A long while later, he took out his phone and called his father.

The call connected quickly.

"What is it, Lucian?" Elias, who hadn't gone to work that day and was enjoying breakfast, answered his son's call and glanced at Sonya, who sat across from him.

Sonya knew why her son had called. She took the phone from Elias, who readily relinquished it.

Unknowing, Lucian sternly asked, "Were you the one who released the news about the engagement?" Cayden had investigated, but Lucian still wanted Elias's admission.

To his surprise, his mother's voice answered.

"It was my idea. What's wrong with that?" Sonya responded nonchalantly.

Lucian's brows snapped together. "Why didn't you ask for my opinion? This is my business. Besides, I've told you not to interfere. I have my own plans."

Recalling the Pearsons' comments from the previous night, Sonya scowled. "What other plans can you have? Are you going to ignore Aubree forever? She's been the talk of the town because of you. Did you handle the matter? Is that part of your plan?"

Lucian felt a headache coming on. "How can you be sure I didn't take action?"

He knew the rumors had spread like wildfire after he left with Roxanne under the watchful eyes of the crowd. Even though he disliked Aubree, he owed her grandfather a favor and wasn't going to ignore the matter. Before he could act, however, things took an unexpected turn, dragging him into the mess. He was caught off guard.

"That doesn't matter. This is the only way we can quell the rumors!" Sonya declared, brooking no argument. "You're the reason they started, so you'll be the one to end them. Aubree has been with you for years, so you should take responsibility by marrying her. I announced your engagement on your behalf. There's nothing wrong with that."

Massaging his temples, Lucian fought to control his irritation. "You know I have no intention of marrying her! You know Essie's condition well. She never liked Aubree, and a few days ago, Aubree even struck her. Now you're asking Essie to accept Aubree as her stepmother? Have you considered Essie's feelings?"

Sonya remained unfazed. "Essie didn't like Aubree because they didn't spend time together. Anyway, Aubree knows she was too harsh with Essie and regrets it. You're going to get married soon, so Essie will have to accept Aubree. They'll spend more time together if she accepts her sooner."

She didn't wait for his response. "If you're not marrying Aubree, are you marrying Roxanne instead? No matter what, I won't allow her back into our family! I wouldn't have allowed Essie to stay with her if you hadn't said she could help Essie's condition. That was my biggest compromise!"

Lucian remained silent.

"Essie should be recovered by now. You should bring her back so she can spend more time with Aubree," Sonya ordered. "Also, tell Roxanne to give up any ideas she has. I will never allow her to marry into the Farwell family again!"

With that, she ended the call. Lucian's expression immediately crumpled.

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