Chapter 1458

Puzzlement washed over Elias. “Why? You’re Essie’s grandmother. Why would Roxanne forbid you from visiting Essie? Is there some misunderstanding?”

Sonya sighed bitterly. “What misunderstanding? She never liked me after leaving six years ago. Besides, I always wanted Lucian to be with Aubree, so she holds a grudge.” She hung her head, nestling into his embrace as if burdened by untold grievances. “She’s already treating me this way, and she hasn’t even gotten back together with Lucian. What if she marries into the Farwell family? Will I be forbidden from seeing my son and granddaughter?”

Elias knew nothing of the conflict between the two women. His initial reaction, after hearing his wife’s complaints, was to mediate. “There must be a misunderstanding. Talking it out will resolve everything.” He didn’t believe his son would be involved with a petty woman.

Sonya, sensing his lack of support, panicked and wept. “It’s all my fault. I shouldn’t have interfered in her relationship with Lucian. But I didn’t force her to leave six years ago. I even searched for her afterwards. And now she’s back? What does she think the Farwell family is?”

Elias tightened his grip. “I’ll ask Lucian.”

Sonya felt a measure of relief. He immediately called Lucian.

Lucian, working in his study, suspected his mother had spoken to his father. Knowing Elias rarely interfered in his relationships, he answered. “Something wrong, Dad?”

Elias’s baritone voice filled the line. “Where’s Essie?”

“At her mother’s,” Lucian replied. “Why?”

“Your mother claims Roxanne won’t let her see Essie. Is there a misunderstanding?”

Lucian knew his mother would complain, but not with such a fabricated claim. His head ached. He patiently explained, “Essie isn’t close to her grandmother, but it’s not Roxanne’s fault.”

Elias looked at Sonya. “You’re saying it’s your mother’s fault?”

Lucian paused. “There’s a misunderstanding between her and Essie. Essie seems to dislike her, but it has nothing to do with Roxanne.”

Elias was confused. Essie dislikes Sonya? We watched them grow up; their relationship was always good. Why the change?

Lucian anticipated his father’s thoughts. “If you’re worried, see for yourself. I’ll tell Roxanne. You can visit anytime.”

Elias readily agreed. “I’ll pick Essie up from kindergarten tomorrow evening.”