Chapter 106: It Was Supposed to Hurt

Aubree only released Estella when the child's crying subsided from exhaustion. Estella immediately crawled toward the car's window, clutching her schoolbag and sobbing despite the pain.

"Good! It was supposed to hurt," Aubree scoffed, glaring at the girl. "If you tell anyone what happened today, I swear to God you'll never see that woman again."

Aubree then returned to the front seat and drove Estella to kindergarten. Reaching the school, she commanded, "We're here. Wipe those tears."

Estella hastily dried her face, terrified of losing Ms. Jarvis because of Aubree's threat. Aubree, deeming her face clean enough, opened the door. As they walked hand-in-hand toward the gates, she hissed, "Don't cry or make a fuss. If anyone sees a single tear, you'll know what I have in store for you."

Aubree immediately plastered a sweet smile on her face. Estella, holding back tears, obediently approached her teacher, bowing slightly.

"Hello, Estella!" her teacher greeted cheerfully. Noticing the hastily dried tears, she frowned. "What happened? Why have you been crying?"

Aubree's expression flickered, then settled into a calm facade. "I don't know what's gotten into her. She made a fuss and didn't want to come to school. We had to coax her for a long time before finally bringing her here."

The teacher frowned. "Really? Estella has never disliked school. What happened?"

Aubree's frown was quickly masked by a smile as she changed the subject. "Maybe she isn't feeling well. Her fever just broke. Please keep an eye on her. Contact me if anything happens."

The teacher, smiling, didn't probe further. Aubree handed Estella to the teacher, briefly pretending to offer advice before leaving.

She had just entered her car when she spotted a familiar Mercedes-Benz. Roxanne soon emerged with her two children. Estella's demeanor brightened considerably upon seeing them.

Aubree's expression darkened. She watched bitterly as Roxanne chatted with the teacher, her gloom persisting until Roxanne left. She only looked away once the Mercedes-Benz disappeared.

Remembering the Farwell family's investment in the kindergarten, Aubree grew suspicious. Lucian must have encountered Roxanne while picking up or dropping off Estella. As a shareholder, he'd know Roxanne's children attended the school. Estella's fondness for Roxanne fueled Aubree's unease about their possible collusion behind her back.

Her suspicion mounting, Aubree saw the teacher still standing and exited her car, wearing a solemn expression.

The teacher smiled. "What's wrong, Miss? Can I help?"

Aubree bowed slightly. "Hello. I'm the owner of Pearson Group and wish to donate playground equipment. May I speak with the head of the kindergarten?"

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