit.

"Are you still feeling unwell anywhere?" Roxanne asked Estella with concern.

Estella docilely shook her head. "Archie and Benny played with me!" she replied in a cute voice.

Roxanne's conjecture was confirmed, and relief washed over her.

"Why did you come so late, Ms. Jarvis? Have you just finished work?" Estella asked, concerned for her.

Roxanne abruptly recalled Lucian's question from downstairs. For a moment, she didn't know how to answer. Fortunately, Estella didn't require a reply, thoughtfully urging, "Don't tire yourself out, Ms. Jarvis. You've got to take good care of yourself!"

Touched by her innocence, Roxanne's eyes welled. "Okay, I will. May I check you over?"

Estella obediently extended her hand. Roxanne took her wrist and felt her pulse. While she couldn't diagnose Estella's mental state, she could check her physical condition, easing her mind. After confirming everything was fine, she breathed a sigh of relief.

"It's late, so I must take Archie and Benny home. We'll visit again another day, okay?" Roxanne stroked Estella's head before straightening up. She hated to leave, but even more so, she wished to avoid Lucian after their earlier incident.

Estella, who had been smiling, instantly wilted, gazing at Roxanne pitifully. Behind them, Lucian's gaze darkened ominously.

Despite seeing Essie's earlier distress, Roxanne's departure seemed callous. The atmosphere instantly grew tense.

Catalina intervened, attempting to smooth things over. "I'll prepare dinner. Please stay and join us, Ms. Jarvis," she offered, adding quickly, "Archie and Benny must be hungry as well."

Archie and Benny nodded cooperatively. Roxanne hesitated, but ultimately declined. "Thank you, but I should take them home for dinner."

Considering the earlier incident, staying might lead to a misunderstanding with Lucian. His silence, despite being the master of the house, further reinforced her decision.

Lucian had anticipated her refusal, but still felt chagrined. "If you're declining because of Herbscape Group, Ms. Jarvis, you really don't need to."

Roxanne was stunned. A myriad of emotions surged within her. He knew her reason for refusing, yet accused her of mixing business and pleasure, potentially making her appear at fault to the children.