Chapter 1052: Below Minimum Temperature

Archie seized the opportunity to sprint from the mansion with Estella in tow. They hid in a corner, awaiting Benny's departure.

Inside, Catalina had just poured Benny a glass of water, assuming he was going upstairs. To her surprise, he bowed politely. “Thank you, Ms. Catalina. I shall take my leave now.” Catalina frowned, puzzled. “What about Archie?” Their simultaneous arrival made their separate departures inexplicable.

Benny pursed his lips guiltily. “Archie left a while ago. We snuck in without telling Mommy, and we got caught. She’s probably scolding him now.”

Catalina nodded understandingly, finding their antics amusing. She mused, "I can't believe they went to such lengths just to visit a friend. Ms. Jarvis must be frantic."

Remembering earlier events, she offered, “I’ll ask someone to give you a ride home.” Benny waved his hands anxiously. “N-No need. My mommy’s waiting outside,” he stammered, a lie.

Catalina accepted his words without question. “Be careful,” she said. Benny bobbed his head and hurried from the mansion. Outside, he quickly rejoined Archie and Estella.

Archie waved. “Let’s go!” The others followed.

After leaving the manor, Archie and Benny remained vigilant, mindful of Estella's presence and the older children they’d encountered earlier. Fortunately, they reached the junction without incident.

Later, Catalina belatedly remembered forgetting to invite the boys to lunch, assuming they were home. She went upstairs for Estella, but received no answer after repeated knocks.

“Ms. Estella? May I come in?” Catalina asked worriedly, cautiously opening the door to find the room empty.

Catalina’s heart sank. “Ms. Estella?” she called, searching frantically but finding nothing. Just as she was about to summon the bodyguards, an idea struck her.

Benny’s behavior seemed odd. Had Estella left with them? The possibility startled her. She'd failed in her duty to Mr. Farwell, allowing Estella to slip away while under her care.

Feeling guilty and remorseful, Catalina immediately contacted Lucian. He was listening to Cayden's work report when her call came. Assuming Estella was simply having a tantrum, he answered.

“Mr. Farwell, Ms. Estella left with Archie and Benny,” Catalina apologized.

A scowl crossed Lucian's face. Cayden noted the sudden drop in office temperature, observing his employer warily. He wondered about Estella’s whereabouts. Later, he sensed the temperature returning to normal.

Lucian said, “Got it. I’ll pick her up later.” His voice was deep and even.

He ended the call. Cayden remained confused, unsure of the reason for Lucian's fluctuating mood.