Chapter 767: She Had Never Suffered Like That

Roxanne was jolted awake by her ringing phone. Groggily, she located it on her bedside table and answered. "Who's this?"

Lucian's deep voice replied, "It's me." The sound instantly sharpened her awareness. "What's wrong?"

He glanced down at the girl in his arms. Estella was sobbing, trying to examine the rash on her own body. Lucian tightened his embrace and explained to Roxanne, "Essie has developed a lot of red, itchy spots. I just woke her. Could you possibly see her?"

Roxanne's sleepiness vanished. She scrambled out of bed, dressing as she went. "Of course. I'll wait for you."

After a brief response, he hung up and patted Estella's head. "There's a good girl. We'll go see Ms. Jarvis, and everything will be fine," he reassured her.

Despite her distress, Estella nodded obediently at the mention of Roxanne. Leaning weakly against Lucian's shoulder, she pleaded, "Daddy, it itches so badly."

Seeing her discomfort worried Lucian deeply. He could only free a hand and gently scratch her skin through her clothes, trying to alleviate the itch.

He carried her downstairs. Catalina emerged from her room, seeking water. Seeing them, she asked, puzzled, "Mr. Farwell, where are you taking Ms. Estella in the middle of the night?"

He paused, turning to ask, "Were there red spots on Essie when you bathed her?"

Catalina's gaze fell on Estella, concern etching her face. "She was fine then. How did this happen?"

"I'm taking her to be examined," he replied, proceeding towards the door. Catalina called out, grabbing a throw blanket from the couch. "It's chilly, and Ms. Estella isn't feeling well. This will help."

Lucian nodded as she wrapped the blanket around Estella, then carried her outside.

Catalina watched them go, sighing worriedly before pouring herself a glass of water. She mused, perhaps influenced by seeing Estella's rash, "I feel a little itchy myself."

In the car, Estella immediately resumed scratching. Lucian's expression hardened. "Don't do that, Essie."

Tears welled in Estella's eyes as she pouted. "I can't help it! It hurts and itches so much. It's unbearable!"

Her distress pained him. He gently stroked her hair. She had always been pampered and had never experienced such suffering.

Remembering Roxanne's gentle manner, Lucian softened his tone. "Everything will be alright when you see Ms. Jarvis. She'll make you feel better. If you keep scratching, you'll scar. That wouldn't be pretty."

At the mention of Roxanne, Estella finally nodded obediently.