Skip to content
Novel Catalog
Chapter 8
Archie and Benny exchanged concerned glances as they noticed their mother’s unease. After a moment, Archie spoke up, his voice deliberately light. “Mommy, who’s Lucian? Why are we hiding from him?”
Roxanne snapped out of her daze and instinctively stroked their heads, forcing a smile. “He’s no one important. Just… someone I have a bit of a personal issue with. If you ever hear his name, I want you both to stay out of sight, okay?”
The boys nodded obediently. “Okay, Mommy.”
Once she looked away, they exchanged glances again, clearly puzzled.
What happened between Mommy and Daddy? This whole thing feels like a misunderstanding.
Roxanne’s mind, however, was far from their innocent thoughts. She continued to worry about what might be unfolding on Madilyn’s end, but then she was snapped out of her thoughts when Archie spoke again.
“Mommy, we left so quickly back there. If that guy gets suspicious, he could check the surveillance cameras and find us easily,” he said, his tone strangely composed for a child.
Roxanne’s blood ran cold. The cameras. I completely forgot about them!
“Oh no. What do I do now?” she whispered, her thoughts a whirlwind. Lucian could already be checking the footage. I need to get the kids home, now.
Seeing the worry on her face, the boys exchanged a quick look. Then, without saying a word, Benny grabbed his laptop from the bag at his feet and immediately began typing away.
Roxanne watched, her anxiety barely easing, as Benny worked. A few moments passed, and then he grinned up at her, his eyes bright with mischief.
“I’m done!” he said proudly, his voice almost cheerful.
Roxanne blinked in surprise, then let out a long sigh of relief. “Thank goodness I have you two. You just saved me,” she said, pulling them into a tight hug.
The boys allowed her to hold them for a moment, both feeling a little relieved themselves, but soon Archie spoke again, his voice thoughtful. “Are we leaving now, Mommy? Or should we wait for Aunt Madilyn to come outside?”
Roxanne glanced at the entrance of the parking lot, her nerves still buzzing. “Let’s wait a little longer,” she replied, trying to calm her racing heart.
The boys nodded, their faces full of understanding, but a glimmer of curiosity still lingered in their eyes.
Inside the restaurant, Lucian was still standing in front of Madilyn, though his gaze was sharper now, his patience wearing thin. After failing to get anything substantial from her, he swallowed his frustration and spoke coolly.
“Pardon my rudeness. Thank you for helping me find my daughter. Well then, we’ll be leaving now. Enjoy your meal with your friends,” Lucian said, his tone icy but controlled.
He turned to Estella, his voice softer but still firm. “Come, Essie.”
Estella gave Madilyn a final, reluctant glance, waving at her politely but with clear disinterest. She walked toward her father, her small face pouting as she moved.
Lucian arched an eyebrow at the sight of his daughter’s defiance, but he said nothing as he ushered her away with his usual detachment.
The two of them, along with the bodyguards, exited the restaurant. Once outside, Lucian attempted to lift Estella into the car, but she stubbornly pulled away from him with a huff.
Cayden, ever attentive, moved quickly and scooped her up instead, handling the situation with practiced ease.
The car started moving, and Lucian settled into the backseat, pulling Estella onto his lap. She slumped into him, still fuming, refusing to look at him.
Lucian sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Tell me, Essie,” he said, his tone unexpectedly gentle, “was there another lady besides the one from earlier?”
Estella shot him a look, her eyes narrowing. The memory of the woman leaving her behind only added to her anger. She scowled, turning her face away.
Lucian, trying to suppress a smile at her stubbornness, pinched her cheek lightly. “I’m not mad at you for running away, but you’re getting mad at me? Do you have any idea how worried I was?” He paused, letting his words sink in before continuing, “Will you tell me why you ran away?”
Estella, as usual, ignored him, shoving his hand away and turning her face further to the side.
Lucian’s lips pressed into a thin line, frustration bubbling up. She’s really upset.
He glanced over at Cayden, who was seated in the front. “Get the restaurant’s surveillance footage,” he ordered quietly.
Cayden met his gaze in the rearview mirror, the corners of his mouth tugging down just slightly in acknowledgment. “Yes, Mr. Farwell,” he replied, his tone resigned.
Lucian leaned back in his seat, his mind turning. She might be upset now, but I won’t stop until I know exactly what happened.
