The sight of Roxanne with the other two women reminded Catalina of the past. After exchanging pleasantries, Catalina left, hoping they would spend more time together.

Soon, only the three of them remained in the living room. Lucian’s eyes darkened as he watched them. Sensing his gaze, Roxanne turned and went to the couch to put Estella down. However, Estella clung tightly to her shoulders, refusing to let go.

Seeing this, Roxanne sat down with her and said gently, “Essie, be a good girl. You’re sick and need to go to bed early. Do you want me to lull you to sleep?”

Estella buried her face in Roxanne’s neck and shook her head.

Roxanne’s brows furrowed. “Don’t you want to sleep?”

The little girl nodded and, turning, pointed at the notebook on the table. Roxanne retrieved the notebook. She watched as Estella scribbled something on it. The text read: "You’ll leave if I fall asleep. I don’t want you to leave."

After scribbling this, Estella pursed her lips unhappily. Roxanne read the words, surprise flashing across her face. Is Estella that attached to me?

Lucian had also read Estella’s words. He glanced at Roxanne and said sternly, “Ms. Jarvis has to go home. Be good and go to bed.”

Estella pouted and looked at Roxanne for confirmation. Roxanne nodded. She had boys waiting for her at home. Lysa was caring for them, but Roxanne still worried. Besides, she wasn't sure how she'd spend a night in her old house.

At Roxanne's silent affirmation, Estella looked down sadly, fiddling with the corner of Roxanne’s shirt, nearly crumpling it. Roxanne couldn’t bear to see her upset.

After a while, Estella released Roxanne’s shirt. Roxanne thought she was finally going to bed, but the little girl picked up the notebook again. This time, she wrote: "I want Daddy to bring the boys over. Please don’t leave, Ms. Jarvis."

After writing this, Estella wrapped her arms around Roxanne’s neck pitifully, refusing to let go. Feeling the girl’s feverish heat, Roxanne couldn’t refuse.

Finally, she sighed and relented. “All right. I won’t leave. You can sleep now.”

Estella looked up suspiciously. Roxanne patted her head comfortingly. “I’ll keep you company, so shut your eyes and sleep.”

Estella snuggled into her arms and quickly fell asleep, her head resting on Roxanne’s shoulder, her grip on Roxanne’s shirt tight, as if afraid she would leave secretly.

Roxanne’s heart melted as she looked at the sleeping girl. Lucian’s gaze softened as he witnessed their interaction. He joined them on the adjacent couch, instructing the butler to prepare two cups of coffee. He then pulled out his phone and began working from home. He hadn’t been lying about working overtime; he’d been extremely busy recently.

Silence settled over the living room. Hearing Estella’s even breathing, Roxanne asked the butler for a blanket to cover Estella. The little girl turned over, as if the heat bothered her. Carefully, Roxanne wiped the sweat from Estella’s brow, her eyes filled with gentleness.