Chapter 1172

Cayden was familiar with the route from Farwell Group to the kindergarten, arriving quickly. However, the prospect of facing Archie and Benny's questions slowed him subconsciously. Most children had left when he reached the kindergarten; only Pippa waited at the gate with Archie and Benny.

Cayden hesitated to exit his car, unsure how to confront them. But seeing their lonely expressions, his heart ached, and he immediately got out.

"Mr. Lawson?"

Archie and Benny expected Roxanne, finding Cayden's presence unusual. He nodded awkwardly, quickly averting his gaze. Before he could speak, Benny softly asked, "Are you here to take care of Essie's transfer procedures? Is she coming back?"

It was the only explanation they could conceive. Cayden, unprepared for this question, froze in surprise. Even Pippa's expression shifted.

"Is that true? I'll take you to Mr. Bauer right away!"

Cayden offered an awkward smile. "Oh, I'm afraid you have the wrong idea. I only came to pick up Archie and Benny."

Confusion etched itself on Pippa, Archie, and Benny's faces. Ms. Jarvis usually sent Lysa or Madilyn; she'd never sent Mr. Lawson. His presence made sense if he were collecting Essie, too, but she no longer attended. His being there solely for them was strange.

Archie and Benny were disappointed he wasn't handling Essie's transfer. Cayden felt their distress deeply. This was not a good day for them.

Though Pippa knew Cayden, she cautiously asked, "Mr. Lawson, may I ask why you're specifically picking up Archie and Benny today?"

He hesitated, offering a weak excuse: "Ms. Jarvis and Mr. Farwell have business to attend to, so Mr. Farwell sent me."

While unconvincing, it was plausible. Pippa looked at Archie and Benny, seeking their opinion. They exchanged glances.

Archie, with suspicion in his eyes, said, "Ms. Ward, we'd like to call Mommy." He knew, as did Benny, the tension between their parents. There was no way they were handling business together.

Pippa dialed Roxanne's number and handed them the phone. Cayden felt anxious, seeing their expectant faces. Ms. Jarvis was unconscious; the line went dead after a while.

Noticing their concern, Cayden said, "Ms. Jarvis is probably too busy to answer right now."

Pippa looked between Cayden and the boys. "Archie, Benny, do you want to go with Mr. Lawson?"

After a few seconds, they nodded silently.