Before Roxanne could answer, Lucian frowned and added grimly, "If it's inconvenient, I'll send Cayden."

Regaining her composure, Roxanne replied, "It's fine. Essie's already in my car. I was just calling to tell you." Her words eased the tension on his face. "Thanks. Anyway, I have to go."

Lucian ended the call before Roxanne could react. She only heard the dial tone. After a moment, she set down her phone, but Lucian's voice lingered in her mind.

She wondered if she was overthinking it, but it felt as though he was warming up to her after their two days of rehearsals. She sometimes even imagined they were a family—a feeling that intensified just now.

Unfortunately, the thought of Sonya jolted her back to reality.

"Mommy?" The children, curious about her delay, checked on her.

Roxanne, collecting her thoughts, mumbled a response before driving home. Lysa's dinner awaited them.

Seeing only the four of them, Lysa was surprised. "Where's Mr. Farwell?" Accustomed to having him at dinner the past two days, she felt disoriented. Lucian was nowhere in sight. Lysa gave Roxanne a quizzical look, as if he were family.

Noticing Lysa's expression, Roxanne frowned, realizing her earlier feeling wasn't imagined. Her mood plummeted inexplicably. "He... is tied up with work."

Lysa nodded. "Should we wait for him, or eat?"

Roxanne fell into thought again. Lysa's question sparked a glint in Estella's eyes. She turned to Roxanne, looking pitiful. "I want Daddy... Daddy doesn't eat when he's busy," she whined, tugging Roxanne's sleeve.

Roxanne nodded at Lysa. "Let's wait a while."

Lysa nodded in agreement. With conflicted emotions, Roxanne ushered the children to wash their hands.

"Mommy, are we waiting for Mr. Farwell for dinner?" Benny asked, washing his hands. He'd heard Roxanne's promise to Estella but knew she was avoiding Lucian.

Roxanne mumbled an affirmative. Sensing her reluctance, Benny tilted his head in confusion. Mommy doesn't like Daddy, why are we waiting?

Unaware of Benny's thoughts, she waited for them to finish before leading them out. A knock came. They all guessed it was Lucian.

Roxanne adopted an aloof expression as she opened the door. Lucian stood there, impeccably dressed in a suit, looking as if he'd just left a meeting. He still exuded authority.

Briefly stunned, Roxanne stepped aside. "Come in."

Lucian nodded slightly and entered the living room.