Near the end of the kindergarten day, Lucian collected his thoughts and drove to the school. He hoped to see Roxanne, as Estella usually waited with Archie and Benny for him. However, upon arrival, he found Estella alone, timidly holding Pippa's hand. Archie and Benny had already left with Ms. Jarvis.

"You're here, Mr. Farwell," Pippa said, relieved. She had been carefully watching Estella.

Lucian nodded, took Estella from Pippa, and they drove home. Estella was quiet and subdued.

Lucian frowned. "Why are you alone today?"

Estella, her voice soft and tinged with grievance, replied, "Ms. Jarvis picked up Archie and Benny."

Lucian's gaze darkened. He knew Roxanne, while wanting distance, had a soft spot for Estella. Estella wouldn't have let Roxanne leave easily. The only explanation for Roxanne's absence was that she'd seen the news about him. Was she avoiding me because of the news? he wondered, feeling displeasure.

The car ride was tense. At home, they found Sonya waiting in the living room. Lucian's brows furrowed. "Mom, what are you doing here?"

Sonya had planned to talk to him at the office, but changed her mind and waited at the manor. His cool reception angered her.

"What's wrong? Can't I come over? Do you want me to stay away so you can hide things from us and marry Roxanne?"

Lucian's expression hardened. He told Catalina, "Take Estella upstairs." Catalina quickly obeyed, sensing the tension.

Estella slowly climbed the stairs, troubled by her grandmother's mention of Ms. Jarvis and the conflicting news about her father's marriage. She secretly hoped he would marry Roxanne.

Meanwhile, Lucian sat opposite Sonya. "What about the news today? Aren't you going to explain it?" Sonya demanded, anger simmering.

Their eyes met, and Sonya felt his oppressive aura. Lucian retorted with a hint of mockery, "Didn't you explain why the news of my marriage to Aubree got out? You didn't even ask my opinion."

He knew Sonya wanted him with Aubree, but he hadn't expected such drastic measures. The news forced him to act.

Sonya's expression shifted. Feeling guilty, she stubbornly replied, "It's been years since your contract with Aubree. You were going to be together eventually. I just announced it. Besides, you humiliated her at Mr. Queen's birthday, and we should make amends."