Chapter 1340

Meanwhile, Roxanne remained unaware of the online controversy. After breakfast, she took the children to the beach. Archie and Benny, initially apprehensive about the changing public opinion online, quickly forgot their worries once they were in the car. Roxanne hadn't taken them on a road trip in a while, and they eagerly anticipated the outing, especially with Estella.

“Mommy, where are we going?” Estella repeatedly called Roxanne “Mommy,” as if making up for lost time. Observing the changing scenery, Archie and Benny curiously asked, “Mommy, are we leaving town? Are you going to sell us now that you have Essie?”

Benny, feigning shock, pleaded in a tender voice, “Mommy, please don’t! We’re good kids, and we’ll help with our little sister!” Estella earnestly nodded. “Sell me too, if you must!” A moment later, however, she looked troubled. “But I love Mommy very much. Mommy, please don’t sell us?”

Roxanne’s heart melted at their innocent pleas. “When did I say I was going to sell you? I’m taking you all to the beach; the weather’s lovely.”

It was the same beach she’d visited when she first discovered her pregnancy. Lucian had recently taken her back, rekindling her memories. Even then, pregnant, she'd longed to bring her future children to this beach.

The mention of the beach instantly brought back memories of their last vacation—their first family trip! That vacation held a special place in Archie and Benny’s hearts, especially after discovering Estella was their long-lost sister.

“Mommy, is this the beach we went to last time?” Benny asked.

Roxanne felt a surge of emotion, remembering their last trip. Following a kindergarten activity, they’d enjoyed a hot springs vacation, a trip marked by significant events. If not for Sonya and Aubree, Roxanne and Lucian might have been together, enjoying that beach.

“Mommy?” the children urged impatiently.

Roxanne smiled, regaining her composure. “No. This time, it’s a beach I used to visit.”

Their eyes lit up. Rarely exposed to Roxanne’s past, they were thrilled to visit her favorite beach. Roxanne grinned, seeing their happiness in the rearview mirror. Years ago, pregnant, she'd envisioned her children playing on this very beach, a dream she'd abandoned when she decided to leave the country. Now, that dream was a reality.

Half an hour later, Roxanne’s car came to a stop a short distance from the beach. The children leaped out, running towards the water like untamed colts.