Chapter 1574: Bedtime Story

Roxanne blushed, embarrassed by Lucian's affectionate display in front of the children. Witnessing their father's defense, the children confidently declared to their mother, "That's right! We're still children, so you can't get angry at us, Mommy." Seeing their parents embrace, they tactfully turned away and closed their eyes.

"It's getting late," Roxanne said, gently disentangling herself from Lucian's arms. "The children need to rest and attend school tomorrow!"

Lucian released her. "I'll take them to their bedroom. There's something else I want to discuss with them."

The children's faces fell; they sensed their father wouldn't easily forgive them. Anticipating a discussion about the incident, Roxanne nodded and watched him lead the children upstairs.

After bathing them, he watched them settle into their beds. "Are you still angry at us, Daddy?" Benny asked, partially hiding his face under the covers. "Will you forgive me if I tell you about the hole in the company's system?"

He had discovered a vulnerability in the company's advanced firewall while hacking, and inserted a program into a virus that would activate and patch the system once the virus was neutralized.

Lucian patted the boy's head. "I'm aware of it, and I know you patched it."

Benny sighed in relief. "Then are you still angry?"

Lucian shook his head. "I was never angry. I just wanted to tell you a story."

The children's eyes lit up. "Daddy's going to tell us a bedtime story?"

His nod prompted them to obediently snuggle under their blankets and close their eyes. "We're ready! Tell us the story now, Daddy!" They were thrilled; this would be their first bedtime story from Lucian.

Lucian began, "Once upon a time, there was a man called Jack—"

"Is this the story about Jack the Poet?" Archie asked, opening his eyes and gazing at his father curiously.

Grinning, Lucian nodded.

Benny also peeked open his eyes. "I know this story! Mommy told us before!"

"Then do you know the moral of the story?" Lucian asked.

Benny turned to his brother. Archie furrowed his brow, thoughtfully considering the question before answering, "The moral is that we should study and not waste our talents. Otherwise, we'll end up like Jack."

Benny nodded seriously. Lucian smiled. "I'm happy you both understand the moral."

"We know what we did wrong, Daddy! We promise to study hard in the future! You can monitor us!" the boys apologized simultaneously. Their remorse seemed genuine.

Lucian caressed their heads and tucked them in. "All right, it's getting late. You should rest. I'll leave after you've fallen asleep."

The children nodded obediently and closed their eyes. As promised, he left only after they were asleep.