Chapter 293: Do Not Waste Time

"No! I want Ms. Jarvis!" the girl implored, her eyes wide as she stared at Roxanne before glaring at Lucian.

Lucian, judging the girl's intractability, knew she wouldn't go home with him. He relented, turning to Roxanne.

Roxanne met his gaze, a frown furrowing her brows. She knew what was coming.

"Essie really likes being around you," he said earnestly, looking at Roxanne. "She's much better when she's with you. Her condition worsened yesterday, so I wondered if you could care for her for a while, since she wants to stay with you."

Estella's eyes lit up. Anticipation glinted in them as she waited for Roxanne's answer, but this excitement faded as she noticed Roxanne's reluctance after a moment of silence. Her heart sank, yet she looked at Roxanne pleadingly, refusing to believe Roxanne would refuse.

Roxanne looked at the girl apologetically, stroking her hair. "I'm so sorry, but I'm very busy these next few days. I've postponed a professor's project for personal reasons, and I really must return to the research institute tomorrow. I'll need to work extra hours to catch up, so I won't even have time for Archie and Benny"

While not explicitly refusing, Roxanne's words constituted a rejection.

Estella was dejected. Lucian frowned, looking at the girl helplessly.

"As you said, Essie needs someone who can properly care for her—something I can't promise. Keeping her here will hinder her recovery. Mr. Farwell, I think you know what's best for her," Roxanne continued. This was partly an excuse to encourage Lucian to take Estella home; Roxanne genuinely hoped Estella would recover, believing professional psychological intervention was crucial.

Lucian, unable to offer further assistance, pursed his lips. "Well, I guess you have to say goodbye to Ms. Jarvis, then, Essie."

Estella's disbelief was palpable. Her teary eyes widened as she stared at Roxanne, clinging to the woman's shirt. Roxanne quickly looked away, pained by the girl's distress. She knew she couldn't refuse if she maintained eye contact.

"Ms. Jarvis" Estella's voice quivered, but Roxanne hardened her heart and didn't look back.

Archie and Benny, witnessing Estella's desperation, felt wretched. "Mommy, why don't we just let Essie stay? She looks so—"

"Aunt Madilyn will be caring for you both these next two days, so behave yourselves," Roxanne interrupted, reinforcing her point about being busy. The boys fell silent.

Roxanne then gently removed Estella's hand and addressed Lucian. "It's late. You should go home. You have work tomorrow."

Lucian nodded, rising without looking back at Estella; he couldn't bear to see her disappointment.

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