Chapter 169

Although the mountain lacked large, ferocious beasts, numerous wild dogs and stray cats posed a significant threat to the two four-year-old children. It wasn't certain the children had died, but an accident on the mountain was confirmed.

"Davian, Irvin" Joanna sobbed.

Bruce gasped, his heart sinking. "Search immediately! I want to see them, alive or dead!"

"Right!"

The bodyguards fanned out, encircling the mountain to resume the search and rescue.

"Don't cry. It might not be as bad as you think," Bruce comforted Joanna.

"Bruce, I hate you!" Overwhelmed with self-blame and worry, Joanna broke down.

"The children will be found."

Joanna wiped her tears, summoning her courage to continue the search. Complaining was pointless; she needed to find the children.

The search continued from morning until evening. Just as everyone was about to give up…

A faint light appeared in a mountain crevice.

"Is someone living there?"

"I think so. Let's go check."

Hope flickered in Joanna and Bruce's hearts. They hurried toward the light.

At the mountain's base, a simple hut of iron and branches came into view. A dim, yet noticeable light emanated from within. This was the mountain's northernmost point; the search and rescue team had been here two days prior, but the forest rangers hadn't located the children then, so they hadn't returned.

Joanna sensed the children were inside. Running too quickly, she tripped. "Ouch!"

"Joanna, be careful!"

"Don't worry about me!" Ignoring the pain, Joanna struggled to her feet.

Before reaching the hut, two large black dogs ferociously attacked.

"Woof! Woof! Woof!"

Chapter 169

"Ah" Joanna, terrified of dogs, nearly got knocked down.

"Get back!" Bruce yelled, shielding Joanna.

"Woof! Woof! Woof!" The dogs barked louder, baring their teeth.

"Is anyone there? Is anyone in the house?"

"Creak!"

The old iron door opened from inside.

"Who's there?"

A man in his sixties, his clothes draped over his shoulders, emerged. He was Zack, a disabled, unmarried forest ranger from Mount Lance. The community, taking pity on him, employed him as a ranger, a job he'd held for decades. Years ago, he'd rescued a girl from a garbage dump and raised her as his granddaughter.

"Sir, we're looking for someone!"

Zack shooed away the dogs and sized up Joanna and Bruce.

"Who are you looking for?"

"Sir, have you seen two children? Two little boys, about four years old," Joanna explained, gesturing to indicate their height.

"What's your relationship to them?"

"We… are their parents."

Zack's lips pursed. "How irresponsible! Letting children roam the mountain is incredibly dangerous!"

Joanna's eyes flickered. "So you've seen them, sir?"

"They're inside. I found them while patrolling today. Come in and see if they're yours."

Joanna and Bruce exchanged excited glances.

"Thank you, sir."

They followed Zack into the hut.

Inside, the three children slept soundly on a dilapidated bed. Davian and Irvin had numerous cuts from branches and dirty faces.

"Davian, Irvin!" Joanna rushed to the bed, weeping with relief.

Bruce sighed. "Thank goodness they're safe!"

Chapter 169

"Davian, Irvin, wake up. We're going home!" Joanna cried, stroking them. The children were burning with fever.

Davian opened his eyes, seeing his mother. Thinking it was a dream, he tentatively called, "Mommy?"

"Davian!" Joanna hugged her son tightly.

"Mommy…" Realizing it wasn't a dream, Davian sobbed.

Irvin woke, also crying upon seeing his mother.

"Mommy, we missed you so much!"

Joanna hugged them tightly. "Mommy missed you too! Why are you here? I was so worried!"

"Mommy, those people wouldn't let us leave! We got lost. Mommy, you said you'd pick us up! Why didn't you come for so many days? Irvin and I thought you didn't want us anymore!"

The boys cried. They hadn't seen their mother in days.

"How could I not want you? It's my fault. We'll never be separated again!"

The three embraced and wept.

Bruce watched, his heart aching. He subconsciously hugged Joanna and the children, resolving to give them a complete home.

"Alright, alright, stop crying! Be careful in the future. Don't let the children run off again. It's dangerous!" Zack warned.

Joanna bowed deeply, thanking Zack profusely.

"You're welcome. Be more careful as a parent."

"Thank you!"

Joanna and Bruce each carried a child and prepared to leave. The little girl also awoke, sleepy-eyed. "Davian, Irvin, are you leaving?"

"Yes, we're going home!"

"Will you come back to play?"

"We will, when we have time."

"Bye, Helen!"

Chapter 169

"Bye, Davian and Irvin."

After saying goodbye, Joanna and Bruce left with the children.

An hour later, the bodyguards arrived as Joanna and Bruce returned to the mountain path.

In the car, Joanna's expression hardened. "Bruce, I'm taking the children home."

Bruce frowned. "Joanna, let's take them back to the old residence…"

Joanna refused firmly. "No. I won't let the children stay with the Everetts!"

"Joanna, it was an accident! If you're worried, move in with the children!" Bruce pleaded, subconsciously taking her hand. "For the children, we should be a complete family!"

Joanna stiffly withdrew her hand. "Bruce, we're divorced! Don't say that again!"

Bruce choked with anger. "Joanna, I'm their father. I have the right to their custody!"

"Bruce, they've always lived with me. I'm their guardian! I won't let anyone take them away!"

Bruce sighed. "Joanna, at least wait for Grandma to return from Melta! She'll be disappointed."

Joanna looked coldly into his eyes. "If my children stay with the Everetts, I might never see them again!"

Bruce closed his eyes, frustrated. Why doesn't this woman understand? He was considering remarriage but wanted her to compromise. Why couldn't she understand?

"Joanna, why are you so stubborn?"

"I'm not stubborn. I'm protecting my children!"

Bruce gritted his teeth. "I can't communicate with you!"

"Let's not talk about this. I won't let you take my children away!" Sᴇaʀ*ᴄh the ꜰindηovel.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.