Chapter 1651: When Is Mommy Coming Home?

It was nine o'clock when Lucian left the hotel, intending to return to the hospital. He remained worried, despite Marilyn's presence with Roxanne. However, his phone rang as he began driving. He saw it was Benny. Remembering Colby's words from earlier, a wave of warmth washed over him at the sight of Benny's name.

"Daddy, aren't you coming home tonight either?" Benny's dejected voice filled the phone. Lucian pictured his three children waiting anxiously. He imagined Roxanne urging him home to comfort them. He slowed, turned the car around, and headed home, reassuring Benny, "I'm on my way. Have you all eaten dinner?"

Benny's tone brightened. "No! We're waiting for you!"

Lucian's heart softened. "Okay, I'll be home soon."

"Okay," Benny replied sweetly.

After hanging up, Lucian studied his reflection. A serious expression, deeply furrowed brows—he looked angry. He realized he might frighten the children. He spent the drive home carefully controlling his expression, successfully concealing his anger by the time he arrived at the Farwell residence.

"Daddy!" The children rushed out to greet him. Catalina followed, relieved at his return, then rejoined them in the living room. The children surrounded him, their excitement palpable. The weight on Lucian's heart lessened.

"Daddy, are you busy? Did you eat?"

"Daddy, I'm hungry! Let's eat!"

Estella and Benny tugged him inside. Archie also smiled, though a lingering concern clouded his features. Lucian noticed this and asked, "Archie, what's wrong?"

Archie frowned. "Daddy, where's Mommy? She always tells us before business trips and calls when she arrives. But we haven't heard from her."

Lucian's gaze darkened momentarily before he regained his composure, ruffling Archie's hair. "Your mommy had to leave quickly; she only told me. She's at a mountain for a medical consultation. The signal is bad there. She'll call when she can."

He'd rehearsed this explanation throughout the drive, hoping it would hold up. The children didn't seem suspicious initially. However, learning Roxanne was in the mountains, their questions about her safety poured forth:

"Daddy, are there wild animals? Will Mommy get hurt?"

"Is it remote? Did she go alone?"

"When is Mommy coming home?"

Lucian was left speechless.