Chapter 548

"I'm sorry, Benny," Archie apologized as the crowd thinned. "It was my fault for not holding your hand tightly enough."

Benny gazed at his brother. "It wasn't your fault, Archie. It's too crowded. Besides, I wasn't lost, and playing the drums was fun!"

Archie frowned, then nodded slowly. "I'll hold your hand tightly next time," he promised, "and prevent this from happening again."

Benny nodded vigorously, squeezing his brother's hand. Estella joined them. "Me too! I'll hold both your hands!" She clutched Benny's hand.

Touched by the three children walking hand-in-hand, Roxanne smiled gratefully. "Come, Benny," she said gently. "Thank Mr. Farwell."

Benny looked surprised.

"Mr. Farwell found you," Roxanne explained.

The boy glanced at Lucian. Lucian's expression was obscured by the moonlight, but Benny thanked him. "Thank you, Mr. Farwell."

Lucian nodded. "No problem. You were clever to wait there."

Benny, taken aback by the compliment, stroked his nose awkwardly.

The beach crowd dispersed after the fireworks. Despite her reservations, Roxanne took the children for a walk, sensing lingering fear. The weather was beautiful, the water calm. Letting go of their hands, she allowed them to run towards the shore while she and Lucian watched.

After ensuring their safety, Roxanne turned to Lucian. "We only found Benny because of you, Mr. Farwell. Thank you."

Lucian met her gaze, chuckled, and said, "No need to thank me. Benny's a smart kid." He'd been shocked by Benny's resourcefulness.

Roxanne smiled faintly. "If you hadn't found him, I don't know how long I'd have worried."

A flicker of annoyance crossed Lucian's face. He couldn't help but think of how much the boys challenged Roxanne alone, and what might have happened without his intervention. His hatred for the boys' father intensified.

Roxanne, unaware of his thoughts, ended the conversation and turned to watch the children playing. Moonlight bathed the ocean and the children's silhouettes, making them seem like ethereal figures.