Chapter 1122

After finishing that sentence, Aubree turned toward the door. Still worried, she paused and added, “I promise I’ll take good care of you in the future. Be a good girl, okay?” Only after closing the bedroom door did Estella drop the doll she held. Tears welled in her eyes, blurring her vision. She missed Ms. Jarvis, Archie, and Benny terribly.

Downstairs, Lucian watched Aubree leave, his thoughts preoccupied with his sulking daughter. Concerned, he went upstairs to check on Estella. He found his daughter brooding under her blanket. Hearing her bedroom door open, she mistook it for Aubree's return and pulled the blanket tighter. Lucian furrowed his brows at her reaction. “Essie?”

Her father’s voice coaxed Estella from beneath the covers. “What’s wrong today? Why are you so upset?” he asked, sitting beside her.

Estella sniffled and gave him a pitiful look. “Daddy, I don’t want my new school.”

Frowning, Lucian said, “If you don’t like your current kindergarten, I’ll transfer you.”

She clung to his sleeve, wailing, “No! I want to go back!”

“No,” Lucian rejected her, his tone cold. Realizing Estella was on the verge of tears, he softened his voice. “Essie, don’t throw a tantrum. I’ve made up my mind; I won’t change it easily.”

Estella said piteously, tears in her eyes, “I want to talk to Ms. Jarvis, Archie, and Benny.”

Lucian couldn’t bear to see his daughter crying, so he stroked her head. “How about another day when I’m not so busy?”

“Really?” Estella grabbed his sleeve. She wondered if a phone call to Ms. Jarvis meant a chance for reconciliation.

Lucian nodded impassively. “Yes.” He thought, Essie will likely accept Aubree by the time I finish work. She won’t bother me about the call then.

Unaware of Lucian’s thoughts, Estella smiled, believing her father would call Roxanne. Afraid Estella would mention Roxanne again, Lucian patted her head. “All right, get some rest. I have work to do.”

Estella nodded obediently as Lucian left. Meanwhile, Aubree drove to the Pearson residence, delighted.

As soon as she entered, Gina called out, “What took you so long? Did Lucian ask you to stay for a meal?” Gina knew Aubree had picked up Estella. Aubree was in a great mood. Hearing Gina’s question, she remembered something and sat beside her mother, smiling and taking her arm.

Puzzled, Gina asked, “What did you two talk about to make you so happy?”

Aubree grinned. “When are you free? Lucian wants to treat us to a meal.”

“What?” A joyous smile lit Gina’s face. They had waited years for this. They had invited Lucian countless times, only to be refused. They couldn't believe he was taking the initiative.

Aubree smiled proudly. “Lucian proposed it. I was surprised too.”

Astonishment flooded Gina again. “What’s wrong with Lucian? Why the sudden change?” She then remembered something. “How’s your relationship with Estella now?”

Aubree felt a headache coming on at the mention of Estella. “We were fine this morning; even Lucian thought we were getting along. However, when we got home from kindergarten…”

Gina’s heart sank. “What went wrong?”

Aubree recounted the car ride. Panic seized Gina when she heard Aubree had upset Estella again.

“Lucian must think Estella has accepted you, which is why he’s treating us to a meal. This can’t go on. You have to fix your relationship with Estella.”

Aubree felt frustrated. Her smile faded. “I’m also thinking of a way.”

Frowning, Gina suggested, “Since Lucian’s invited us, I don’t think he’ll object if you stay at the Farwell residence.”

Aubree’s eyes lit up. I almost forgot! If I stay at the manor, I can spend more time with Estella and strengthen our bond. An idea formed in her mind.

“Also…” Gina said, “What happened between Lucian and Roxanne?” Lucian’s persistence toward Roxanne was obvious to them all. They were curious about his sudden change of heart.