Chapter 138: You Have Gone Overboard

Upon hearing his mother's words, Lucian gave a noncommittal nod. Assuming he agreed, Sonya turned to leave with Estella. However, Lucian's voice stopped her.

"You may not be aware of Essie's condition over the last two days," he said.

Sonya halted. While Catalina had mentioned Estella's autistic episode, she hadn't grasped its severity.

"This episode was far more intense than previous ones," Lucian explained. "Even James couldn't help. Only with Roxanne does she behave normally. Roxanne even got her to talk the other day. Do you understand the significance of that?"

Sonya was shocked. She'd resigned herself to Estella remaining mute. Essie talked? The thought filled her with disbelief. That woman got her to speak!

Seeing Sonya's astonishment, Lucian pursed his lips. "I was surprised too, but it's undeniable. Essie refuses to leave Roxanne's side, even though she doesn't know Roxanne is her mother. You can't deny the instinctive bond between them."

Sonya frowned, unwilling to accept the truth, yet knowing Lucian was right. She was speechless.

"Mom, we've spent years trying to cure Essie without success. Now we have hope. Even if Essie accepts Roxanne, I have no objections, as long as she recovers fully," Lucian said soothingly. "Given your love for Essie, you want what's best for her. Please don't disrupt their lives; Essie can't endure another setback."

Though Sonya wavered, lingering resentment over the past remained. She demanded angrily, "Are you saying you'll accept her after what she did to you?"

"That's between us," Lucian replied. "I'll handle it."

"But Essie?" Sonya pressed. "What happens when she learns Roxanne abandoned her? How will she feel? Can she cope?"

Lucian frowned. He had no intention of explaining a potentially misunderstood situation, especially without a full investigation. "You needn't worry. Essie will learn whatever she needs to know."

He would continue his relationship with Roxanne, and allow Estella to do the same.

Knowing her son, Sonya knew further arguments were futile. Yet, she couldn't help reminding him of Aubree. "What about Aubree? After all her years of waiting and sacrifice, do you plan to abandon her?"

Lucian's voice hardened at the mention of Aubree. "Do you know why Essie resents her?"

Stunned, Sonya replied, "Because of what Aubree did? She explained it—she didn't do it intentionally, only worried about Essie's safety, a desperate act. She regrets it and apologized."

Then, she turned the tables. "And you—you've gone overboard with your recent behavior toward her!"