Chapter 1128

Estella looked at her father, who was already at the door, then at Aubree, still standing by the couch. A few moments passed before the little girl reluctantly left her chair and jogged to catch up with Lucian. Aubree let out a relieved sigh and joined them.

“Daddy,” Estella mumbled, giving him a puppy-eyed look and tugging at his shirt.

Lucian lowered his gaze, patted her head, and said, “I’m really busy lately. Please don’t throw a tantrum.”

Estella pursed her lips, unconvinced. She knew Lucian was in a bad mood because of an argument with Roxanne. She was flabbergasted that he was still lying to her, even though she knew the truth. Why were adults so weird? Why didn't Daddy just make up with Ms. Jarvis?

Lucian, unaware of her thoughts, averted his gaze and looked at Aubree, who stood behind Estella. Aubree, whose attention had been fixed on him, smiled.

“What’s the matter?” Lucian asked in a low voice. “Have you spoken to your parents? What did they say?”

Aubree, overjoyed, replied calmly, “I spoke to them yesterday. They said that since you’re busy, we could arrange a meal together at your convenience.”

She carefully gauged his reaction. If he was serious about setting a wedding date, he wouldn't delay a meal with her parents, especially since he'd initiated the conversation. Hope blossomed in her heart. However, moments passed without a response. Her heart sank, but she maintained a composed expression. “I know you’ve been busy. There’s no need to rush. We can always do it later.”

Lucian nodded impassively. Aubree gritted her teeth; it was clear he was hesitant about their marriage. The silence spoke volumes.

“It’s getting late. You should send Estella to school,” he said, changing the subject.

Aubree, unwilling to press further, forced a smile. “All right. I’ll pick her up later so you don’t have to make another trip.”

Hesitation flickered in Lucian’s eyes. Regretting his avoidance of a meal with her parents, he felt bad for rejecting her kindness again. “Essie will be in your care then,” he conceded.

Aubree offered a thin smile. She wanted to leave, but Estella clung to Lucian’s shirt.

“Essie, we’ll be late,” Aubree urged gently.

The little girl pouted, stubbornly glancing at Lucian. He suddenly remembered something, took Estella’s hand, and said, “Let’s go. I’m sending you.”

The little girl finally complied, and they left the mansion. Aubree breathed a sigh of relief and hurried after them.