Chapter 119: What Will You Do to Mommy?

Lucian's expression darkened as he intently studied Roxanne, searching for any sign of deception, but found none. He looked away, his heart pounding, overwhelmed by confusion. All this time, Roxanne believed Estella was Aubree's child! He'd assumed Roxanne had abandoned Estella, and her aloofness upon Estella's return had painted her as cold-hearted in his mind. However, her earlier words suggested she didn't know Estella was her daughter.

What was going on? Was she a master manipulator, deceiving him? Perplexed and dumbfounded, Lucian finally collected his thoughts. He grasped her slender wrist, lowered his voice, and spoke clearly, word for word: "Since when did I say Estella is Aubree's child?"

Roxanne's wrist ached, but his startling statement eclipsed the pain. Shock and suspicion flooded her. Estella wasn't Aubree's child! That explained Aubree's absence during Estella's illness. Yet, as far as she knew, Aubree was Lucian's only other significant relationship. Who, then, was Estella's mother?

Overwhelmed, Roxanne fought back the urge to ask.

"Mommy!" two familiar voices called. "We found you! Are you okay?"

The children rushed toward Roxanne, whose wrist Lucian still held. Archie and Benny exchanged glances before scrambling to her side.

"Mommy, don't worry. We'll protect you!" Benny positioned himself protectively in front of Roxanne, finally seeing Lucian's face clearly. Archie, too, reached Roxanne, taking her arm. He glared fiercely at Lucian.

Recognizing Lucian, Archie's face tightened. He pushed Lucian away forcefully. "Let go of my Mommy! What do you want to do to her?"

Lucian frowned, releasing his grip. "I was only asking your Mommy for help. I wouldn't harm her."

Archie remained wary. Benny turned, gently squeezing Roxanne's hand. "Mommy, are you okay? Did he bully you? Archie and I will protect you!"

Roxanne, still reeling from the revelation about Estella, mindlessly shook her head. "Don't worry."

Her troubled expression worried Benny further, intensifying his angry glare at Lucian. Stupid Daddy! he thought. He bullies us, and now Mommy when we're not around! I'll teach him a lesson when I grow up!

The atmosphere grew tense. Madilyn, though displeased with Lucian, remained calm. "Maybe you should take this conversation outside," she suggested, then gently touched Roxanne's shoulder. "If you're afraid, let's skip the haunted house and leave."

Roxanne, snapping back to reality, nodded and followed Madilyn, ignoring Lucian. Benny, clinging tightly to Roxanne's hand, protectively escorted her, like a knight in shining armor.

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