Chapter 1097

Jonathan was astonished. “She’s all right after such a short time? Does that mean she’s doing much better now?”

“She spent a day at Roxanne’s,” Lucian replied nonchalantly.

Jonathan understood Lucian’s implication. Estella’s improved mood wasn’t due to her condition improving; it was because she’d seen Roxanne. However, he found Lucian’s mention of Roxanne peculiar. Was he truly planning to end things with her?

Jonathan’s confusion was evident. Lucian noticed and said, “I spoke to her. We can’t continue our relationship, so we’ve decided to part ways—to become strangers.”

“You’re giving up just like that?” Jonathan was incredulous.

Lucian frowned. “What do you think?”

Jonathan knew Lucian wouldn't stoop to begging Roxanne. He drew his brows together. “What about Essie? Dr. Jarvis is her mother, and the girl adores her.”

The mention of Estella caused a flicker in Lucian’s eyes. “I’ve discussed this with Aubree. She’ll treat Essie well, and in time, Essie will accept her.”

Jonathan found the idea of Essie accepting Aubree unbelievable. He’d been told by Frieda, with typical arrogance, about Lucian’s plans to marry Aubree. He’d initially dismissed it as unbelievable, having witnessed Lucian’s ardent courtship of Roxanne. Even if Lucian had ended things with Roxanne, Jonathan didn't understand his choice of Aubree. Estella’s dislike of Aubree over the past six years had been undeniable. How could Lucian marry a woman Essie disliked and make her Essie’s stepmother? Even with Lucian's confirmation, it felt like a dream.

“Essie hasn’t accepted Aubree in six years. Do you really think she’ll suddenly change her mind?”

Lucian remained unfazed. “We have to try.”

“What happened between you and Dr. Jarvis? You don’t give up easily!”

Silence followed. Lucian lowered his gaze and took a drink.

Jonathan finished his wine, sighing. “If I’d known you’d give up so easily, I wouldn’t have helped you. You can avoid Dr. Jarvis, but the Queen family still has to interact with her. How am I supposed to face her now? And my grandfather asked me to look after Dr. Jarvis. What do I tell him?” He watched Lucian intently, hoping for a change of heart. But Lucian's expression remained unchanged, as if he hadn’t heard a word.