Chapter: 477

Bethany's eyes darted around, noticing only one other passenger, cocooned in a blanket.

It was impossible to discern if it was a man or a woman. Judging by the build, it seemed to be a gentleman, tall and distinguished.

Once her phone reconnected to the internet, her fingers flew over the screen, seeking updates.

But the news was a punch to the gut-Rowan was still missing.

A nagging doubt crept in: had the child really boarded a plane?

This uncertainty gnawed at her soul like a relentless tide eroding the shore.

Rowan was cut from a different cloth than Nola. Nola was a child with simple, sweet desires: candies, playtime, and the warm embrace of her mother. But Rowan was an old soul in a child's body, fiercely independent and capable of making his own decisions.

Given Bethany's absence, Rowan had honed his self-care skills, leading her to believe he might have indeed boarded a plane home.

Little did Bethany know, Rowan was indeed on another plane.

“Thank you, Miss. You are so kind!"

Rowan's voice, sweet as honey, charmed the lady beside him. His angelic face only added to his appeal.

"Your parents must trust you a lot to let you travel alone," the lady remarked, her voice a mix of admiration and incredulity. How could anyone risk losing such a precious child?

Rowan nodded, his pout almost theatrical. "They're always busy. They don't have time to accompany me. If it weren't for your kindness, I wouldn't have known what to do!"

Indeed, Rowan had reached the airport on his own and convinced this lady to accompany him on the plane.

Alone, he would have raised suspicions, and the airline would have barred him from boarding. But by finding himself a temporary guardian, he navigated the situation with ease.

For Rowan, such a maneuver was but a trifle.

“What about when you get off the plane? Do your parents know?" the lady asked, concern etching lines on her face.

"I'll call them," Rowan replied, confidence shining in his eyes.

The lady nodded. "I'll lend you my phone later if you need it."

Rowan pulled out a new phone from his bag, flashing a grin. "No need, Miss. I have my own! I'll find them when we land.”

“Okay!" The lady's smile returned, warmer than before. “Let's take a photo together, alright? You're so handsome. I've never seen such a beautiful child!"

Rowan paused, considering his options before finally nodding.

His mother had repeatedly warned him about being seen in public, but this woman had done so much for him. He felt unsure about how to refuse her.

After taking a photo together, she examined the picture and then furrowed her brow as she looked at him.