The Drunken Fairy, one of Horington's finest private restaurants, served exemplary dishes and catered only to high-profile clients. Reservations required at least a month's notice. Madilyn, using her connections, had secured a table the previous day.

The restaurant's exquisite interior featured screens separating each table, wooden room entrances, and an open-air design. At night, the chandelier cast a romantic, antique glow, creating the illusion of dining under the moonlight.

Madilyn's small group—including Roxanne, Archie, Benny, and a little girl, Estella—settled into a corner table. The waitstaff soon arrived with their meal. Roxanne, concerned about Estella's comfort, devoted herself to feeding and attending to the child. Archie and Benny, sitting beside them, peeled shrimp for Estella, their hearts melting at her enjoyment of the food. Estella ate voraciously.

Suddenly, a nearby conversation caught their attention.

"Did you hear? The Farwell family's princess is missing! They've searched the entire city, but can't find her."

Another voice, more cautious, responded, "Kidnapped? Whoever did it has nerves of steel. Who would dare touch Lucian Farwell's precious little girl? They must be crazy!"

Roxanne visibly paled at the mention of Lucian's name, her mind wandering.

The conversation continued, "Right? The little princess is mute, never spoken a word, yet lives a life of luxury. How lucky!"

Mute? Suspicion flashed in Roxanne's eyes. Lucian's daughter was mute? The child she'd brought hadn't spoken a word. The child's clothing and demeanor suggested a Farwell family connection. And that man on the phone… Roxanne suppressed her shock, turning to the child.

The girl, noticing Roxanne's gaze, looked up with a puzzled expression. Their eyes met, and Roxanne felt a jolt.

"This kid… could she be Lucian's daughter?"

Madilyn lowered her cutlery. "That's too much of a coincidence, isn't it?" she said hopefully. As Roxanne's best friend, she knew Roxanne's history with Lucian. The girl seemed five or six, the same age as Archie and Benny. If she were Lucian's daughter, it meant he'd had a child with his first crush shortly after Roxanne's divorce. That guy couldn't wait, huh? Roxanne deserves better.

Lost in thought, Roxanne reviewed events since meeting the child. The more she considered it, the more certain she became.

"We hit the jackpot," she muttered grimly.

Madilyn's heart sank at Roxanne's certainty. "What do we do? Lucian's probably on his way!" she whispered.

Panic seized Roxanne. She handed her phone to Madilyn. "Use my phone. I'll get Archie and Benny out. We'll meet in the parking lot."

Madilyn nodded. Seeing the child's confusion pained Roxanne. "I'll leave her with you."

She addressed her sons. "Let's go."

The boys followed without question. As they passed the little girl, she tugged on Roxanne's sleeve, her face distressed. Roxanne's heart ached at the girl's distraught expression. Regardless of her history with Lucian, the child was innocent.

Roxanne comforted the girl. "I have to go. This lady will care for you. Wait here. Your daddy will be here soon." She gently removed the child's grip and left the room, not looking back.

Meanwhile, Madilyn quickly instructed the staff to clear their table. Soon, the door opened to reveal a line of bodyguards, parting to allow Lucian Farwell to enter. Madilyn straightened, striving for composure, as the frosty-faced man approached.