Chapter 1200

As Lucian held Estella, the child twisted awkwardly to face Aubree, her chubby arms outstretched in a gesture of defiance. "You're not allowed in! I don't want you!" she declared.

Aubree's fury simmered beneath the surface. Estella's intervention, clearly for Roxanne's sake, fueled her resentment. Her relationship with Daddy—with Ms. Jarvis—had been painstakingly mended; Aubree wouldn't allow this woman to undermine it again. Every argument between Daddy and Ms. Jarvis had been infiltrated by Aubree's interference, stemming from her selfish desire to keep them apart. Yet here was Estella, effectively barring her entry.

Aubree suppressed her anger, attempting persuasion. "Essie, don't you want Ms. Jarvis to get better soon? My family knows many doctors; I can arrange for her treatment," she offered patiently.

Estella remained unmoved, glaring intensely. "Ms. Jarvis is already recovered. She doesn't need treatment!" she retorted. The word "illness" had become a trigger for Estella after recent events, instantly igniting her anger.

Aubree's carefully constructed facade crumbled. She turned to Lucian, her expression perplexed. "Lucian, I meant well. What do you think...?"

Lucian's reply was curt and dismissive. "There's no need to worry. It's late. You should rest."

Aubree's jaw clenched, her teeth aching from the pressure. Lucian, too, was preventing her from entering the ward. Undeterred, she pressed on. "Then let's leave together. You and Ms. Jarvis aren't close, and you've already done enough. I can hire a caregiver if you're worried. Staying all night will damage your reputation."

Lucian's long workday had left him irritated, and Aubree's persistence only intensified his annoyance. His face darkened. "It won't get out! And even if it did, Ms. Jarvis saved Essie twice. I should repay her. No one will dare say anything!"

Aubree was stunned by his unexpected outburst.

"Anything else?" Lucian asked, his gaze icy.

Aubree could only shake her head silently.

"Then go," Lucian said indifferently, turning away. Estella nestled against Lucian's neck, her back to Aubree.

Aubree watched them go, her hands clenched tight. After a moment, she managed a strained smile. "Then I'll go. It's late. Don't stay up too late. Get some rest." She turned to leave.

Lucian's voice stopped her. "Did you see Roxanne again the day she visited Essie?"

Benny's earlier words clearly troubled him. Aubree froze, fear gripping her. Had he discovered her actions?

She forced herself to remain calm. If he truly knew, he would act decisively, not question her like this. She remembered his reaction when she’d struck Estella.

Feigning confusion, she replied, "What are you saying? I have no reason to see her. We already settled things."