Chapter 1723: Go With You

“Hello, Mr. Queen,” Catalina greeted Jonathan, her face troubled. “The children are upstairs. I have no idea what’s happened these past two days. Mr. and Mrs. Farwell haven’t returned, and the children are quite upset.”

Jonathan knew the reason for their distress. Looking up at the second floor, he felt a surge of apprehension. He wasn’t sure how to break the news, but he knew he couldn’t delay.

Nodding to Catalina, he said, “I’ll go upstairs and check on them.”

Jonathan ascended the stairs. The three children sat in the bedroom, their dejection palpable.

Estella looked at Archie anxiously. “Archie, I’m scared. What happened to Mommy? Why isn’t she home?”

Archie furrowed his brow, trying to comfort her. “Don’t be scared. Mommy said she just has a fever. Besides, Daddy will take good care of her. Don’t you trust Daddy?”

Hesitation flickered in Estella’s and Benny’s eyes. They trusted Lucian, but Roxanne didn’t seem to have a fever, and they hadn’t been able to contact her for days.

Archie, seeing their worry, pursed his lips, searching for a solution. He’d promised Lucian he’d care for Benny and Estella, both physically and emotionally. As he pondered, a knock came at the door.

He opened it, only to feel his own spirits sink at the sight of Jonathan.

“What’s the matter, Mr. Queen?” Archie asked.

Jonathan’s heart ached at the children’s despondency. Maintaining a semblance of calm, he said, “I need to tell you something. Come for a walk with me.”

Sensing it concerned Roxanne, Archie nodded and followed.

“I want to go too!” Benny and Estella jumped off the bed and rushed to the door.

“You two stay here. I just need Archie’s help,” Jonathan said, his own concern evident. “I’ll be back soon. Stay here, okay? What if Mommy comes back?” Archie added.

But Benny and Estella were unconvinced. “No! We want to come with you! What if you leave and never come back like Daddy and Mommy?”

Jonathan’s heart pounded. He opened his mouth to respond, but found himself speechless.

Archie looked to Jonathan for guidance. Meeting the children’s pleading eyes, Jonathan sighed. “All right, I’ll take you all.” He hoped Lucian would be at the research institute. He couldn’t bear to tell them the truth, let alone lie.

As they descended the stairs, Catalina approached with a large thermal container. “I’ve prepared some food, Mr. Queen. It’s late. Take this to Mr. and Mrs. Farwell.”

Jonathan’s eyes welled. He nodded silently, accepting the container.