Chapter 545 – Her Sudden Departure: A Tale of Love and Redemption (Lucian & Roxanne)

Roxanne set the table for the kids before she went to answer the door. As expected, Lucian was waiting outside. Roxanne opened the door, and he gave her a curt nod. “Where is Essie? I’m here to bring her home.”

He looked in the direction of the living room. When the children realized Lucian was here, they held their breaths and strained to listen to the faint sounds of his movements outside the door.

Upon hearing Estella’s name, the boys simultaneously turned their heads in her direction. Estella puffed her cheeks and met their eyes reluctantly.

According to their plan, she would have to follow Lucian back and try to convince him while the boys would be responsible for changing Roxanne’s mind.

That way, Lucian and Roxanne could make peace with one another soon. It was time to leave, but Estella couldn’t bear to part with Roxanne and the boys.

The little girl was feeling hesitant when Roxanne’s voice rang out. “Are you in a hurry? If you’re not, you’re welcome to join us for lunch.”

Everyone’s expressions changed drastically when they heard that.

The children were overjoyed when they heard Roxanne inviting Lucian to stay, while Lucian was uncertain what her invitation entailed.

Roxanne turned over her shoulder to glance at the dining room. She lowered her voice and said, “I need to talk to you about Essie.”

With that, she met Lucian’s gaze boldly.

Lucian furrowed his brows. He accepted her invitation and followed her into the dining room.

The children were excited at the sight of him entering, but they dared not express their exhilaration openly.

Benny hung his head low to conceal his excitement.

This is great! It’s been a long time since Daddy and Mommy have sat down to enjoy a meal together. This means that their relationship has improved, right?

The children kept stealing glances at Roxanne and Lucian over lunch.

Roxanne had accurately predicted what the children were thinking. The realization caused her to look away as conflicting emotions swirled around in her heart.

Lucian could read the kids’ minds, too.

As the children continued to steal glances at them, he couldn’t help but become increasingly intrigued by Roxanne’s response.

He subtly raised his head to get a better glimpse of her.

The mere sight of Roxanne diligently chowing down on her food caused his gaze to harden. Suddenly, he had no appetite whatsoever.

“I’m done.” Lucian put his fork down, his face devoid of expression.

“Daddy…” Estella thought he wanted to bring her home right now, so she grabbed his sleeves pleadingly. “Let’s go back home later!”

Lucian’s brows snapped together. He patted her head and assured her, “I need to talk to Ms. Jarvis. You can play a bit more with the boys.”

Roxanne had lowered her voice deliberately when she mentioned Estella’s name earlier, leading him to deduce that she wanted to keep her conversation with him a secret from the others.

It concerned his daughter, so Lucian was willing to play along with her.

Estella had no idea what Lucian and Roxanne wanted to talk about.

However, relief washed over her when she realized she could spend a bit more time with Archie and Benny. She couldn’t help but crack a broad smile.

Roxanne felt extremely uncomfortable under Lucian’s penetrating gaze despite her valiant attempts to ignore him. When she heard his answer, she heaved a silent sigh of relief and put her fork down.

“Let’s talk upstairs.” Turning to the children, she instructed, “Finish your lunch before you go off to play.”

Archie and Benny nodded vigorously. Roxanne rose to her feet and shot Lucian a look. Getting her hint, he complied by getting up and following her up the stairs.

They both came to a stop at the balcony on the second floor, one after another. Roxanne said nothing as she was wondering how she should start the conversation.

Even after Estella had admitted to her mistake and apologized, she still couldn’t believe that the little girl was capable of committing such an action.

Naturally, Lucian would not believe her, as he loved Estella dearly.

If she were to reveal the truth bluntly, Lucian would most probably think she was trying to blame Estella for something the little girl didn’t do.

She remained silent for a long time, causing Lucian’s expression to turn as dark as thunder. “Ms. Jarvis, what is this about?”

Roxanne snapped out of her reverie. She parted her lips but had no idea how to start.

Lucian’s brows furrowed. “Don’t tell me you tricked me just so Essie could stay for a bit longer.”

His words reminded Roxanne of the time when he had thought it was her idea for Archie and Benny to sneak into the Farwell residence.

She didn’t manage to clear things up back then. If he continued to misunderstand her this time, she would never regain his trust.

With that thought in mind, Roxanne frowned and said, “Essie is your daughter, so she needs to go back home with you anyhow. Why would I resort to tricks to make her stay?”

Lucian cast her a suspicious look. “Then speak. What is it?”

Roxanne took a deep breath before meeting his eyes. “I believe Essie grew up by your side, right?”

Lucian didn’t respond for some time.

Roxanne noticed his expression changing.

She might be wrong, but she saw a hint of mockery on his face that was directed at her.

She was momentarily stunned by that.

I merely asked him if Essie grew up with him, as I wanted to know if he knows Essie’s character well. Why is he mad at me?

The confusion on her face only served to upset Lucian even more.

She’s Essie’s birth mother, but she never participated in her childhood. How dare she ask me that question?

Despite knowing it was a misunderstanding, Lucian couldn’t help but fume silently.

It took him a while before he replied stiffly, “Yes. Any problem with that?”

Roxanne gathered her thoughts, as she could sense the tension in the air. She carefully asked the next question. “Then what do you think about Essie’s character?”

Lucian replied calmly, “Essie has always been a good girl.”

Roxanne knitted her brows, seemingly displeased by his answer.

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