Chapter 886: Unease

“If there’s nothing else, I’m hanging up now.” Lucian waited a moment before disconnecting, but the boys remained silent.

“Mr. Farwell, wait a minute!” they quickly interjected.

Lucian paused, complying. Benny cautiously glanced at his mother, clutching Archie’s watch. “Mr. Farwell, are you busy at work? If so, you can send Essie to us. We’ll take good care of her with Mommy.”

Benny waited anxiously for Lucian’s reply. Their previous request to visit Estella had been refused, so this likely would be too. Still, it was worth a try.

Roxanne hadn't anticipated their sudden request, leaving her feeling uneasy. A moment later, Lucian's voice filled the phone. “There’s no need. I will stay home and take care of Essie.” He hung up immediately.

The boys’ mouths gaped before awkwardly closing. They turned to their mother with sorrowful expressions. Roxanne’s own light dimmed with frustration, but she forced a smile, gently patting their heads. “Thank you, my darlings. Don’t worry. At least we know Essie’s alright.”

They nodded obediently, concealing their lingering worry to spare their mother further sadness.

“Anyway, how did you get Lucian’s number?” Roxanne asked, perplexed. They not only possessed his number, but he’d addressed Archie directly upon answering. This implied prior contact, yet she couldn’t recall Archie using his smartwatch to call Lucian. They must have done so behind her back.

Suspicion welled within her as the realization dawned. Guilt flickered in Archie and Benny’s eyes.

Archie steeled himself. “Mr. Farwell gave us his number the day you got drunk. He told us to call him if we needed anything.”

Roxanne furrowed her brows, recalling the incident where Lucian had driven her home. It made sense.

She tousled their hair, chiding gently, “Don’t disturb him too much.”

Relieved by her lack of further inquiry, Archie and Benny nodded demurely.

Roxanne spent some time with them before preparing lunch. In the living room, Archie and Benny whispered.

“Archie, is Essie really okay?” Benny asked, fidgeting.

Archie pressed his lips together. “I don’t know either.” Daddy’s tone suggested otherwise; Estella had probably cried herself to sleep.