Chapter 15: Who Dares to Ignore Him?
Roxanne anticipated Estella's response to Lucian's plan. Although disappointed to see Estella retrieve pencil and paper from her bag, Roxanne remained composed. "Don't worry," she said. "Estella's improving, but it will take time. She probably only speaks when she's excited. Let's be patient."
Lucian nodded in agreement. Estella's response, however minimal, was progress. He wouldn't push her, preferring to let her improve naturally.
Estella wrote for a while, pausing to think before finally answering their questions. Lucian and Benny listened attentively, offering encouragement.
The beluga whale show ended, but the children were reluctant to leave. Seeing there was time, Roxanne let them continue playing. Lucian, unsure why he'd come, followed, accompanying Roxanne and the children as they toured the marine park.
The children, engrossed in their play, repeatedly pulled Roxanne along, seemingly forgetting Lucian. He noticed their happiness but felt inexplicably forgotten. Roxanne, Archie, and Benny ignored him; even Estella seemed oblivious.
Cayden, instructed not to disturb them, followed Lucian from a distance. He'd witnessed this before—Lucian quietly following his family—and felt pity for him. Mr. Farwell, a man whose name held weight in Horington, had never endured such blatant disregard. Who would dare ignore him? Perhaps only these four.
Lucian suspected Archie and Benny, still resentful about their dinner conversation. He hadn't expected their lingering anger. Understanding, he remained silent, following Roxanne and the children.
They stayed until the marine park neared closing, the children finally exhausted and having explored every attraction. Roxanne, equally tired and relieved, decided to take them home. However, Lucian continued to follow.
Roxanne assumed he simply wanted time with Estella and would leave soon. Her frustration grew, however, when he followed them to the underground parking garage. "Mr. Farwell," she said, "is there something else? I'm taking the children home."
The three children turned to Lucian curiously.
Lucian nodded. "Please wait a moment. I have something for Estella in the car."
He retrieved something from his car, leaving Roxanne puzzled. Estella had been staying with her for a week; she needed nothing.
Lucian and Cayden returned, each carrying a large box.
"What are these?" Roxanne frowned.
One box contained limited-edition robot figurines; the other, high-tech cars and robot models—all expensive items. Recognizing them as the kind of toys Archie and Benny enjoyed, Roxanne became suspicious. These weren't gifts for Estella; they were clearly for Archie and Benny.