Chapter 1072 Play Along
At noon, Roxanne had just finished preparing lunch when the doorbell rang. After two warnings from Jack that morning, Roxanne and the kids were now immune to the sound of the doorbell even though they knew it was most probably Lucian this time.
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.
