Chapter 551 – Her Sudden Departure: A Tale of Love and Redemption (Lucian & Roxanne)

The more she thought about it, the angrier she was. Taking in Estella’s expression, Lucian was all the more confused. It seems Essie harbors a deep grudge against Mom.

Having finally decided on what to say, Estella said in a piping voice, “Because… Grandma is very fierce!” She couldn’t have sounded any more pitiful.

The answer didn’t come as a surprise to Lucian, for he was well aware of Sonya’s attempts of trying to keep Estella and him away from Roxanne all this while.

However, he could still tell that wasn’t the only reason for Estella’s resentment toward Sonya.

He didn’t inquire further since Estella didn’t seem keen on talking about it.

All that mattered was for her to calm down.

He gradually got to his feet and stroked her head. “I understand. I’ll talk to Grandma about it.”

Just as he was about to leave, Lucian turned around after remembering something. “For the next two days, I’ll get Ms. Pearson to spend time with you. Remember to behave and don’t kick up a fuss.”

Lucian closed the door, giving Estella no chance to protest.

Inside the bedroom, Estella’s face fell.

I only want Daddy to be with Ms. Jarvis and not that nasty woman.

Upon emerging from Estella’s room, Lucian went straight to his study. He had initially planned to do some work but felt restless as Sonya’s words continued to linger in his mind.

It’s true that Essie does need a mom. If Aubree can really change her attitude toward Essie so that Essie accepts her, I don’t mind marrying her.

After going through his troubled thoughts, Lucian gave Aubree a call. Aubree had just gotten off the phone with Sonya and was waiting excitedly for Lucian’s call.

Little did she expect him to ring her in less than ten minutes. She tried her best to regain her composure before answering her phone. “Lucian, I’m surprised that you called.”

She suppressed the delight in her voice so that she sounded a lot calmer. Lucian didn’t suspect anything at all. “Are you free?”

Sensing something was up, Aubree felt her throat tighten. “Yes… What’s up?” “If you have time, come over to the manor for a chat.” Lucian spoke in a monotonous tone.

His invitation caused Aubree to clench her phone as she agreed without hesitation, “Sure, I’ll go over right away!” Lucian hummed in acknowledgment before ending the call.

Thereafter, he massaged his forehead and stood before the full-length window. Aubree’s response had given him much food for thought.

It seems she still has feelings for me. However, it’s still too early to say if Essie will accept her.

After quickly getting herself ready, Aubree anxiously got the driver to send her to the Farwell residence.

The car gradually came to a halt at the entrance in less than half an hour. Alighting nervously, she then gave herself a look in the mirror before stepping out and ringing the doorbell.

Inside the mansion, Catalina reported Aubree’s arrival to Lucian after seeing who it was through the intercom. “Mr. Farwell, Ms. Pearson is here. Shall I let her in?”

Lucian turned to look at her. “I told her to come.” Catalina’s heart sank. She snuck a glance at Lucian before averting her gaze quickly. “A-All right… I’ll go get the door.”

Aubree waited for a long while at the manor entrance before the main gate was finally opened.

With a discreet knit of her brows, Aubree easily guessed who it was who took such a long time to open the gate.

“Ms. Pearson,” Catalina greeted as Aubree strode in.

Aubree glared at her and replied in a hostile tone, “Catalina, don’t forget that I’m a guest of Lucian!”

Her words also served as a warning.

Catalina hung her head low and informed Aubree in a cordial tone, “Mr. Farwell is waiting for you upstairs.”

Aubree brushed Catalina’s shoulder forcefully as she walked past her.

Catalina turned sideways in silence, her heart heavy.

Guessing what Lucian’s decision was, she could foresee that the home would soon be devoid of peace.

As Aubree ascended the steps, she continued to give Catalina a look of displeasure.

The day I become Mrs. Farwell, she’ll be the first person I fire! She has only been working here for two years, yet she thinks highly of herself!

Catalina didn’t close the door when she went down. Aubree saw Lucian standing in his study upon making her way up. “Lucian, I’m here.”

Aubree entered after knocking on the door. Inside the study, Lucian had already heard her footsteps, but he only turned around upon hearing her voice. By then, Aubree had already put on a gentle smile on her face.

Even though he had decided to accept her, Lucian still couldn’t help but feel that something wasn’t right every time he saw her. He remained silent for a long while.

Aubree didn’t dare enter the study on her own accord. All she could do was repeat herself, “Is there something you want to see me for?”

Jolted back to his senses, Lucian suppressed his inner thoughts as he replied in a deep voice, “Come in and have a seat.”

Pursing her lips into a smile, Aubree walked in and settled down on the couch in the center of the room.

Lucian sat down in an armchair with a conflicted look in his eyes. He could still feel the hesitance in his heart.

In that instant, silence descended upon the study.

The anticipation Aubree had before she came gradually turned into anxiety.

She clearly remembered Sonya telling her over the phone that Lucian was over Roxanne and had decided to continue with the engagement.

Yet now, he didn’t even look remotely like he had plans to get together with her.

Both of them were lost in their own thoughts when a knock on the door was suddenly heard.

It was Catalina who had brought some coffee. “Mr. Farwell, Ms. Pearson.”

Lucian nodded slightly to let her know she was dismissed once she was done.

“Thank you,” Aubree uttered politely, in contrast to her earlier viciousness.

Her thanks caused Catalina to freeze briefly before she quickly regained her composure. Once she put the coffee cups down, she turned around and headed out the door.

After taking a sip of coffee, Lucian began to speak. “I have let you down over the last six years.”

Aubree’s eyes lit up momentarily, but the fire in them was quickly suppressed. Feigning a wry smile, she replied, “It’s no big deal. I was willing to give you time.”

Lucian stared intently at her for a while before putting down his cup.

His tone was just as formal as before. “I would like to hear what you think about Essie.”

A hint of hatred flashed across Aubree’s eyes.

However, when she raised her gaze at Lucian, the resentment in them had been replaced by adoration and guilt.

“I watched her grow up, so naturally, I’m fond of her. Furthermore, her health hasn’t been good ever since she was young, and she was diagnosed with autism. Despite all the concern I feel for her, it’s a shame that I’m powerless to help…” While speaking, Aubree looked down in guilt. “If only I could get Essie to like me earlier, she might have chosen not to shut herself out from the world.”

Lucian scrutinized every single expression of hers while she was speaking.

However, when she finally finished, he didn’t detect a single ounce of insincerity from her.

Lucian’s brows wrinkled skeptically. He wasn’t going to easily trust the woman in front of him.

If she was really just acting, it would be considered a flawless performance.

“Ever since I hit Essie out of impulse, I went to see a psychologist to learn how to interact with autistic children.” Aubree snuck a glance at Lucian’s expression. “But her condition improved before I had the opportunity to use what I learned with her.”

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