Chapter 954: A Deliberate Act of Sabotage

After Archie, Benny, and Estella fell asleep, Roxanne extinguished the small nightlight in the tent. The tent plunged into darkness; she couldn't tell if Lucian was asleep on the other side.

She lay still, attempting to quiet her racing thoughts. Lucian's proximity hindered her relaxation. She carefully turned, avoiding waking the children, searching for a comfortable position.

Lucian, too, was awake. He couldn't shake the day's events or Roxanne's unexpected invitation to share the tent. He was grateful, yet deeply troubled by the lingering tension between them. He stared into the darkness, listening to the children's soft breathing, his mind returning to the reason for their shared camping trip.

Earlier, they'd embarked on a family camping trip, intended to strengthen their bond with the children. The day had been enjoyable and relaxing, but now, in the dark tent, unresolved issues loomed larger than ever.

Roxanne shifted again, a soft sigh escaping her lips. Lucian knew she was awake, likely as restless as he was. He decided to break the silence.

"Roxanne," he whispered, cautious not to wake the children.

A moment passed before her soft reply, "Yes?"

"I wanted to thank you for letting me stay. I know it's not easy for you."

Roxanne sighed, this time audibly. "It's fine, Lucian. It's for the kids. They need to see us getting along, even if it's just for a night."

Lucian felt a pang of guilt. Their strained relationship was affecting the children, and he longed for things to be different. "I know. And I appreciate it."

Silence stretched. Roxanne gathered her thoughts. They needed to talk, to clear the air, but she struggled to know where to begin.

Finally, her voice trembling slightly, she spoke. "Lucian, about what happened with Archie and Benny... I'm really worried. I don't want them hurt because of our problems."

Lucian's jaw tightened. He shared her concern but wasn't sure how to reassure her. "I promise I'll do everything I can to keep them safe. I'm already investigating what happened. We'll get to the bottom of it."

Roxanne nodded, though he couldn't see her in the darkness. "I hope so. They mean the world to me."

"I know," Lucian said softly. "They mean a lot to me, too."

They fell silent again, each lost in thought. Eventually, exhaustion overtook them, and they drifted to sleep, though it was restless and uneasy.

The next morning, the children awoke early, eager to continue their camping adventure. Despite their lack of sleep, Roxanne and Lucian mustered brave faces and joined their enthusiasm. They packed up the tent and gathered their belongings, ready to return home.

On the drive back, Lucian's phone buzzed with a message. It was from his security team; they'd found new evidence potentially leading to the person behind the attack on Archie and Benny.

"Roxanne," he said, gaining her attention. "I think we might have a lead on who orchestrated the attack."

Roxanne's eyes widened in surprise and relief. "Really? Who?"

Lucian hesitated, unwilling to jump to conclusions. "It's still early, but we're looking into someone who might have had a motive. I'll keep you updated."

Roxanne nodded, feeling a mix of hope and anxiety. She longed for the ordeal to end so they could move on.

As they drove, the tension between Roxanne and Lucian subtly eased. They were determined to find the truth and protect the children, even if it meant setting aside their differences temporarily.

By the time they reached home, the children were tired but happy, their spirits lifted by their adventure. Roxanne and Lucian exchanged a look of mutual understanding. They knew the journey was far from over, but for now, they shared a common goal: ensuring the safety and happiness of Archie, Benny, and Estella.