Pippa messaged the parents' group chat for an update. (The extraneous text about a website has been removed.)

Every response was bad news. Everyone knew how precious Estella was to Lucian, so they had searched extensively for her. The botanical garden's proximity to the forest meant no one dared to venture there. Lucian read the replies, his distress growing at the lack of progress.

He hadn't contacted Roxanne since they parted at the botanical garden and didn't know her whereabouts. It was late, and he was concerned about her searching alone, especially given her physical weakness. He called her, but received only automated messages indicating she was out of service after several attempts.

Lucian's gaze darkened. Cayden and his team arrived. "Mr. Farwell, we've dispatched men to search the forest."

Lucian nodded sternly. "Search all night if necessary. We must find Essie."

"Understood."

Lucian's phone screen went dark. He frowned. "I need to check the botanical garden. Keep me updated."

He headed toward the botanical garden. It was late. If Roxanne hadn't returned, the boys would be unsupervised, and she would likely blame herself intensely if they were missing before Estella was found. Upon reaching the garden, he discovered Archie and Benny weren't there.

Lucian's heart sank. He rushed back to the hotel, praying they were safe. He found them waiting, and breathed a sigh of relief.

"Mr. Farwell, have you found Essie?" Benny asked anxiously.

Lucian shook his head. "I'm still searching. Where's your mommy? Did she send you back?"

Worry etched Benny's face. "Mommy left to look for Essie after sending us back. She didn't even eat dinner. She said Essie went missing while looking for us."

Benny paused, staring at Lucian with confusion. "Did Essie go missing because of us?"

The thought filled Benny with guilt. Essie wanted to come earlier, why did I tell Mommy to hurry? This is all my fault…

Lucian's eyes hardened. "That's not true. This isn't your fault. Stay here, and don't open the door for anyone but Essie."

Archie and Benny nodded, watching Lucian leave. They sensed his increased anger.

As Lucian left, Benny's words echoed in his mind. Roxanne said Estella disappeared on her way to her. Only Aubree would say such a thing! She angered Estella and didn't watch her properly. That's why Estella is missing. How dare she blame Roxanne?

Seeing Archie and Benny's worried faces, Lucian imagined Roxanne's guilt upon learning Estella had disappeared because of her. That was why she'd skipped dinner and gone searching. The thought angered him further.

His earlier calls failed; she was likely in the forest searching. Lucian had tolerated Aubree long enough. If anything happened to Roxanne or Essie, he wouldn't forgive her!