Chapter 1199

“Lucian!”

Just as Lucian hesitated over his reply to Estella, the elevator stopped at the top floor, and Aubree emerged. Hearing Aubree's voice, Estella, tearful, turned to look before quickly hugging Lucian. Her face was flushed from crying; she appeared deeply distressed. This ignited resentment in Aubree. She instantly knew Estella's tears stemmed from Roxanne. "I didn't expect Essie to be so reliant on that woman!"

Simultaneously, Aubree felt relief. Estella's distress suggested Roxanne remained unconscious. Observing the conflicting emotions on Aubree's face, Lucian frowned, displeasure evident. "Why are you here?" he asked, turning suspiciously to Cayden. Cayden shook his head, denying any involvement in revealing their location. He, too, wondered about Aubree's arrival.

After composing herself, Aubree smiled nonchalantly. "It's late, and Cayden went to fetch Essie. I worried something happened, so I followed Cayden's car." She looked at Lucian pointedly. "You aren't angry I came, are you? I was just worried."

Lucian gazed at her intently, his expression unreadable, while a confused Cayden stood beside him. "I worked for Mr. Farwell for years; I can tell if someone's tailing me. I didn't sense a car following. Perhaps I missed it, preoccupied with Ms. Jarvis?"

After studying Aubree, Lucian saw nothing amiss. He didn't believe her, but the matter could wait. Aubree clenched her hands, seemingly wanting to speak further, but Lucian ignored her.

"At the hospital, I overheard the director say Ms. Jarvis had an accident. That's why I'm here," Aubree began, summoning her courage. It was a weak excuse, but she had nothing better.

Lucian's eyes darkened. "He told you that?"

Aubree quickly corrected herself. "No, I overheard it and rushed over. How is Ms. Jarvis?" She attempted to circumvent Lucian to enter the ward, her unspoken goal clear. However, Lucian blocked her path.

Startled, Aubree stopped, embarrassed. "Lucian, don't misunderstand. I mean no harm to Ms. Jarvis. We know each other, and she's hospitalized; it's only courteous to visit."

Estella's voice cut through the air. "No!" she sobbed, tears streaming down her face.

Aubree froze, anger flashing in her eyes before she quickly masked it. "Essie, I'm just taking a look. I might even be helpful," she declared, smiling at Estella.