In the brightly lit backyard, the boys kicked a ball around while Estella, holding up her skirt, ambled behind them. She didn't manage a kick, but smiled throughout.

"Mommy!" Benny, having just kicked the ball toward the door, was startled by Roxanne emerging from the house. The moment she appeared, Roxanne was stunned to see the ball flying straight at her face. Just inches away, a hand reached out from behind, pulling her aside. The ball brushed past her before falling to the ground.

Lucian appeared, looking at the stunned children. In a deep voice, he instructed, "Come back in for dinner." They gradually recovered their wits and hurried to Roxanne's side.

"Mommy, I'm sorry for scaring you. Are you all right?" Benny apologized meekly. Roxanne reassuringly tousled his hair. "I'm fine, but you have to be more careful next time." Then, giving Estella an amused yet helpless look, she reprimanded the brothers, "How could you play ball with Essie? She's wearing a dress! What if she had fallen?"

The boys exchanged glances, scratching their noses to hide their guilt. Suddenly, Estella's high-pitched voice rang out, "They didn't ask me. I wanted to play with them."

Roxanne's eyebrows jumped in surprise; she hadn't expected Estella to defend the brothers. Still, it was dangerous for her to be running around in a dress, especially considering how hungry she was. The children's playfulness contrasted sharply with Lucian's inaction. Roxanne subconsciously threw him an accusatory glance.

Sensing her gaze, Lucian explained without turning, "Essie rarely gets to run. Since she's having fun, there's no reason to stop her." Roxanne said nothing more, taking the children to wash their hands before leading them into the dining room.

The food was cold, so Lysa reheated it. Famished, the boys devoured their meals once everyone was seated. Observing them, innocent Estella picked up her cutlery and ate just as enthusiastically. Roxanne couldn't help but laugh, patting her sons on their backs. "Slow down. You're setting a bad example for Essie."

After glancing at Estella, the boys burst into laughter and slowed down.

"Mommy, why did you come back so late today?" Benny asked curiously midway through dinner. She apologetically tousled his head. "I'm sorry. I planned to pick you up and told Lysa, but something unexpected came up at work, and I forgot." The boys nodded understandingly. "It's all right. But next time, please let us know. Otherwise, we'll worry about Ms. Lane." Roxanne's heart melted. She smiled and agreed.

Benny added, "To make up for it, why don't you pick us up every day from now on?"