Chapter 1306

It was two in the afternoon, with two more hours to go. Gina, unwilling to waste any more time, called Sonya, who answered immediately. "Gina, what is it?"

Sonya's calm voice betrayed no knowledge of the unfolding events. Despite her efforts to remain calm, Gina's voice trembled. "Are you free? Aubree would like to speak with you."

Sonya's tone shifted, puzzled. "Did something happen? Is it about the engagement? Don't worry, I'll talk to Lucian about it."

The mention of Lucian's name made the Pearsons acutely uncomfortable. Gina steeled herself. "You'll know when you arrive," she said, ending the call, confident Sonya would come.

As expected, Sonya arrived at the Pearson residence half an hour later. Seeing the three somber Pearsons in the living room, her heart sank. "What happened? Why do you all look like you're at a funeral?"

Before Sonya could fully process the scene, Aubree rushed forward, hugging Sonya's leg. Stunned, Sonya was about to speak when Aubree, her voice filled with despair, cried out, "I'm sorry, Mrs. Farwell! You have to help me. I'll never do it again!"

Sonya's sympathy was immediately aroused. "Tell me what happened, and I'll see what I can do."

Aubree, her voice choked with emotion, confessed, "Remember when I told you about Essie getting an infection from the camping trip Roxanne took her on? I was the one behind it!"

Sonya's face hardened. "What in the world happened?"

"I didn't do it on purpose! I just wanted to teach Roxanne and her boys a lesson, but the bacteria somehow got into Essie's cup and infected her." Aubree attempted a desperate defense, "I really didn't expect it to turn out this way. That's why I didn't dare tell you—"

Before she could finish, Sonya slapped her hard—a blow even stronger than Samuel's earlier strike. Sonya was outraged that her favored daughter-in-law had harmed her granddaughter. Aubree's confession also brought back the memory of Sonya’s own past harsh treatment of Estella. She had been blind to believe Aubree's claims of acting in Essie's best interest.

"Mrs. Farwell..." Dazed, Aubree took a moment to recover before meeting Sonya's gaze with a look of utter hopelessness. Showing no mercy, Sonya shoved Aubree's hand away. "Shut up! How could you lie to me all these years and harm my granddaughter? Why did it take me so long to realize how vicious you are? Aubree, I'm so disappointed in you!"

The Pearsons' faces fell. Gina, however, clung to a glimmer of hope. "Sonya, we've been friends for so many—"

"Don't you dare say my name!" Sonya's intimidating presence seemed to suffocate the Pearsons.

Then, a sudden realization struck Sonya as she looked at Aubree. "What about the car accident?" The thought brought numerous suspicions to the forefront.

Aubree lowered her head, silent. Seeing the situation rapidly spiraling out of control, Gina and Samuel fell to their knees. "Mrs. Farwell, please forgive us this one time. We guarantee we'll never show our faces in front of the Farwells—"

"Leave your pleas to Lucian and Essie," Sonya cut them off mercilessly.