Roxanne's heart lurched into her throat as she hurried from the airport, repeatedly glancing over her shoulder to ensure she wasn't being followed. Fortunately, her pursuer remained unseen even after they exited the building. Finally, Roxanne could breathe a sigh of relief.

The children found her constant head-turning strange, but sensing her anxiety, wisely refrained from questioning her. Without a word, they allowed her to pull them along.

"Roxanne! Archie! Benny!" A woman called from a distance.

The three looked up to see a woman in a suit waving happily. As the woman approached, Roxanne relaxed. Flashing a smile, she exclaimed, "Madilyn! It's been so long!"

Madilyn Xander, Roxanne's university best friend and now a doctor at her family's hospital, rushed to embrace her. "You're finally back! I've missed you so much!"

Roxanne chuckled, "I've missed you, too." They'd stayed in touch online, but rarely met in person.

After hugging Roxanne, Madilyn squatted to hug the boys. "My babies, did you miss me?"

Archie and Benny giggled, answering in unison, "Of course! Aunt Madilyn, we even dreamed of you! You're still as pretty as ever!"

"How sweet!" Madilyn beamed.

Roxanne, however, remained vigilant. Glancing toward the airport gates, she said calmly, "Let's go. We can talk at home."

Madilyn kissed the boys' cheeks, then, after loading the luggage into her car, ushered them inside and drove away.

Meanwhile, Lucian appeared at the airport gate.

"Cancel my overseas schedule," he instructed his assistant, Cayden Lawson.

Cayden nodded. "Mr. Farwell, we've expanded the search for Ms. Estella. She's young and can't have gone far. Don't worry."

Ms. Estella was Mr. Farwell's daughter, and finding her was paramount. His overseas work was secondary.

Lucian's gaze hardened as he strode toward his Maybach. The car sped away.

An hour later, Madilyn's car pulled into Durwest Garden, a residential area of large houses. Roxanne had asked Madilyn's help in finding a rental, and this was it.

The four of them exited the car and entered the house under Madilyn's guidance.

"It's lovely. I like this place," Roxanne said, turning to Madilyn. "You're quite efficient!"

Madilyn raised an eyebrow. "I'm your neighbor. The owner moved to the capital and wanted to rent it out. I happened to find it. We can visit each other easily."

Roxanne smiled in agreement.

After unpacking briefly, it was time for dinner. Madilyn took them to a restaurant. As she pulled into the parking lot, a little girl ran from a dark corner.

Madilyn slammed on the brakes, narrowly avoiding the child, who fell to the ground. Shocked, she stared at the girl.

Roxanne's heart pounded. Checking on her sons, she got out of the car.

A young girl, about five, sat inches from the car, clearly shaken. Roxanne's heart softened. Approaching cautiously, she asked, "Hey, are you hurt?"

The girl, fair-skinned and pretty with braided hair, large eyes, and delicate features, clutched an expensive doll. She looked warily at Roxanne but shook her head shyly.

Roxanne observed her silently. Relieved the girl was unharmed, she reached out to help her up, but the girl recoiled in fear.

Roxanne paused. Smiling reassuringly, she said, "Don't worry. I just want to help."

Looking around, she asked, "Where are your parents? Why are you alone?"

The girl hugged her doll tightly, remaining silent. Roxanne frowned, unsure how to communicate with her.

Madilyn and the boys exited the car. Archie and Benny exchanged curious glances at the quiet girl. (The internal thought "She looks cute. Why isn't she talking? Could she be a mute?" is better left out, as it's an unspoken observation.)

(The final promotional sentence should be removed.)