Chapter 1023: Why Are You Here?

Aubree gathered her thoughts and nodded. "Tell her to come upstairs." Gina went downstairs to inform Frieda.

Frieda had learned of Aubree's injury that morning. She hurried to the Pearson residence, a lingering concern weighing on her mind. After receiving Gina's confirmation, she ran upstairs.

"Slow down," Aubree called, feigning concern as she heard Frieda approaching. "My injury isn't that serious."

Frieda's footsteps halted outside the bedroom door. She looked at her phone, then at the door, hesitating. Aubree, hopping on one foot to the door, finally broke the silence. "Why are you standing outside?" she asked, her tone displeased.

Had her earlier call with Sonya been unsuccessful, Aubree wouldn't have opened the door. Frieda forced a smile, entered the bedroom, and carefully closed the door behind her.

Once the door was shut, Frieda sat beside Aubree's bed. Aubree arched an eyebrow. "So? Why are you here?" she asked, scrolling through her phone.

Frieda opened her mouth to speak, then hesitated, finally looking at Aubree's injured ankle. "Aubree, is your injury serious?"

A trace of impatience flickered in Aubree's eyes before fading. "Getting injured doesn't matter as long as I get what I want," she replied.

Frieda knew there was a reason for the injury, but Aubree's words surprised her. Recalling Aubree's previous arm injury, Frieda sighed inwardly. Aubree's going to extremes to get Lucian's attention, she thought.

"Aubree, you're so harsh on yourself," Frieda blurted.

Aubree's expression darkened, misinterpreting Frieda's concern as mockery. "You don't understand. You have to take risks to reap rewards." Her sacrifice would be worthwhile if she achieved her goal.

Frieda realized her mistake. "That's not what I meant. I'm just worried about you."

Aubree smiled, concealing her irritation. "We're good friends, so I understand. To achieve success, sacrifices must be made."

Frieda, remembering yesterday's events, nodded in agreement. Aubree nodded, satisfied that Frieda was no longer focusing on her wound.

Frieda remained silent for a long time. Aubree frowned, noticing her pensive state. "Why? Is there something else?"

This snapped Frieda from her reverie. She glanced at her phone. Aubree followed her gaze.

After a moment, Frieda began hesitantly, "I received something yesterday and was instructed to give it to you."

Aubree's heart inexplicably sank.