Chapter 1106: She Would Reject It Even More

Estella had stayed up late the previous night, waiting for her father to return home. Lately, she’d been enjoying leisurely mornings in bed, as she wasn't currently attending school. However, early that morning, persistent knocking roused her.

Blearily, Estella made her way to the door, greeting the visitor with a grumpy frown. Aubree stood on the doorstep, all smiles.

“You’re finally awake, Essie. Why don’t I help you get ready for school?”

Estella pursed her lips and shook her head, refusing to let Aubree send her to school after the previous spanking.

Aubree patiently coaxed, “It was my fault for being irrational. I promise to be nice and never force you to do anything you don’t want to.”

Aubree started toward the bedroom, but Estella intercepted her. The smile froze on Aubree’s face.

“Come now. We’ll be late. I heard from your Grandma that you only went to your new school for one day. Now that school has reopened, you should make a good impression.”

Estella recoiled. She didn't want to go to school, especially not with Aubree.

“Don’t you want to make new friends?” Aubree gently asked.

Estella stubbornly shook her head. “No!”

Aubree’s eyes lit up; this was the first time Estella had spoken to her alone. Previously, Estella had avoided her completely. Could this mean their relationship was improving?

Encouraged, Aubree’s tone softened further. “I know you dislike crowds and new environments, but it’s part of life. I’ll wait outside your classroom if you’re scared.”

Estella eyed Aubree dubiously. Had Aubree forgotten Estella’s aversion to Aubree’s presence at school?

Aubree reached out to pat Estella’s head, but Estella deftly evaded her touch. Aubree’s hand hung awkwardly in the air. Estella then studied Aubree’s expression. Aubree usually became upset when Estella avoided her, yet she seemed unaffected. It was unusual.

Despite Aubree’s improved attitude, Estella believed it was an act, a result of past experiences. Aubree’s willingness to overlook Estella's standoffishness was secondary to Lucian's approval. Time was running out, so Aubree needed a different approach.

“I also think you should study at home, but your daddy disagrees. You wouldn’t want him to worry about you skipping school while he’s recovering, would you?”