Chapter 1089: Treat You Better

Estella shook her head, a helpless expression on her face. Just as she felt lost, she heard Lucian's firm footsteps approaching. Her eyes lit up immediately. Darting past Aubree, she sought refuge with Lucian, wrapping her small arms around his thigh.

Lucian looked down at the child clinging to him, remembering Aubree's earlier apology. He stared grimly at Aubree, still crouching on the floor, and said, "It won't take just one night for Essie to forgive you, so there's no need for such desperate measures."

Aubree offered a bitter smile. "I'm sorry," she said dejectedly. "I was impatient again. I'm just—"

Lucian cut her off. "It's getting late. Come downstairs and have dinner with us." Aubree stared at him in disbelief.

He was already heading downstairs, hand in hand with Estella. Aubree watched their retreating figures, dazed. If not for Estella, she would have thought they'd time-traveled back six or seven years, to when Lucian despised Roxanne and wanted to marry her.

After a long wait, no one came for her. Aubree snapped back to reality, rising and slowly descending the stairs.

Lucian and Estella were already seated at the dining table. Clearly, Lucian wouldn't have sent for Aubree had she not come down herself; yet, the extra place setting proved she hadn't imagined his invitation.

She clenched her fist, composing herself. Smiling, she sat beside the father-daughter pair. "What does Essie like to eat? I can learn to make them."

Estella quietly moved closer to Lucian. A flicker of displeasure crossed Aubree's face, quickly masked. "Essie, I'm really good at cooking. I'm sure you'll love the food I make!"

Lucian frowned slightly. "Essie, Ms. Pearson is talking to you."

Estella finally looked at Aubree. "No," she whispered.

Aubree didn't hear clearly. "What did you say, Essie?"

"I don't want to eat your food!" Estella protested, her widened eyes showing her resistance. She grabbed Lucian's shirt pitifully. "I want to eat the food made by Ms. Jarvis."

The mention of Roxanne altered both adults' expressions. Aubree gritted her teeth, coldness flashing in her eyes. She glanced cautiously at Lucian. She knew his soft spot for Estella. She'd waited until Lucian finally gave up on Roxanne, only for this child to change his mind with a single statement!

Fortunately, Lucian remained impassive. His voice was cold. "Ms. Jarvis is not around anymore. From now on, Ms. Pearson will treat you better than Ms. Jarvis did."

Aubree breathed a silent sigh of relief. "Your daddy is right, Essie. If there's anything you want, just tell me, and I'll get it for you. If you get sick, let me know, and I'll take care of you. Let's not think about Ms. Jarvis anymore, okay?"