Sonya was on the couch watching TV when she heard the news. "What did you say?" she sprang to her feet.

Aubree pinched herself, trying to appear worried and guilty. "This is all my fault. I should have taken better care of Essie and kept a closer eye on her."

"How long was she gone? Have you called the police? Where are you now? I'll send someone over right away," Sonya said, wishing she were there.

My sweet granddaughter How did she suddenly go missing?

Aubree replied, "We're looking for her now. We've already called the police, so you don't need to worry."

Sonya was so anxious that her tone was sharp. "How am I supposed not to worry? It's getting dark, and Essie is just a child. She must be terrified. I need to tell Elias and get him to send help."

Aubree agreed. Every extra pair of eyes would help.

Aubree hung up and left to help search for Estella.

Sonya called Lucian to get an update.

Lucian was walking uphill, searching for Estella, when he received a call from his mother.

"Have you found Essie?" Sonya asked as soon as he answered.

Lucian frowned. "Who told you about this?"

"How long do you plan to keep me in the dark about something so important? Where are you right now? I'll send someone over."

Lucian felt a headache coming on. "You don't have to. I already had Cayden send some people."

Sonya didn't insist, but she wanted to go help in person. Lucian stopped her. "We're in a rural area. Even if you come, you'll just be waiting at the hotel. Don't bother. I'll call you as soon as I find her."

Sonya reluctantly agreed. "You must find Essie as soon as possible, and call me immediately."

"Okay," Lucian replied before hanging up.

As the sky grew darker, Roxanne grew increasingly anxious. However, she had to return to Archie and Benny, who were waiting at the botanical garden entrance. From afar, she saw them holding hands.

"Mommy!" they shouted, running to her. "Have you found Essie?"

Roxanne forced a smile. "Not yet. I'll take you back, then go back out to look for her."

She stroked their heads and took them to the hotel.

Archie looked at the orange sky. He was worried. "It's getting dark. Essie must be scared."

Benny was also worried, but he remained silent, not wanting to upset his mother further.

Roxanne said, with a heavy heart, "I'll find her as soon as possible."

After returning Archie and Benny to the hotel, she grabbed a flashlight from her luggage and prepared to leave.

Archie tugged her shirt. "Mommy, you should eat dinner first. Otherwise, you'll be tired."

Roxanne's smile faded. Looking pale, she shook her head. "I'm not hungry. I have to find Essie. She only got lost looking for me"

Archie and Benny tilted their heads. "Mommy, what are you talking about? We've been with you the whole time. How is it your fault Essie is missing?"

Roxanne realized she'd spoken carelessly. She quickly dismissed it. "It's nothing. Be good. I have to go now." She patted their heads and entered the elevator.

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