Chapter 996: Faking His Illness

“Why aren’t you two asleep yet?” Roxanne asked, surprised to find the boys standing before her.

Archie and Benny exchanged glances. “We thought you seemed upset, Mommy,” they said. Roxanne’s suppressed emotions surged.

“Mommy, what happened at Mr. Farwell’s house?” Archie asked seriously, hinting at an awareness she hadn't expected. He hadn't actually seen anything, however. Roxanne patted his head. “It’s nothing. I suddenly remembered some work I needed to do.”

“Then how about we visit Mr. Farwell tomorrow?” Archie and Benny persisted.

Roxanne’s expression hardened. The boys watched intently, scrutinizing her face.

After a moment, she forced a smile. “I have important work to attend to tomorrow. Besides, Mr. Farwell just has a cold and fever. He’ll be better by then.”

Initially, she’d worried Aubree had harmed Lucian. But witnessing the scene earlier had allayed her fears. Lucian's treatment of Aubree suggested she'd achieved her goal and wouldn't act further. Archie and Benny had anticipated her refusal.

Benny, however, wasn't giving up. He tugged at her skirt. “But, Mommy, when you were sick, Mr. Farwell always visited.” They were suggesting a reciprocal visit to Lucian.

Their words struck a painful chord. Lucian's attentiveness during her illnesses—now seeming like calculated manipulation—touched her despite herself.

Archie and Benny noticed her shift in mood and fell silent. Roxanne lacked the energy to explain. “It’s late. Go to sleep. If you’re worried about Mr. Farwell, you can see him at school tomorrow.”

She left them, heads bowed in disappointment.

“Archie, should we have pressured Mommy to visit Daddy?” Benny asked guiltily after Roxanne left.

Archie regretted their actions too. “We already went to Daddy’s. Let’s figure out how to cheer Mommy up.”

Benny frowned. “But Mommy seems angrier than before. Could Daddy be faking his illness?” He considered the possibility that Lucian was deceiving them, and Roxanne had discovered it.

Archie shook his head. “Daddy’s really sick. Essie wouldn’t lie.” They remained uncertain about what had transpired.

Unable to resolve the mystery, they returned to their room. Meanwhile, Roxanne lay in bed, her mind filled with memories of Lucian.