Chapter 137: End Up Just Like Them

When Catalina saw Estella sobbing, she quickly stepped forward. "Mrs. Farwell," she said, "Ms. Estella had another episode. Ms. Pearson hit her. Her condition only started improving today and hasn't stabilized. Please don't scare her."

Catalina had considered the previous night's incident and suspected who had hit Estella. To stop Sonya, she had to tell her what she suspected.

Sonya seemed unconcerned. "Sonya already told me. Essie was disobedient, and Aubree, in a panic, punished her. She's apologized. Essie is also at fault. Aubree will be her stepmother, but Essie keeps causing trouble."

Catalina realized she couldn't argue. She could only look at Estella pityingly. The girl had only recently emerged from her withdrawn state, and Catalina feared this crying spell might cause a relapse.

Archie and Benny, having overheard, guessed the unfamiliar woman was Estella's grandmother. They immediately protested. "Essie didn't cause trouble! That woman was wrong to hurt a child! Why would you listen to an outsider and scold Essie? She was badly hurt, and you're not upset? If not for Mommy's care, Essie wouldn't have recovered!"

Sonya was annoyed by their interference. "What do you know? Children shouldn't interfere in adult matters!" She grabbed Estella's arm. "Look at them. They're uncouth. If you stay here, you'll become like them. Come home with me now!"

Estella remained rooted, her arm aching from Sonya's grip. Tears streamed down her face, her eyes blazing with defiance.

Roxanne, having chosen not to intervene earlier, was reminded of Estella's earlier state by her tears. She frowned. "Mrs. Farwell, I hear you adore Essie, but is this how you show it? She's crying, and you ignore her?"

Sonya glared. "Who knows what you've done to bewitch my granddaughter?"

Just then, the doorbell rang. Knowing it was their father, Archie rushed to answer.

Lucian froze upon seeing the boy's angry expression. Looking toward the living room, he saw his mother gripping Estella's arm, and Estella sobbing hysterically.

Lucian frowned and pried his mother's hand away. "What are you doing?"

Sonya's scowl deepened. "If I'd arrived later, my granddaughter would have become someone else's." She shot him a disgruntled look, furious that he hadn't told her Roxanne was caring for Estella.

Lucian glanced at Roxanne, who returned his cold stare. The tension was thick.

Finally, Lucian said, "Let's talk." He left the mansion.

Sonya watched him go, then followed, saying, "No matter what you say, I'm taking Essie home with me!"

(The final sentence about the website is promotional and irrelevant to the story, and thus removed.)