Chapter 1018: She Will Not Mind

“Daddy!” Estella urged a moment later, receiving no reply. Lucian, shaking himself from his reverie, nodded resignedly at his daughter. Only then did she release him, watching him descend the stairs. Aubree, beside herself with anxiety downstairs, remained doubtful as she watched Lucian’s descent.

Aubree suspected Estella’s private conversation with Lucian was an attempt to prevent her hospitalization. She knew Lucian spoiled Estella, even delaying their marriage because of her. Aubree worried she would have to go to the hospital alone. Even with Lucian standing before her, her heart raced.

Lucian turned to the family doctor. “I must trouble you with Ms. Pearson, Dr. Elswick.” Aubree’s eyes widened; her hunch that he wouldn't accompany her was correct.

“Do you hate me that much, Lucian?” Aubree feigned injury, summoning tears. Lucian grimaced impatiently. “I’ve contacted your parents; they’ll pick you up from the hospital soon. I’ll keep you company here while we wait.”

Aubree frowned. “It’s late. I don’t want them to worry.”

Lucian turned and headed for the entrance. “They should be on their way and would be even more worried if they didn’t see you at the hospital.”

Aubree gritted her teeth, rising with the doctor’s help.

“Be careful, Ms. Pearson. Take your time,” Sonny said, concerned.

Aubree ignored him, each step increasingly forceful, as if deliberately exacerbating her injury. Sonny watched, worried, but seeing her disregard his advice, fell silent.

Another instance of rejection occurred when it was time to leave. Sonny was to accompany Aubree to the hospital, as a precaution. Proper protocol dictated he sit in the front passenger seat, with Aubree and Lucian in the back. However, Lucian was already seated in the front.

Sonny carefully helped Aubree into the back seat before looking at Lucian. “Mr. Farwell, this is—”

Lucian, through the rearview mirror, replied, “Sit down. Ms. Pearson wouldn’t mind.”

Sonny hesitantly looked at Aubree, who, instead of frowning, smiled nonchalantly. “Please sit. I need your help.”

Sonny was flattered. “That’s my job.”

He quickly got in beside Aubree, leaning discreetly toward the door to maximize the distance between them. Fortunately, the journey was uneventful, ending at the hospital entrance.

Lucian exited first, followed by Sonny, who then assisted Aubree. Gina and her husband were waiting and rushed to greet them upon seeing Lucian.

“What happened, Lucian? How did Aubree hurt herself?” Gina glanced around anxiously. “Where’s Aubree?”

As she spoke, she saw her daughter emerge with Sonny’s help.