Chapter 1598

Benny hesitated. "Are we really not going to tell Mommy? What if Essie gets lost?"

Archie furrowed his brows. "Mommy hasn't been in a good mood lately. If she finds out, she'll be even more upset. Let's not worry her; let's just go home."

Benny considered Roxanne's recent demeanor and nodded solemnly. The boys held hands and left the amusement park, hailing a taxi.

The taxi driver, seeing two children alone, was concerned. "Why are you kids out by yourselves? Are you lost? Should I call the police?"

Archie shook his head. "We came out on our own! Our mommy's waiting for us at home. Please take us back, sir!"

The driver was skeptical, but unable to leave them, allowed them into the cab. He only relaxed after they accurately gave him their address.

The Farwell residence was a considerable distance from the amusement park. Driving slowly and carefully, he finally reached their destination well after four o'clock.

Pulling up to the entrance, the driver was astonished by the luxurious building. If the family is this wealthy, he mused, how can they let their children roam unsupervised? Don't parents fear kidnapping?

"Sir, please wait a moment. I'll get the money!" Archie said in a childish voice.

The driver, startled from his thoughts, smiled. "That's not necessary. I don't take money from children. Hurry in; your parents must be worried."

Archie, however, insisted. Patting Benny's shoulder, he said, "Go get some cash from Ms. Catalina. I'll wait here."

"Okay," Benny replied, running towards the manor's entrance to ring the doorbell.

Catalina answered the video call promptly. Benny explained the situation; she hung up, retrieved some cash, and paid the driver. She offered more, but he refused. After thanking him again, she sent him away.

Bringing Archie and Benny inside, she asked, "Why were you boys alone? Where are Mrs. Farwell and Estella?" As she spoke, she checked them for injuries.

The boys obediently raised their arms for examination. Neither, however, knew how to answer her question about Sonya and Estella.

Relieved to find them unharmed, Catalina sighed. "Why aren't you talking? Did Mrs. Farwell say something mean to you again?" She knew Sonya's harsh treatment of them and feared she'd sent them home alone.

Archie and Benny exchanged a glance. To avoid escalation, they shook their heads. "No. We got tired, so we came home early."

Catalina eyed them suspiciously for a moment. Their innocent smiles, however, seemed genuine. Though sensing something was amiss, she couldn't pry further. "What would you boys like for dinner? I'll cook!"

The boys eagerly listed several dishes. Catalina readily agreed, smiling.