Chapter 1317

Noticing Lucian's lingering guilt, Roxanne pursed her lips, took his hand, and said, "Nothing like that will ever happen to Essie again."

"We'll do our best to protect Essie, too!" Archie and Benny chimed in.

Lucian's expression softened, much to Roxanne's relief. "Maybe I should bring Essie to my place for the day. She's been through a lot," she suggested, worried that Estella's emotional state might be affected by Sonya's presence at the manor. Estella, still unable to accept Sonya, clung to Roxanne.

Lucian, however, disapproved. "Take her to the bedroom and let her rest. Essie will be fine with you there."

Roxanne hesitated, but Estella's enthusiastic agreement swayed her. She took the children to Estella's bedroom.

Lucian, Cayden, and Cory remained in the living room. Having witnessed Lucian's earlier anger toward Aubree, Cory approached cautiously. "M-Mr. Farwell..."

Lucian's warmth vanished. "How much do you want?"

"T-Thirty million," Cory stammered, holding up three fingers.

Lucian turned to Cayden. "Pay him three hundred thousand. I don't want to hear anything about him in Chanaea after today."

Cory was stunned. Three hundred thousand? A hundredth of what I asked for!

Cayden slipped a check into Cory's pocket. "You nearly helped Aubree harm Ms. Estella. Consider yourself lucky to be alive, let alone paid. Now get lost!"

Snapping out of his daze, Cory looked from the check to Lucian's icy expression. "P-Please forgive me, Mr. Farwell! I have a gambling debt! They'll kill me!"

Lucian remained impassive. Cayden grabbed Cory, dragging him toward the door. "Shut up, or I'll take this back!"

Cory struggled in vain. Cayden threw him out. Cory's face paled as the door closed. This is all Aubree's fault!

Cayden returned to Lucian. "He's dealt with, Mr. Farwell. Marsingfill will know his location tomorrow."

Lucian nodded. Cayden glanced at the back garden. "Mr. Farwell, about the decorations..."

Lucian's expression shifted. He headed toward the garden.