Chapter 572

Puzzlement flickered across Roxanne's eyes at the boys' answer. It was the first time in all these years they had kept a secret from her. Her curiosity heightened as she watched them finish their crafts. She lost track of time as they worked. A glimpse of their finished project confirmed her earlier suspicion about their furtive glances toward Lucian. Even Lucian felt their gazes and frowned in confusion.

Archie and Benny stealthily hid their crafts, then ran around the workshop, searching. They stopped before a glowing white shell, relieved when their creation fit inside after opening it. The shell was for sale, so the boys emptied their pockets. After paying, they cautiously approached Lucian.

Seeing them, the creases on Lucian's forehead deepened. He wondered if they intended to gift him their handiwork, but instantly dismissed the thought, remembering their usual attitude. Yet, they shyly offered the shell. "This is for you, Mr. Farwell," they said.

Lucian and Roxanne were stunned. Lucian was confused. Don't the boys always consider me their enemy? Did last night's incident change their minds? Did their perception of me shift that drastically? He silently pondered their altered behavior. Their arms remained outstretched, the shell offered. They wanted to give Lucian a present, but their expressions were nervous.

After a long pause, Roxanne prompted, "Mr. Farwell, please accept it; it's the boys' heartfelt gift." Roxanne cast a complex gaze at the boys. She suspected they might have discovered their identities.

Lucian finally broke from his thoughts and took the shell at Roxanne's urging. He opened it to reveal a pair of exquisite cuff links made of tiny shells. So they worked so hard to make these for me? A pang hit Lucian's heart. "Why would you give me a present?" he asked.

The boys exchanged a glance. Benny dropped his head shyly, while Archie answered, "This is our gratitude for your help in finding Benny yesterday and stopping him from doing something dangerous on the yacht today."

Understanding dawned on Lucian, and a smile touched his lips. "I'll accept this gift, then. Thank you." Archie and Benny breathed a sigh of relief.

Something indescribable stirred within Roxanne at their answer. She acknowledged Lucian's help, and that the boys should be grateful, but their change of heart was drastic. She worried they would grow closer to Lucian, and he would discover their identities. The thought of Lucian wanting to take them away from her filled her with fear.