"Why are you here?" Lucian asked expressionlessly, pulling Aubree to the edge of the planting site.

Aubree gazed at the little girl in her arms with concern. "I was worried about Essie, so I came to check on her. Don't worry, I won't make things difficult." Lucian's stern voice cut in. "Well, you've seen her. Essie's adapting well. If there's nothing else, you may leave."

Aubree's expression stiffened. "Lucian, I traveled all this way. Surely you won't send me away without a meal?"

She hung her head guiltily. "I know you still blame me for hurting Essie last time, but I swear I didn't mean to. I've considered Essie my own for years. How could I harm her? Besides, you've already punished me, and I know I was wrong. Please, forgive me."

At the mention of the incident, Lucian said frostily, "The person you should be apologizing to isn't me."

Aubree glanced at Estella, who was struggling in her embrace, unable to break free. Feeling Aubree loosen her grip, Estella quickly pulled away and reached for Lucian. He quickly scooped her into his arms.

"Essie has the right to be angry. It's my fault. From today on, I'll prove to her I don't have ill intentions." Aubree feigned self-blame, knowing Estella wouldn't easily forgive her. She gave Lucian a tentative glance. "Would you give me a chance to prove myself?" (This implied a chance for their marriage.)

Lucian understood. With a mysterious smile, he replaced his frosty expression with a calm one. "It's time for lunch. You should leave after eating." Disappointment flashed in Aubree's eyes, but she forced a smile and nodded.

At lunchtime, Lucian took Estella to the cafeteria. Aubree followed, but was unexpectedly shoved to the back of the line. She frantically tried to rejoin Lucian, but parents intercepted her.

They stared at Aubree admiringly. "Ms. Pearson, you're amazing! You have such a good relationship with Mr. Farwell, and you even came all this way to care for Essie." Delighted, Aubree smiled. "I'm just fulfilling my responsibilities."

She looked at Lucian shyly and fearfully. "I've heard rumors about you being beautiful. Now I see it's true. You and Mr. Farwell are a fantastic couple. Essie never lets anyone near her, but she didn't struggle when you hugged her. She must like you, Ms. Pearson."

Roxanne, watching from a corner with Archie and Benny, heard the praise and felt conflicted. She saw Estella's hand in Lucian's. Concern filled her heart. Aubree had treated Essie harshly before. Would she really treat her well this time? And Essie was terrified of Aubree