The next morning, after an unpleasant conversation with Roxanne, Lucian sent Estella to kindergarten earlier than usual. When he arrived, only a few parents were present, but Roxanne was nowhere to be found. Estella, clearly wanting to see her, clung to Lucian's hand, refusing to enter. Lucian frowned at her stubbornness but remained outside with her.

After a long while, Archie and Benny arrived, but not with Roxanne. Lucian's eyebrows furrowed as he approached Lysa, holding Estella's hand. "Where's Ms. Jarvis? Doesn't she usually drop Archie and Benny off?"

Lysa, having not seen Lucian since their last meeting at the hospital, and unaware of his argument with Roxanne, assumed they were still on good terms. Smiling, she replied, "Ms. Jarvis is working today, so I brought them." Lucian's gaze darkened. What a coincidence. We only met yesterday, and she's working today. Is she avoiding me?

Estella's disappointment was evident; she tugged on Lucian's finger, looking worried. Lucian patted her head before turning back to Lysa. "Where did she go? When will she be back?"

"I believe she went to Bellridge. As for her return… I'm unsure, but I don't think she'll be gone long."

"Bellridge?" Lucian questioned, confused.

Archie and Benny, still clinging to Lysa, resented Lucian's interrogation about their mother, especially considering his impending marriage. They saw no reason for him to care so much. With straight faces, they retorted, "If you want to know so badly, call Mommy yourself! We don't know." Even if they did, they wouldn't tell him.

Lucian, perplexed by their anger and prejudice, couldn't understand what he'd done to offend them. Did Roxanne say something to them? This possibility darkened his eyes.

Lysa, aware of Roxanne's actions, hesitated, observing the twins' behavior. Instead of revealing the truth, she said, "We're not sure. But I saw a man pick Ms. Jarvis up this morning. I think they went there together."

Lucian's expression hardened. "Do you know the man?"

Lysa shook her head. Having only worked for Roxanne briefly, she knew few of her friends, but remembered the man. "I don't, but he seemed well-educated. I believe Ms. Jarvis called him 'Larry.' They likely knew each other from school."

As she spoke, Lysa felt a pressure build. Lucian's eyes had darkened, recalling Roxanne's call history. He knew only one Larry—Larry Morrison—and Roxanne had called him yesterday morning.

It had to be him. The realization that Roxanne had dined with and gone to Bellridge with Larry filled Lucian with displeasure. He thanked Lysa, sent Estella to kindergarten, and returned to his car.

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