Chapter 893: Will Look For Them With You

“Mr. Farwell,” Archie and Benny said, rising guiltily. They had nearly revealed their father's lie.

Lucian inclined his head, sweeping a dark look over them. A warning seemed to pass between them; their expressions instantly became docile. Understanding his caution, they watched him place their snacks on the table.

“Just tell Ms. Catalina if you need anything. I’m going to settle some things.” The three children bobbed their heads.

Lucian whirled and left, absorbed in his thoughts about Roxanne’s earlier words. He'd forgotten to remind Archie and Benny to be careful. He’d planned to do so when Catalina offered to take snacks upstairs.

Watching the bedroom door close, Archie and Benny sighed with relief. Phew! Daddy was really scary!

Estella, distracted by Lucian’s interruption, forgot their earlier conversation. She shared the snacks with Archie and Benny, and soon they were all playing together. The matter of Roxanne was forgotten.

Meanwhile, Roxanne, after much effort, finally focused on her work. Engrossed, she lost track of time. It was growing dark when she left her study.

Remembering the missed lunch, she decided to make it up to Archie and Benny by preparing dinner early. Expecting to find them downstairs, she was surprised to find them gone.

“Archie? Benny?” she called, initially unconcerned. But when there was no answer, her heart sank.

She quickly checked their room and the backyard—they were nowhere to be found. Only then did she realize they had left.

Panic surged. They had only recently returned to the country; she had no idea where they could be.

After frantic searching, she knocked on Madilyn’s door. Madilyn’s house was the only other place she could think of.

Madilyn, on leave and napping, was still groggy when she answered. “What is it, Roxanne? Are you here to invite me to dinner? I'll pass; I still want to sleep.” She started to close the door.

Roxanne frowned. “Did Archie and Benny come looking for you?”

Madilyn stopped, her drowsiness vanishing. “No. Have they gone missing?”

Roxanne, suspecting the answer, had asked anyway, clinging to a sliver of hope. That hope died with Madilyn’s answer. Her heart sank further.

Understanding something was wrong, Madilyn quickly grabbed her coat. “I’ll look for them with you!”

Archie and Benny aren’t familiar with the country. I really hope they didn’t get lost!

Roxanne, too worried to refuse, accepted the offer. They searched the neighborhood, then, finding no trace of the boys, drove further afield. They were at a loss; they had no idea where to look next.