Chapter 1127

Lucian nodded, his expression inscrutable, as he ate breakfast with Estella. Estella, reluctant to go to school, ate unusually slowly. Her appetite had plummeted after Aubree's unexpected visit, worsening when Aubree announced her intention to send Estella to school later that day. Estella gloomily put down her fork.

Lucian, assuming Estella's reluctance stemmed solely from school avoidance, said quietly, "Follow Ms. Pearson after breakfast." Estella's face fell; she offered her father a pleading look. Before she could speak, however, Aubree interjected, "Don't worry. It's still early. Essie can eat more if she's not finished."

Estella frowned and shot Aubree a look. Aubree, fearing Estella might tell Lucian about the previous day's events, prevented her from speaking. Noticing Estella's gaze, Aubree quickly said, "Are you done, Essie? We can go now if you're finished!"

Estella puffed out her cheeks, exasperated by Aubree's interruption. Aubree, watching Estella anxiously, added, "I'll see you both to the door."

Lucian reflected that despite their recent improvement, Estella might still need time to adjust to Aubree's care. He wanted to foster their relationship. He put down his fork and began clearing the table.

Estella, alarmed by Lucian's rising, exclaimed, "I don't want to go to school!"

Lucian frowned. "If you don't go now, it will be harder to adapt to interacting with others."

Estella remained seated, stubbornly turning away to avoid his gaze, her silent protest palpable. A tense atmosphere settled over the dining room.

Aubree, surprised by the turn of events, took a moment to process the situation. "Lucian, Essie is still young. Don't force her. If she really doesn't want to go to school, let it be. I know someone who offers homeschooling—"

Lucian coldly interrupted, "No. We can't indulge her."

He had considered homeschooling, but recalling Estella's recent progress, he remembered his initial intention of sending her to kindergarten. It was crucial for Estella's improvement that she interact with others and that others engage with her. Moreover, she had worked so hard to improve; confinement might cause a relapse—a prospect he couldn't bear.

"But..." Aubree feigned support for Estella, secretly hoping Estella would attend kindergarten, wanting to further her own position with Lucian. However, she recognized the futility of arguing; Lucian's decision was final. He turned towards the door, unconcerned with Estella's reaction.

Seeing her father's retreating back, Estella felt aggrieved. Even Ms. Pearson said it was alright if she didn't go to school. Why did her father insist? Lucian's body language clearly indicated he wouldn't relent.