Chapter 1596: Wait for Archie and Benny

Noticing Estella's impending tears and the surrounding crowd, Sonya relented and carried the little girl to the entrance to wait. After half an hour, they spotted the two boys.

“Archie! Benny!” Estella ran to them, worry etched on her face. “Why were you so late?”

They exchanged a glance. Archie replied soothingly, “We accidentally fell behind and took a while to find you.”

Estella sniffled, clasping their hands. “We’ll hold hands so we won’t lose each other.”

Archie and Benny, after a brief glance at the distant Sonya, complied. Sonya's expression shifted subtly. She hadn't planned on bringing them, but their perceptiveness made her tolerate their presence, albeit at a distance from Estella.

Since they were already inside an attraction, Sonya allowed the three children to stay together. Exiting the attraction, she picked up Estella. “I’ll take you to see the princesses. Would you like that?”

Estella nodded innocently. “I’m a little princess too!”

Amusement flickered across Sonya’s face. “That’s right, you’re a little princess. Now, let’s meet the older princesses!”

She carried Estella away, leaving the boys behind. Estella's face fell. “Archie and Benny! Grandma, wait for them!”

Sonya slowed, waiting for the boys to catch up. Leaning down, she asked, “I’m taking Essie to see the princesses. You wouldn’t be interested, right?” Without waiting for a reply, she continued, “Go play elsewhere. I’ve upgraded your tickets, so you can play anything without waiting.”

“Then I don’t want to see the princesses either! I want to play with Archie and Benny. Put me down, Grandma!” Estella insisted, squirming.

Remembering her earlier experience, Sonya held Estella firmly. “Enough, Essie. Archie and Benny aren’t interested, so I’ll go with you. Let them have fun.”

Estella’s fuss intensified, drawing concerned glances from onlookers. Sonya glared back, then at Archie and Benny. “What are you still doing here? Go home if you don’t want to play.”

The boys, aware of Sonya's dislike, reassured Estella. “Don’t cry, Essie. We’re going on the roller coaster and will look for you later.”

Archie wiped Estella’s tears, took Benny’s hand, and waved. Sonya walked away, leaving them behind.

Benny looked worried. “Archie, do you think Essie will cry? Should we follow them secretly?”

Archie shook his head. “Grandma will calm her. Following them will only anger her more.” He turned to Benny. “Want to go on any ride?”

Benny shook his head. “I didn’t even want to come. I only came to be with Essie.”

“Then let’s wait here for Essie,” Archie said.