Chapter 1049: Lesser Interactions

Estella silently sobbed throughout the ride back to the Farwell main residence. Sonya, however, managed to compose herself. Her heart ached at the sight of Estella's tears.

“I wasn’t really angry with you. I was just scaring you. Don’t cry,” Sonya said. Estella remained unconvinced, her lips pursed as tears streamed down her cheeks.

Sonya tried to coax her, but Estella's eyes swelled further from the relentless crying.

Lucian, concerned about Estella, checked on her after work. He frowned at the sight of her swollen eyes. “Why is she crying so much?” he asked.

Sonya felt guilty. “It’s because she’s not used to the new environment yet. It’s only been a day. She’ll be fine after a while,” she explained. Lucian eyed Estella suspiciously.

He reflected, "I was the one who sent Essie to kindergarten. Because of her autism, she’s unfamiliar with the outside world. She usually hides in a corner to avoid interaction. When has she ever cried this hard?"

Estella's silence prevented Lucian from uncovering the truth. “Since she isn’t used to it, she doesn’t have to go anymore. I’ll take her home and find a tutor to homeschool her,” he decided.

He offered Estella his hand. Though still angry with him, her resentment toward Sonya was stronger. She immediately clung to her father's arm, tears flowing freely.

Lucian’s suspicion was confirmed. My mother must have made her cry somehow, he thought.

Sonya stubbornly refused to admit fault. “Essie had been recovering well, but Roxanne ruined it! If it weren’t for her, Essie’s condition wouldn't keep relapsing.” She was unaware that Estella’s ability to speak was due to Roxanne, Archie, and Benny. Lucian, however, knew the truth. Without Roxanne, Estella would likely still be silent.

He frowned at Sonya's words. “You said yourself it was because of a change in environment. It’s been a long time since Essie has had any contact with them, so what does this have to do with them?”

Sonya bristled. “Are you taking her side?” Lucian, calm now, replied, “I was just telling the truth.”

He turned his attention to Estella, who, in his arms, gradually stopped sobbing and relaxed against his shoulder.

“I’ve considered this, and it won’t be beneficial for Essie to stay at the Farwell main residence in her current condition. You and Dad lack experience caring for her. I’d be more at ease doing it myself,” Lucian said quietly.

Sonya's expression twisted. “What are you planning? Are you going to let Essie meet Roxanne again?”

“No,” Lucian replied, frowning. Roxanne had withdrawn, so their interactions would be minimal. He couldn’t allow Estella to remain dependent on her.

Sonya remained unconvinced and insisted Estella stay. “Yes, we lack experience, but we can hire a psychologist.”

“James is the only psychologist Essie has seen and trusts. He also has his own responsibilities,” Lucian countered. He was again rejecting her suggestions.

Sonya attempted to persuade him further, but Lucian turned and left with Estella. “It’s getting late. You should rest. It’s time for Estella to sleep too.”