Chapter 104: Aubree Takes Estella to School

Lucian remained silent until the couple finished speaking. Then, he calmly stated, “You’re overthinking things. I have no plans to let Roxanne come back.”

At least, not now.

While his parents spoke earlier, he considered his interactions with Roxanne during this period, concluding that most stemmed from Estella. This thought struck him as ironic. Judging by Roxanne’s initial attitude, she likely would have avoided him were it not for Estella. Therefore, his parents' current concerns are even less likely to materialize.

Sonya’s expression brightened. “I’m glad to hear that. Regarding Aubree, when do you plan to marry her? The sooner you do, the sooner Estella will have a consistent caregiver.”

Lucian frowned. “Compared to Roxanne, I’m more worried about leaving Estella with Aubree. Estella has always distanced herself from Aubree, so I need to carefully consider marriage.”

Sonya brushed this aside. “Isn’t Estella distancing herself from Aubree because you’ve been unwilling to accept her? If you had married her earlier and allowed them more time together, they might have developed a better relationship. Besides, Aubree has clearly been devoted to Estella all these years.”

Lucian impatiently knitted his brows. “Let’s discuss this later. I’m tired.”

Over the years, Aubree had appeared innocent and harmless, and treated Estella well. However, Lucian didn't believe Estella's avoidance was baseless; he suspected Estella simply didn't care for Aubree. His mother's continued insistence only annoyed him.

Sonya sighed, her words cut short by Lucian. “We won’t force you. However, you should think carefully. For now, let us care for Estella.”

She then called to Catalina to bring Estella downstairs. Smiling, she extended her hand to the little girl.

Unaware of the adults' conflict, Estella obediently nestled into her grandmother’s embrace.

“Be a good girl, Essie, and come to our house to play for two days, okay?” Sonya affectionately pinched Estella’s cheek.

Estella blinked, instinctively looking at her father.

Lucian’s expression tightened. “Essie’s perfectly happy at home, Mom. I can take good care of her.”

Sonya was displeased. “You know why I want Estella. Your father and I miss her. What’s wrong with her spending two days with us?”

To ease the tension, Elias said in a low voice, “Essie’s just recovered from an illness, and you’ve been busy. Let us care for her.”

Lucian felt troubled. He understood his mother’s desire to keep Estella away from Roxanne, but couldn't refute his father.

He remained silent as Sonya left with Estella. Lucian decided he would collect Estella in two days.

Estella behaved well with her grandparents and slept soundly after dinner. Sonya then called Aubree, instructing her to take Estella to kindergarten in the morning. Sonya felt Estella disliked Aubree due to their limited time together.

The following morning, Aubree arrived early, greeted the elders, and reached for Estella’s hand. Estella, having just eaten breakfast, recoiled at Aubree’s approach, clearly resistant.

Sonya patiently coaxed, “Be a good girl, Essie. Ms. Pearson is taking you to kindergarten. You’ll be late if you don’t leave now.”

Estella hesitated, but the prospect of seeing the boys at kindergarten finally persuaded her to get into the car.