The sky was drizzling outside the prison early in the morning. Roxanne and Lucian waited quietly in their Rolls-Royce until the large iron gate slowly opened.
Colby, still wearing his prison uniform, listened to the middle-aged prison warden’s advice. “Be a good person after you leave this place, and don’t make any more mistakes.”
He nodded, curling the corner of his lips into a relieved smile. “I will, Mr. Zagami. When I find a new job and earn money, I will definitely come back to visit you. Thank you for always helping me.”
“You’re most welcome. You don’t need to come back here anymore. It’s bad luck! Just get on with your life. Go on,” said the middle-aged prison warden with a faint smile. Colby assumed no one would be there to pick him up, so he didn’t pay any attention to the Rolls-Royce parked outside either.
An astonished expression spread across his face when he noticed Lucian showing up while holding Roxanne’s hand to help her get out of the vehicle.
“Colby, you’re finally out.” Lucian grinned slightly.
Initially, they thought they would have to wait a few more months before Colby was released. Unexpectedly, the latter’s sentence was reduced because of his good behavior in jail.
The expression in Roxanne’s eyes was calm and gentle. Having already forgotten past grievances, she nodded at Colby. “Hello, Mr. Galloway. Welcome back!”
Colby was utterly astounded, for he had never expected the couple to pick him up, let alone that Roxanne would give him a chance to return to the research institute. On the way, emotions churned within Colby as he watched the rapidly passing scenery outside the window. Lucian had originally planned a lavish lunch to celebrate Colby’s liberation.
However, Colby politely declined. “I’ve been eating plain and bland meals in prison, so it’s not suitable for me to suddenly consume a sumptuous meal after coming out. That can easily cause indigestion and pancreatitis, which can be life-threatening.”
Roxanne nodded in agreement, while Lucian smiled and didn’t insist. “Thank you for picking me up. I’ll report to the research institute tomorrow. Please send me to this address as I need to deliver a message for someone in the prison,” Colby piped up.
Lucian and Roxanne agreed. They also reminded him to change into a different outfit as soon as possible. After all, walking around the streets dressed in prison uniform would attract too much attention. After sending Colby off, the couple returned to their car.
“He really missed out, but since I’ve already booked the restaurant, let’s have our meal there ourselves.” Lucian’s suggestion immediately received Roxanne’s affirmation and support. Lucian and Roxanne finally decided to pick up the three kids at the entrance of the art academy after strolling around for an entire afternoon.
Amidst the bustling crowd after school, Archie and Benny held Estella’s hands on either side, ensuring their sister’s safety as they exited the school.
The three children were thrilled because their parents would pick them up from school that day. Upon spotting their parents from a distance away, they immediately quickened their pace.
“Slow down. Don’t run,” Roxanne hurriedly reminded them, as there were too many people around them. Lucian, on the other hand, moved swiftly and ran toward the children’s location. Just as he was about to reach them, several children suddenly emerged from beside Archie and Benny.
The kids had a clear target. As they approached, they reached out to push Archie and Benny, causing them to lose their balance and fall heavily to the ground. Before falling, Archie and Benny let go of their sister’s hand at the same time to prevent her from toppling over as well.
The boys grimaced in pain after hitting the ground. Their knees scraped against the cement floor, and blood came oozing out from the graze wound.
“Archie, Benny!” Estella cried out in fear. Instantaneously, Lucian’s pupils constricted, and his eyes gleamed with malicious coldness. He quickened his pace and strode over to his sons’ side.
Subsequently, he trained his eyes on the few children who were trying to escape at once. Colors drained from Roxanne’s face as she was frightened by the scene unfolding before her. She hastily jogged toward her children as well.
