Chapter 944: Answering the Call

Roxanne shut the door and called Madilyn. Madilyn answered after a while. "Roxanne? Didn't you go camping? Is something wrong?"

The line was noisy, so Roxanne asked, "What are you doing?"

Madilyn's voice was strained. "Don't mention it. I was forced to work overtime again."

The noise intensified. Before Roxanne could respond, Madilyn hurriedly said, "I need to get back to work. I'll call you later," and hung up. Roxanne's gaze darkened as her phone screen dimmed. She didn't call back. After a moment's hesitation, she tried Larry.

He answered quickly, but was out of state and couldn't help immediately. Roxanne, despite his concern, dismissed him briefly and hung up. There was no time to explain; she didn't want to burden them further. Unable to reach her friends, panic welled up inside her.

Archie, observing her, recalled her calls. He guessed their predicament. Mommy must have tried to ask for help but failed, he thought, his expression growing grim. "Daddy..." Estella, groggy from pain, instinctively sought comfort.

Hearing his sister, Archie had an idea. He glanced at his mother outside the car; Roxanne was scowling. A moment later, he looked away and called Lucian using his smartwatch.

In the Farwell Group conference room, Lucian sat impassively, facing a group of managers. The Herbscape Group acquisition had been successful, and they were planning their collaboration with Queen Group, a matter they'd been discussing for two days.

As the meeting neared its end, Lucian's phone vibrated. The room fell silent as all eyes turned to the phone. Lucian's brows furrowed. He reached for his phone, intending to reject the call, then saw the caller ID. Archie? Why is he calling at this hour? Didn't they go camping?

"Mr. Farwell, should I continue my presentation?" the presenting manager asked hesitantly.

Lucian's gaze swept over him. "Go on."

The manager nodded and resumed, but was interrupted by his CEO. "Stop. I need to take this call outside." Lucian, still worried, cut him short and strode from the conference room.

The remaining managers exchanged glances. Lucian always prioritized work. A ringing phone during meetings usually resulted in immediate dismissal from the room. Yet, recently, his phone had rung several times during meetings, and he invariably left to answer it. They wondered who was on the other end.

Outside, Lucian answered the call, oblivious to his employees' speculation. "Mr. Farwell!" Archie's voice, trembling, filled his ear. Lucian almost thought he'd misheard.