Chapter 1354

By the time Lucian hung up and returned to the private room, Roxanne was reading her phone, her face clouded with a frown. He surmised she'd seen the online discussion.

"You know about it already?" he asked, sitting beside her.

Roxanne remained silent, her gaze fixed on the constantly updating post, filled with insults aimed at her and speculation about Archie and Benny's background. She could tolerate the attacks on herself, but the inclusion of her children distressed her.

"Mommy, what's wrong?" Estella, unaware of the online drama, leaned over with concern.

Roxanne’s attention snapped back. Quickly putting away her phone, she smiled brightly. "It's nothing. Eat up." She offered Archie and Benny an apologetic glance.

The boys sensed the shift in the online conversation, understanding her look. Not wanting to worry her, they feigned ignorance, smiling meekly, though Benny secretly clenched his fists. That evil woman must have done something again. I'll teach her a lesson once I get back to my laptop.

"I'm sorry. It's my fault for not handling it properly," Lucian said, his gaze filled with worry. He had already read the hateful comments online and knew Roxanne would be upset.

Glancing at the children, Roxanne whispered, "Let's talk after the meal."

Lucian, understanding her wish to shield the children, nodded silently.

Thankfully, the meal in their new private room was peaceful, though the underlying tension hung heavy. Archie and Benny, worried about the online discussion, ate quietly, their usual playful antics absent.

Afterward, Lucian drove them to Roxanne's house. Once the children were upstairs, Roxanne and Lucian remained downstairs.

"I'm sorry I didn't handle this properly. I didn't expect Aubree to resort to this after our last conversation," Lucian said, his voice laced with anger. He regretted not dealing with Aubree more decisively.

Roxanne, head bowed, said, "I'm not bothered by the comments about me. It's not the first time. I just hope Archie and Benny aren't dragged into this. They're innocent."

Lucian felt a pang of sympathy. "I know. I'll resolve this quickly." He paused, then asked cautiously, "It's been a long time. Can you tell me who Archie and Benny's father is?"

The image of Roxanne with another man, and the fact that she had children with him, stirred a complex mix of emotions. Despite his anger, he primarily wanted her by his side. He tried to mask his feelings, knowing the boys were still her sons and he would continue to treat them as his own. Nevertheless, the question of their father’s identity lingered.