Chapter 1985: Slow Down

The sky drizzled outside the prison early that morning. Roxanne and Lucian waited quietly in their Rolls-Royce until the large iron gate slowly opened.

Colby, still wearing his prison uniform, listened to the middle-aged prison warden's advice. “Be a good person after you leave this place, and don’t make any more mistakes.”

He nodded, a relieved smile playing on his lips. “I will, Mr. Zagami. When I find a new job and earn money, I will definitely come back to visit you. Thank you for always helping me.”

“You’re most welcome. You don’t need to come back here anymore. It’s bad luck! Just get on with your life. Go on,” said the middle-aged warden with a faint smile.

Colby assumed no one would be there to pick him up, so he paid no attention to the Rolls-Royce parked outside. An astonished expression spread across his face when he saw Lucian emerge, holding Roxanne’s hand to help her from the vehicle.

“Colby, you’re finally out,” Lucian grinned slightly. They had initially expected to wait several more months for Colby’s release. Unexpectedly, his sentence was reduced due to good behavior.

Roxanne’s expression was calm and gentle. Having forgotten past grievances, she nodded. “Hello, Mr. Galloway. Welcome back!”

Colby was utterly astounded. He never expected the couple to pick him up, let alone that Roxanne would give him a chance to return to the research institute.

On the way, Colby watched the passing scenery, his emotions churning. Lucian had planned a lavish lunch to celebrate his release, but Colby politely declined. “I’ve been eating plain meals in prison; a sumptuous meal now could easily cause indigestion or pancreatitis—life-threatening conditions.”

Roxanne nodded in agreement, and Lucian, smiling, didn’t insist.

“Thank you for picking me up. I’ll report to the research institute tomorrow. Please drop me at this address; I need to deliver a message for someone in the prison,” Colby said.

Lucian and Roxanne agreed, reminding him to change clothes as soon as possible; a prison uniform would attract too much attention.

After dropping Colby off, the couple returned to their car. “He really missed out, but since I’ve already booked the restaurant, let’s have our meal there ourselves,” Lucian suggested. Roxanne readily agreed.

After an afternoon of strolling, Lucian and Roxanne decided to pick up their three children at the art academy. Amidst the bustling after-school crowd, Archie and Benny held Estella’s hands as they left the school. The children were thrilled their parents were picking them up.

Spotting their parents, they quickened their pace. “Slow down. Don’t run,” Roxanne cautioned, given the crowd.

Lucian, however, ran toward them. Just as he neared, several children emerged from beside Archie and Benny, pushing them to the ground. Before falling, Archie and Benny released Estella’s hand.

The boys grimaced in pain. Their knees scraped against the cement, bleeding. “Archie, Benny!” Estella cried out in fear.

Lucian’s pupils constricted; his eyes gleamed with cold fury. He rushed to his sons’ side, his gaze locking onto the fleeing children. Roxanne’s face drained of color as she hurried to her children.