Chapter 1111

“Let’s not talk about it,” Frieda said irritably, tossing her purse aside and taking a sip of water.

Aubree raised an eyebrow, smiling. “Let me guess. Did you quarrel with your brother?”

Frieda’s expression subtly shifted in agreement.

Aubree’s smile widened. She produced an exquisite box from her purse. “Don’t waste your energy on him. Take a look at this.”

Frieda paused, puzzled, before taking the box and opening it. Inside lay a necklace by her favorite designer—a piece she’d often dreamt of.

“Aubree, I…” Frieda gazed at her friend in shock.

Aubree propped her chin in her hand. “It’s a thank-you gift. Your idea worked perfectly.”

Frieda’s gloom vanished. Putting away the box, she asked, “How are things between you and Essie?”

Aubree beamed, recalling the morning’s events. “Not bad. The kid isn’t ignoring me anymore. Though,” she shrugged with a chuckle, “it would have been better for her if she’d behaved sooner. I might have been nicer.”

Frieda wisely avoided asking about Aubree’s previous treatment of Estella, simply smiling and saying, “As long as your relationship with Lucian has improved.”

“The most important thing is Lucian acknowledged the improvement in my relationship with Essie,” Aubree said casually, revealing the crucial news.

Frieda was surprised. “Why did you say that?”

Aubree recounted her phone conversation with Lucian that morning.

Frieda nodded eagerly. “If that’s the case, your marriage with Lucian is secure.”

Aubree nodded impassively. “So, you needn’t be angry anymore. When I marry Lucian, I’ll put in a good word with Old Mr. Queen for you, and he will restore your position.”

Frieda smiled and raised her glass of water. “In the absence of wine, this will suffice. Congratulations in advance, Aubree.”

They clinked glasses and continued their breakfast in high spirits.

Meanwhile, Archie and Benny climbed out of bed early that morning, though their usual fervent excitement about returning to school was absent. Their parents’ quarrel meant Essie would no longer be allowed to attend their kindergarten. The boys descended the stairs in low spirits.

They found their mother already seated at the table.

“You’re up, boys. I was just about to come up and wake you,” Roxanne said, smiling as she began setting the table. Their mother’s presence slightly improved their mood.

“Must we stay at this school, Mommy?” Benny asked instinctively, once seated.

Roxanne’s hands stilled. She smiled helplessly. “Are you not doing well at your current kindergarten?”

Benny lowered his head. “We want to be with Essie.”

Roxanne’s heart ached. She understood her children’s feelings. Earlier, when Lucian had visited, she’d hoped to persuade him to allow Estella to return to her old school. Instead, she’d not only failed but had incurred his wrath, resulting in Estella's removal.