Chapter 925: Coaxing Roxanne

On the way to the Farwell residence, Estella puffed out her cheeks in the backseat, staring at her father through the rearview mirror. "Daddy," she said softly, "did you make Ms. Jarvis angry again?"

Lucian frowned at his daughter's adorable yet perceptive question. Estella, sensing his reaction, snorted. She'd believed he was bringing her to see Roxanne, but it seemed he'd gone to cause trouble instead. "I won't listen to you anymore, Daddy!" she declared gloomily.

Lucian's frown deepened. "It's because of work," he explained patiently.

"That excuse again!" Estella retorted, unhappy. "You only know how to lie to little kids, Daddy. You said that last time too! Earlier, you tricked me into bringing you to Ms. Jarvis, and then secretly made her angry!" She vowed never to believe him again.

At a red light, Lucian massaged his throbbing temples. "I'm telling the truth. I have no reason to lie to you."

"Ms. Jarvis' mood wasn't bad until she talked to you, Daddy!" Estella insisted, her observation seemingly reasonable.

Lucian couldn't refute her, remaining silent despite his exasperation. Technically, Roxanne had found cause for unhappiness, but Estella, unaware, blamed him.

Estella frowned fiercely. "Daddy, you promised Ms. Jarvis would become my mommy!"

Lucian remained silent.

"If things continue like this, when will she become my mommy?" Worry filled Estella's voice.

Lucian's expression softened. "I'm working on a plan, but it's not a decision I can make alone. Roxanne is wary of me," he admitted, frustrated by his inability to change the situation. No matter his explanations, she wouldn't listen.

Estella, too, felt frustrated. He promised to try, yet always angered Roxanne. The thought of when, or even if, Roxanne would join their family, filled the little girl with anxiety. "You can't continue like this, Daddy!"

Lucian frowned, silent. It wasn't a matter he could decide alone.

Before he could respond, Estella said pitifully, "Daddy, you have to coax Ms. Jarvis." She added silently, Since you wouldn't let me earlier, you have to do it yourself!

Lucian frowned again; her demand seemed unreasonable. Roxanne is the one who found fault with me. How can I coax her? The more I try, the more she'll think I have ulterior motives, he thought gloomily.

Sensing his shift in mood, Estella looked wronged but remained silent, aware of his anger. Lucian glanced at her through the rearview mirror and changed the subject. "What do I need to prepare for your camping trip tomorrow?" He rarely attended such events, let alone with a child.