Chapter 1082: Will Not See Her Ever Again

Upon hearing her father's words, Estella pursed her lips tightly, desperately holding back her tears. She couldn't cry! If her father and Ms. Jarvis had fallen out, she would definitely not be able to see her anymore. It was up to her alone to help them reconcile.

Remembering the boys' advice—to strive to grow stronger—Estella remained tearless throughout the journey home. Lucian, carrying her from the car, was surprised by her expression. Though she seemed on the verge of tears, she tenaciously held them back. He wondered what had caused this change. When he offered his hand, expecting refusal, Estella obediently took it.

Filled with complicated emotions, Lucian led Estella into the mansion. Sonya, her face contorted, sat on the couch.

"If you had come back any later, I would have gone to pick Essie up myself!"

Sonya glared at her son before turning to Estella. "Essie, come here and give Grandma a hug."

Despite Estella's change, her fear of Sonya remained undiminished. Sonya's words caused Estella to hide meekly behind Lucian.

Lucian called to Catalina, "Take Essie upstairs."

Catalina sighed with relief, taking Estella's hand. "Let's go, Ms. Estella," she urged gently, sympathizing with the girl's pitiful expression.

Estella readily accepted Catalina's hand, leaning on her for support as they ascended the stairs. The sight of their departing silhouettes intensified Sonya's scowl.

"For goodness' sake, I'm Essie's grandmother. Why has it come to this? It's one thing for her to be close to Roxanne; now she's even closer to the help than me! Look at how Roxanne has brainwashed her!"

Lucian sat expressionless in the armchair beside her, pouring them each a glass of water while Sonya watched him sullenly.

"Essie was raised by Catalina, so it's normal for Essie to feel attached to her," Lucian said grimly after taking a drink.

Sonya sneered. "What about Roxanne? Has she ever spent a second raising her?"

Lucian calmly met his mother's gaze. "There's no need to mention her anymore. Essie will not see her ever again."

Sonya's brows knitted in disbelief. "What did you just say?"

Lucian, retracting his gaze, repeated in an indifferent tone, "I have made it clear to her that we have nothing to do with each other going forward. There will be no reason to see each other anymore."

Only after hearing her son's firm answer did Sonya breathe a sigh of relief.

"I told you from the very beginning to keep your distance from her. If only you had listened to me early on, Essie wouldn't have turned out this way!"

Lucian's brows furrowed. "Stop bringing her up already and don't link her to Essie anymore!"