Chapter 571

Roxanne finished her bracelet shortly. Glancing sideways, she saw Estella's head still buried in her desk. Roxanne quietly took her seat, waiting for Estella to finish.

A while later, Estella's voice rang out. Turning, Roxanne saw a finished seashell keychain dangling before her. Briefly stunned, she praised, "It's beautiful," assuming Estella wanted her opinion.

The shell Estella had chosen was already lovely and colorful. While the blue chain added to it, the finished product felt slightly lacking. Still, it would look charming on Essie's bag. The thought of Estella carrying it filled Roxanne with delight.

Then, Estella said, "This is for you!"

Roxanne's smile faltered, replaced by disbelief. She recalled Estella's joy at finding the seashell. To willingly part with something so cherished, clearly distressed earlier about what to give her, struck Roxanne with guilt. She wondered what about her made Estella care so much.

When Roxanne didn't immediately respond, Estella's shoulders slumped. "You don't like it, Ms. Jarvis?" she asked, crestfallen. "But I did it exactly as you told me."

Estella's voice pulled Roxanne from her thoughts. The sight of Estella's sadness intensified her guilt.

"No, I... I love it. Thank you, Essie," Roxanne said, suppressing her guilt and taking the keychain with a smile. Estella's face brightened.

Roxanne carefully placed the keychain in her purse, then turned to the bracelet she’d made. Estella looked confused when Roxanne took her wrist, but she obediently offered it. Roxanne clasped the exquisite seashell bracelet around Estella's wrist. Estella's eyes sparkled. Roxanne checked the fit, sighing with relief. "I have a present for you too. Do you like it?" she asked, smiling.

Estella, her gaze fixed on the bracelet, replied with words she’d learned from Lucian: "I love everything Ms. Jarvis gives me!"

Roxanne laughed. She’d only recently learned to speak, yet already knew how to please with sweet words. Estella's sincerity was evident as she gazed at the bracelet, reluctant to look away.

Seeing Estella's happiness, Roxanne felt a pang of guilt about the coldness she anticipated needing to display in the future.

She turned to the boys, noticing their intense concentration. Sweat glistened on their foreheads. Intrigued by their project, Roxanne asked after watching them for a while, "Archie, Benny, what are you guys making?"

She thought she detected a glance toward Lucian after her question. But the boys quickly chorused, "It's a secret!" before she could ponder it further.