Chapter 892: Am Fine

Lucian watched the children ascend the stairs, a whirlwind of emotions washing over him. Archie and Benny had just said Roxanne sent them. She'd called all day, but he hadn't answered. He'd thought she'd given up, knowing he was angry. Who knew she'd use the boys against him?

First, she'd told them to call him. Then, she'd sent them to see Essie. Undeniably, she'd gotten clever. But why hadn't she simply come herself, after going to all this trouble? She knew he wouldn't refuse her if she'd come with Archie and Benny. Could she be angry with him, too? But why?

Catalina sensed his anger. "Mr. Farwell," she said carefully, "I'll send some snacks up for Ms. Estella and the boys."

Lucian's senses returned. He rubbed his temples forcefully to clear his head, then rose from the couch. In a hoarse voice, he said, "I'll go."

Catalina nodded, handing him a plate.

Lucian took the plate and went upstairs. Estella, Archie, and Benny were sitting in a circle in Estella's room.

"Where's Ms. Jarvis? Is she still busy working?" Estella asked in her adorable voice.

Archie and Benny were momentarily stunned. "Who told you Mommy is busy at work?" they asked warily.

"Daddy. And Ms. Catalina," Estella answered innocently. She'd heard Roxanne say the same thing when Lucian called earlier.

Archie and Benny exchanged a look. "Mommy has her hands full," they lied, "That's why she told us to visit you first." They could see Estella had been crying. If she knew her parents were still arguing, she'd become upset again.

Estella nodded understandingly. "Daddy has forgiven Ms. Jarvis!" she said cheerfully.

Archie and Benny were stupefied. Mixed feelings surged within them as they nodded a few seconds later. It seemed Daddy had told Essie several falsehoods to calm her. Fortunately, they'd asked her the question first; otherwise, they would have exposed everything.

Both boys breathed a sigh of relief.

"Are you still feeling unwell?" Archie asked gently.

Estella shook her head. "I'm fine! I was just angry at Daddy this morning. But Daddy promised to stop fighting with Ms. Jarvis."

Relief washed over Archie and Benny. They'd almost accidentally revealed the truth.

"When will Ms. Jarvis be done with her work?" Estella suddenly asked.

Archie and Benny were overwhelmed by her continuous questioning. It depended on when their father stopped being angry. How could they know?

Helplessly, they stared at each other. As they struggled to answer, a knock came at the door.

Estella turned from them and opened it. "Hi, Daddy!" she greeted obediently, smiling at the man holding a plate of snacks and drinks. Lucian stood there, looking at her.