Chapter 1281

At this point, the silvery moon had brightened the night sky, and peace in Southridge had been restored.

It took Zachary quite some time to get the three children to sleep. Just when he was about to leave, Robbie sat up and whispered, “Daddy, we need to talk.”

Zachary gestured for Robbie to come out of the room since he did not want to wake Jamie up.

Both of them went to the study. Zachary removed his coat and put it on Robbie. “Here. Don’t catch a cold.”

The six-year-old looked ridiculous as the oversized coat covered his entire body, exposing only his tiny head.

The warmth from the coat gave Robbie a sense of security.

As per his usual practice, Zachary sat on the sofa and poured himself half a glass of cold wine.

“No drinking, please, Daddy,” Robbie stopped him. “Mr. Ben said you can’t drink wine since you’ve just recovered.”

“Damn you, Ben,” Zachary cursed silently.

“From now on, the three of us will be watching you closely. No smoking, no drinking wine anymore!” Robbie put on a stern face and frowned.

That remark rendered Zachary speechless. “All right. I’ll stop drinking.”

As a father, Zachary cared about his children’s feelings and how they thought of him. He still had to practice self-

control when he was with them.

“Come. Let me see how much weight you have lost.” Zachary extended his hands to Robbie. “I was so busy in the last couple of days that I didn’t manage to take a good look at you.”

Robbie walked over and gave Zachary a hug. He choked up and said. “Daddy, I thought I would lose you forever…”

Robbie’s words instantly warmed his heart.

“Silly boy.” Zachary rubbed his head and smiled. Ever since he brought the children back from Arkfield, he was so caught up with other things that he did not have the time to talk to the children.

He missed Robbie and Ellie the most, as they had been separated from him for two months. And the little ones missed him too.

During this period, Robbie was constantly worried about Zachary’s safety. He was relieved after knowing that his father was safe and sound.

Zachary, on the other hand, felt a pang of guilt toward Robbie and Ellie. “We’ll stay together forever as a family,”

Zachary said in a gentle voice while embracing Robbie. “You are all my children, and I’ll not allow anyone to take you away.”

Robbie nodded obediently. “But how about Mommy? You said you’d take us to Mommy, right?”

“Of course.” Zachary stroked his head. “Daddy will never lie to you.”

“So…” Robbie bit his lips and mustered up his courage. “Can we bring Mommy home?”

Zachary froze for a bit and said in a deep voice. “If only she wishes to come home.”

“Mommy and Sir Louis are not married, aren’t they? She wouldn’t have returned to the country if she was married, right?” Robbie might be young, but he was an analytical child. “Do you think they’re still together?”

Upon hearing Louis’ name, Zachary instantly recalled what he saw in Arkfield.

Though the memory made him uncomfortable, he tried to remain composed. “ Yes. They broke up.”

“Great!” Robbie exclaimed with joy. “Sir Louis is a nice man, but I still wish Daddy and Mommy could be together.”

“It’s night now. Come, let’s go to bed.” Zachary tried diverting his attention. “We’ll leave for Yaleview tomorrow morning.”

Robbie nodded and ran back to his room.

Zachary looked at the back of the cheerful boy, and a corner of his lips quirked up. But his smile disappeared seconds later.

He reached out for his glass of wine, swirled the drink, and went deep in thought.

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