Chapter 815 Opportunity
Roxanne stood at the doorway after the two guests entered the house, but a look of self-mockery flashed across her face. They had not seen each other for a week, so she should have already known what was on the man’s mind.
When she saw him just now, she unexpectedly had an illusion that the man was using Estella as an excuse to pay her a visit. She had nearly forgotten that whatever was between them had ended after Lucian’s competition with Jack.
Presumably, they were here today because Lucian was pestered by Estella into coming, and therefore had no choice but to agree.
Realizing that she got lost in her thoughts, Roxanne forced herself to focus and closed the door before entering the house.
In the dining room, Archie and Benny noticed that Lucian and Estella have arrived. Their little faces were filled with excitement as they asked out of concern, “Have you eaten yet, Essie?”
Estella merely shook her head.
I’m eager to come here and see Ms. Jarvis. How would I have time to eat? Even Daddy hasn’t eaten yet!
Seeing Estella shaking her head, the boys chorused, “Then join us!”
After saying this, the boys looked expectantly at Roxanne.
Meeting the gazes of the children, Roxanne gave them a smile and turned to look at Lucian. “I assume you’ve not eaten yet, Mr. Farwell. Why don’t you sit down and grab yourself a bite to eat?”
Since their ambiguous relationship had ended, Roxanne could finally treat Lucian like her friend without having any qualms.
A strange feeling rose in Lucian’s heart when he noticed that Roxanne had taken the initiative to invite him to partake in their meal. He tried to perceive what was on her mind through her expression, but she had already entered the kitchen.
Shortly after, Roxanne returned with extra placemats and cutlery to set the table for her two additional guests. With concern, she looked at Estella and asked, “Did you come here to play with the boys, Essie?”
The little girl shook her head without hesitation and looked earnestly at Roxanne. “I’m here to thank you, Ms. Jarvis.”
Upon hearing this, Roxanne was puzzled. She subconsciously raised her eyes to look at the man before her, wondering if he knew anything about this.
She had just raised her head to look when her gaze met Lucian’s dark eyes.
It was as if he had been staring at her this whole time.
Roxanne was momentarily stunned. She clenched her fists, forcing herself to stop overthinking. Trying hard to remain composed, she looked at Estella and asked, “Is that so? What do you have to thank me for?”
“I want to thank you for treating me and Daddy’s illnesses!” came Estella’s adorable reply. “I spent ages learning how to bake a cake. I want to make one for you, Ms. Jarvis.”
As soon as Estella spoke, she looked at her father innocently and said, “Daddy can prove that I worked very hard! Didn’t I, Daddy?”
Though Estella said she wanted to express her gratitude, she had, actually, been plotting to find ways to bring Roxanne and Lucian closer together, creating more opportunities for them to be in each other’s presence.
I can’t believe Daddy doesn’t grab this golden opportunity! I guess I’ll just have to help him.
Lucian noticed that Estella had directed the conversation at him and soon understood her intentions. He nodded in cooperation. “She pestered Catalina to teach her for a whole week. Catalina said that she learned how to do it pretty well.”
Roxanne nodded awkwardly when she heard him speak, but her expression remained cheery as she turned to look at Estella. “You know how to bake? How clever!”
Archie and Benny had also caught on to the meaning behind Estella’s prompting. Excitedly, they said, “We want to learn as well! Teach us, Essie!”
Estella nodded obediently.
In a split second, the boys immediately changed their tone of voice while looking at Lucian and Roxanne with pitiful eyes. “However, we’re scared of ruining Essie’s hard work. Can you help us out, Mommy and Mr. Farwell?”
