Chapter 690

Archie and Benny, accustomed to Roxanne's long work hours, were fairly independent boys. After a brief discussion about Jack and Lucian, they quickly washed up and had a breakfast of milk and bread.

The doorbell rang as they finished eating. Archie and Benny exchanged a wary glance before activating the video intercom. Estella waved sweetly.

The boys smiled and opened the door to their precious Essie. Lucian stood beside her, holding her hand. Benny felt sheepish, spotting the subject of their earlier conversation. Archie, however, remained calm, greeting them politely: “Good morning, Mr. Farwell and Essie.”

“Good morning, Archie and Benny!” Estella’s radiant smile reflected her delight at seeing the boys. After greeting them, she looked expectantly around the house, searching for Roxanne. Roxanne was nowhere to be seen.

Estella tugged on her father’s hand, her anxiety evident. Lucian, understanding her concern, looked over the boys’ heads, confirming Roxanne's absence. He frowned, confused. "Where's your mom?" he asked.

Roxanne should have been preparing them for school; her absence was conspicuous. Archie and Benny exchanged furtive glances, remembering their earlier conversation and hesitating to tell their father about the man who had collected Roxanne for work.

Lucian sensed their hesitation, his heart sinking. "What's wrong? Is she unwell?" he asked, assuming she had a cold and was resting. He led Estella inside, intending to check on Roxanne upstairs.

Realizing their mistake, the boys blurted, "No. Mommy, uh, went out."

Lucian paused, frowning. "Why did she go out without you? Isn't she sending you to school?"

Archie and Benny considered their response. Finally, Benny said, "A man brought Mommy away," immediately averting his gaze guiltily.

Lucian's frown deepened. Larry and Jack immediately sprang to mind; they were the only ones who would take Roxanne away. Remembering Roxanne's relationships with them, his expression darkened. His tone grew stern. "Which man? Do you know him?"

Benny jumped, about to confess everything when Archie nudged him. He composed himself, placing his hands behind his back and feigning thought. "Hmm, I don't think so," he mumbled.

His answer was unhelpful. Lucian furrowed his brows, rephrasing his question. "Well, do you know why he came to get your mom?"

Before Benny could falter, Archie volunteered, "Mommy said a child was sick and needed her help."