Chapter 1601: Come Back So Late

Estella emerged from the bathroom, noticing Archie and Benny standing silently in the living room. "Has Grandma left?" she asked, puzzled.

Archie and Benny visibly relaxed, though they still looked downcast as they nodded.

Estella's face hardened as she observed her brothers' expressions. "Did Grandma say something harsh to you again?"

It was clear to Estella that Archie and Benny were unhappy.

Archie offered a weak smile. "No. She just told me to take good care of you." He quickly changed the subject. "It's late. Why aren't Mommy and Daddy back yet?"

Archie's words immediately drew Estella's attention to the front door.

Catalina, finishing dinner preparations, found the children unusually subdued. They sat listlessly on the couch, all gazing towards the entrance.

"Mr. Archie, Mr. Benny, Ms. Estella, dinner is ready," Catalina said softly, noticing their mood. "Are you hungry? Would you like to eat?"

The children shook their heads in unison. "We're not hungry. We'll wait for Mommy and Daddy to have dinner with us!" Archie replied.

Catalina, understanding, waited with them, hoping for Lucian and Roxanne's swift return.

Around seven o'clock, sounds from outside the mansion broke the silence.

Catalina glanced at the children.

The three children sprang up and raced to the entrance.

They saw Lucian exiting the car and opening the passenger door for Roxanne. The couple shared a kiss.

Roxanne turned and saw her children watching from the doorway. She stopped abruptly. Even though this wasn't their first time witnessing this, she felt embarrassed.

She reproached Lucian with a glance.

Lucian smiled innocently. "I didn't see them there..."

The children usually waited inside. Neither parent expected them to be at the door.

"Why are you so eager to see us tonight?" Lucian asked, quickly stepping in front of Roxanne to shield her.

The children, dejected and aggrieved, had hoped for comfort from their parents. But upon seeing them, they couldn't bring themselves to add to their parents' concerns.

Estella and Benny looked to Archie for guidance.

Archie steeled himself. "Daddy, why did you and Mommy come back so late? We've been waiting for so long!"

Lucian ruffled their hair. "We've been busy these past few days. We'll take you all out when we're free."

The children recalled the afternoon's events. Though still upset, they managed a subdued hum of acknowledgement.

Lucian, sensing something amiss, frowned. "What's wrong? Don't you want to go out? Are you feeling unwell?"

Roxanne, also noticing their unusual behavior, approached them with concern.

The children exchanged uncertain glances, unsure how to respond.