Chapter 972: You Have No Brothers

Roxanne had long suspected Sonya's displeasure. Though displeased herself, she maintained a composed expression.

“It’s Essie and Mr. Farwell’s wish that Essie stay here. As you’re her grandmother, I have no objection if you wish to take her home, but I hope you respect Essie’s wishes.”

Sonya frowned. She’d already spoken with Estella. What sorcery had Roxanne used to make her refuse to go home? She'd sought Roxanne’s help, but this woman's tactlessness was astounding!

Sonya was livid. Then Estella spoke. “Grandma, I don’t want to go home. I want to stay here and play with Archie and Benny.” Estella looked at Sonya pitifully.

Usually, this expression would have swayed Sonya. However, consumed by rage, Estella’s plea only intensified her anger.

“You have to go home, even if you don’t want to. You belong to the Farwell family. How can you stay at someone else’s house and cause them trouble?”

Cowering, Estella replied forlornly, “I didn’t cause trouble.” She looked at Roxanne for support.

Roxanne’s heart softened. She smiled and nodded. “You didn’t cause trouble.”

Estella looked back at Sonya, hoping she’d understand she hadn’t inconvenienced Roxanne.

Sonya’s anger flared, but she couldn’t unleash it on Estella. She looked at Roxanne.

“If you’re so free, perhaps you should spend more time with your own children. Essie belongs to the Farwell family. You needn’t pretend to be kind and care for her!” Sonya said, glancing coldly at Archie and Benny.

Archie and Benny had been watching Sonya longingly. As Estella’s grandmother, she was also their grandmother. Though they weren't lacking in affection, they felt an inexplicable kinship. However, Sonya's attitude toward Roxanne chilled them, leaving them disappointed.

They averted their gazes. Roxanne stepped forward, pulling them behind her. “I’m merely fulfilling my duties as a doctor. Mrs. Farwell, you needn’t worry. I have no interest in that position.”

Archie and Benny didn’t understand the position, but Sonya did. “You better not!” she snorted, rising and picking up Estella.

Realizing Sonya was taking her away, tears welled in Estella’s eyes. “Archie, Benny… My brothers…” she choked out.

Sonya’s heart momentarily ached, but she steeled herself. “They are not your brothers. The Farwell family has only one child. You have no brothers.”

Estella wailed. Roxanne wanted to comfort her, but Sonya’s gaze held her in place.

Archie and Benny, seeing Estella’s distress, rushed to comfort her. “Grandma, please let Essie stay two more days! We’ll take good care of her!”