Chapter 1239

Aubree couldn't calm down. Only after calling Cory did she learn of Roxanne's hospital discharge, news that further unsettled her. She steeled herself and called Lucian, but waited a long time before a frosty voice answered, "What is it?"

Gritting her teeth, Aubree maintained a caring tone. "Lucian, Ms. Yaxley called; Essie's missed school recently. Is she unwell?" As she spoke, Aubree's heart tensed, fearing Estella was with Roxanne.

After a brief silence, Lucian replied, "Essie's at my mother's. You needn't worry. Tell the teacher Essie is sick." He wouldn't let Aubree know Estella's true location, fueled by lingering animosity toward Roxanne and his strengthened feelings for her after the poisoning. He needed to draw a line with Aubree.

Aubree doubted him. "Really? I'm surprised I didn't hear about something this important." Sonya, she reasoned, would surely have invited her if Estella were with Roxanne, providing an opportunity to bond with the child.

Lucian, showing no intention of continuing the conversation, said, "I have a meeting. If there's nothing else, I'm ending the call." He hung up before Aubree could respond.

Aubree's face drained of color. That little btch must be at Roxanne's, she thought. There's no other reason for Lucian to lie.*

A knock interrupted her fury. Aubree answered the door, her displeasure evident. Frieda, worried by Aubree's angry expression, asked, "Aubree, what happened? Why are you so angry?"

Aubree seethed. "That little b*tch has gone to Roxanne's house again!"

Shocked, Frieda exclaimed, "Isn't she supposed to be in the hospital?" She remembered Jonathan saying Roxanne's poisoning was serious. Aubree slammed the door, venting, "That b*tch is damn lucky. Why didn't she die from the poison?"

Frieda remained incredulous. "Have you asked Mr. Zaythrone? Given her critical condition, the poison would take time to dissipate. How did she leave the hospital so soon?"

Annoyed by Frieda's questions, Aubree retorted, "How would I know? Cory's a coward. Since I told him I was trying to kill Roxanne, he's avoided me. If I hadn't asked, he wouldn't have told me!"

Unsettled by Aubree's outburst, Frieda tried to calm her. "How did you know Essie is at Roxanne's?"