Naturally, Estella refused.

Aubree stood up and glanced at Lucian. "Lucian, I'll go downstairs and ask the receptionist. Let's get another room, if possible."

Estella turned and shot Lucian an expectant look, hoping he would reject Aubree's suggestion.

A dark, unfathomable look filled Lucian's eyes. He knew that even if he refused Aubree's suggestion, Roxanne would likely make the same decision upon her return. After all, she hadn't seemed receptive to Ms. Ward's suggestion of sharing rooms yesterday. Now, with Aubree present, Roxanne would only avoid him further.

Considering Roxanne's likely reaction, Lucian silently accepted Aubree's suggestion.

Receiving no response from Lucian and seeing Aubree leave to request a room change, Estella stamped her foot in anger. She followed Aubree into the elevator. Aubree was stunned. "Essie, why are you here? You can wait with your father in the room."

Estella merely lowered her head.

Aubree frowned, displeased, and retracted her gaze, pretending Estella wasn't there. Since they were alone in the elevator, Aubree didn't bother speaking to Estella, who remained silent.

As the elevator reached the first floor and the doors opened, Aubree's expression changed. She forced a subtle smile, pretending to be kind. Just as she reached for Estella's hand, Estella darted out of the elevator and ran from the hotel.

Aubree froze, too panicked to react. She forgot to chase after Estella, her earlier purpose lost in her thoughts.

Estella headed toward the botanical garden.

I don't like that awful Ms. Pearson! I don't like Daddy either! I'm going to find Ms. Jarvis!

Aubree remained frozen in the hotel lobby when she heard a voice behind her.

"Where's Essie?" Lucian scanned the lobby; Estella was nowhere to be seen. His face darkened.

Aubree shuddered guiltily. "S-She ran off"

"Why didn't you stop her?" Lucian shouted angrily. He knew Estella was stubborn, but not this stubborn. When the elevator doors were closing, Estella had run from the room. Despite Lucian's quick reaction, the doors closed before he could reach them. He had to wait for the next elevator, assuming Aubree would prevent Estella from leaving. To his dismay, Aubree had lost her. He didn't have time to determine if Aubree had lost Estella or simply hadn't bothered to watch her.

"I didn't expect her to run off like that. I asked why she came with me, but she didn't answer" Aubree panicked.

"You'd better pray nothing happens to Essie, or else—" Lucian glared at her expressionlessly, a murderous aura emanating from him that suffocated Aubree. "—you won't be able to atone for this, even if you die."

He rushed from the hotel.

Aubree remained rooted to the spot for a minute. When she finally recovered, she tried to follow him, but her legs were too weak. Although she disliked Estella, she knew her limits. Estella was the Farwell family's prized child. Secretly bullying her was one thing, but if anything happened to Estella, Aubree could forget about marrying into the Farwell family.

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