Chapter 1107: Each With Their Own Thoughts

Estella's resolve wavered at the mention of Lucian. She'd seen how drunk he was the previous night and surmised he'd consumed a considerable amount of alcohol. Aubree, delighted by Estella's indecision, continued, "If you don't want to go to school, I can put in a word or two when your daddy's feeling better." Only then did Estella relent, allowing Aubree entry into her room.

Aubree helped Estella dress, selecting her school clothes. She then assisted Estella with brushing her teeth. Gradually, Estella's guard came down. Although Aubree had previously threatened her, Estella sensed no such inclination this time, especially since Aubree had mentioned Lucian. Estella, docile and compliant, wished to avoid troubling Lucian, yet her expression remained sullen. She truly abhorred the thought of a new school; the boys wouldn't be there, and she disliked her classmates and teachers.

After reluctantly changing, Estella was led downstairs for breakfast. Lucian was already seated at the dining table, Cayden standing respectfully beside him. He looked up as Estella and Aubree descended.

"Daddy," Estella said, releasing Aubree's hand and running to Lucian. She rested her arms in his lap, gazing into his eyes. Lucian, still suffering a headache, simply patted her head.

Estella, intending to tell him she didn't want to go to school, hesitated at his obvious discomfort. "Daddy, are you in pain?"

Lucian, detecting her concern, smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry, it's just a headache."

Estella pouted. "Daddy, why did you drink so much last night?"

Lucian's eyes darkened; he hesitated. Estella's gaze shifted to Cayden, who often accompanied Lucian when he drank for work. Cayden, unable to refuse the innocently adorable Estella, admitted he had no idea what happened, as Lucian had already finished drinking by the time he arrived.

Estella's question reminded Aubree of Lucian's inebriation. Her heart clenched as she observed him; it must have been a personal matter, since Cayden was uninvolved. Furthermore, Lucian had been with Jonathan. Aubree felt a pang of displeasure, recalling Frieda's comments on Jonathan's opinions of Lucian and Roxanne. Yet, Lucian had entrusted her with sending Estella to school, suggesting he'd given up on Roxanne after their conversation the previous night. She decided there was no point in worrying.

Everyone in the dining hall was lost in thought. After a long moment, Lucian's deep voice broke the silence, attempting to avoid a direct answer. "I went out with Mr. Queen yesterday and accidentally drank too much. I'm sorry for worrying you."

Estella's gaze lingered on Lucian, unconvinced. She sensed he wasn't telling the whole truth.