Chapter 146: Disappointment

Benny, about to speak, hesitated after his brother's outburst. He'd almost forgotten that their father was a villain, and they were supposed to ignore him.

Lucian noticed the boys' unhappiness. Realizing his question was inappropriate, he apologized, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bring up your painful past." He couldn't think of how to comfort them.

Archie lowered his head, pretending to eat. "It's all right. We're used to it," he mumbled.

A tense silence fell over the table. After eating in silence, Benny, tears in his eyes, looked at Lucian. "Mr. Farwell, do you like children?"

Lucian was stunned.

Benny continued, "You treat Essie well. Since you don't hate children, why do you dislike us?" He looked at Lucian with pleading eyes. The unspoken question hung in the air: Why did you abandon us, Daddy?

Archie, startled, knew what Benny wanted to ask. He quickly served his brother more food. "Weren't you hungry? Eat up." He didn't want to upset Lucian or betray Roxanne's wishes to keep their identity secret.

Benny, pouting, ate quietly, but didn't ask for seconds.

Lucian had no answers, and the genesis of Benny's questions intrigued him. The tension at the table intensified until dinner ended.

Estella, usually quiet, sensed the brothers' sadness and felt equally downcast. Lucian, as the only adult, tried to change the subject, but the boys remained silent.

After dinner, he sent the children back to Roxanne's house. Catalina, worried about Roxanne's late return, was relieved to see them. Lucian stayed, chatting with Catalina while the children played.

Roxanne returned around eight o'clock. The children barely glanced at her, a stark contrast to their usual enthusiastic greetings. Roxanne sensed something was wrong.

Seeing Lucian, she asked, "What's wrong with them? Were they bullied at school?"

Lucian looked apologetic. "They reacted that way after I asked about their father at dinner. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to."

Roxanne was shocked. Regaining her composure, she said sternly, "Why did you ask them that?"

Lucian was momentarily speechless.

Roxanne, suppressing her panic, warned him, "They grew up without a father and hate being reminded. Mr. Farwell, please don't ask them such questions again."