Chapter 113: Her Autism Was Triggered

Lucian watched in astonishment as his daughter frantically chased Roxanne's car. He wondered why she was so attached to Roxanne, since they hadn't met often. His bafflement turned to alarm when the girl suddenly fell. He rushed to her, embracing her. "Are you okay? Let Daddy have a look at you."

Estella clung to him, refusing to release her grip. As he worried about her, he heard her sob—the first time she'd spoken in her life. She cried uncontrollably, her grip so tight he felt it in his neck. Despite his own anxiety, he focused on comforting her.

"Ms. Jarvis… want Ms. Jarvis…"

Her words startled him. He never expected those to be her first. The thought that Roxanne meant so much to her left a bitter taste in his mouth. Through gritted teeth, he told Estella the truth: "Ms. Jarvis is gone, but Daddy will be right here with you, so don't cry anymore."

Her weeping exhausted her; her small body trembled. He excused her from school and took her home. In the car, she gradually calmed, only sniffling occasionally. Back home, she went straight to her room and slammed the door.

He assumed it was a tantrum, a common occurrence. However, he was still needed at the office. After considering his options, he asked Catalina to watch Estella before heading to work.

In the afternoon, Catalina called. "Please come home quickly, Mr. Farwell! I think something's wrong with Ms. Estella!" Her panicked tone alarmed him.

His heart pounding, he rushed home.

"After you left, I tried to comfort Ms. Estella, but she didn't react, no matter what I said…" Catalina's voice trembled.

Lucian hurried to Estella's room. Curled in a corner, her eyes vacant, she didn't respond to their entrance.

"Daddy knows how upset you are, Essie, but you'll see Ms. Jarvis again, I promise."

Normally, mentioning Roxanne elicited a reaction, but this time, Estella was completely withdrawn. Lucian's heart sank. Her lack of response indicated an autistic episode.

He immediately called his friend, James Lann, a respected psychologist who had treated Estella for years.

James arrived quickly and, after examining Estella, became serious. "Please step outside. I'll talk to her."

Lucian and Catalina complied. Inside, James patiently spoke to Estella, but she only stared blankly. This was far more challenging than their previous sessions.

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