Chapter 1090: Talk About the Engagement

“No!” Estella’s face flushed with anger at her father’s acquiescence to the woman she disliked. Furiously, she flung her fork down, leaped from her chair, and ran upstairs.

Aubree, enraged by the girl’s outburst, maintained her composure. “Essie!” she called, quickly setting down her fork and starting after the girl.

Lucian stopped her. “Let her be.” Aubree feigned concern. “But Essie, she—”

Lucian remained unmoved. “It’s good for her to calm down alone. I spoiled her too much in the past.”

On his way back, Lucian had considered Estella’s vandalism of Jack’s tire. While he understood her actions, he couldn't ignore them, especially as her behavior was improving. It was time to correct her methods of expressing herself; Roxanne’s situation provided the opportunity.

A surge of glee filled Aubree, though she masked it with a look of guilt. “This is all my fault. I know Essie dislikes me, and I shouldn’t have pressured her, but I insisted on staying for dinner. It’s my fault she didn’t eat properly.”

Lucian glanced at her. “This has nothing to do with you. She must face this eventually.” He resumed his meal nonchalantly. “Let’s continue eating.”

A hint of delight flickered in Aubree’s eyes, and she sat down.

After dinner, Aubree suggested, with feigned concern, checking on Estella. Unsurprisingly, Lucian refused, stating Estella needed time to calm down. Aubree didn't press the issue. “I’ll go home then. Don’t worry about me; focus on your work. I’ll visit Essie often.”

Lucian nodded. “You know Essie. If you want her acceptance, be patient.”

Aubree was surprised by his advice.

“I will. Even if Essie ignores me, I’ll still care for her!”

Lucian said nothing more, dismissing her with a word to Catalina.

Leaving the Farwell residence, Aubree could no longer conceal her joy.

“Aubree, what took you so long?” Gina asked upon her return to the Pearson residence. “Dinner’s cold. I’ll have someone reheat it. Wash up and come down.”

Aubree smiled. “I’ve already eaten.”

Gina looked confused. “Where?”

The memory of dinner with Lucian brought a satisfied smile to Aubree’s lips. “With Lucian.”

Gina sat up straight, a nervous expression on her face. “What did Lucian say? Did he talk about the engagement?”

Since Roxanne’s return, Lucian hadn’t contacted Aubree directly. Aubree had tried, only to hear him reiterate his desire to break the engagement. Gina assumed that's what he'd discussed again. However, her daughter’s expression ignited a spark of hope. “Or has he decided to keep the engagement?”

Aubree nodded, relaying Lucian’s words.

After listening, Gina nodded emphatically. “That’s unimportant. None of that matters as long as he ends things with Roxanne and keeps his engagement to you…”