Chapter 288: I Waited For Years

After learning Roxanne had found Estella, Sonya stopped reprimanding her and focused on consoling the still-crying child. Eventually, Estella exhausted herself and fell silent.

"Good girl, Essie," Sonya said, patting her back. "Ms. Pearson adores you. She accidentally angered you; can you forgive her?"

Hearing Aubree's name, Estella frowned and turned to Lucian. She reached for him.

Lucian lifted her and answered for her, "Essie refuses to forgive her. Even if she does, I will never forgive her!"

He glared at Aubree. "This has gone on long enough. I'll be clear: I will not marry you. From today, we are finished. You are not to appear before Essie again!"

His words stunned everyone.

Sonya took a moment to compose herself. Grabbing Lucian's arm, she demanded, "Lucian, do you know what you're doing? News of your engagement has been released. How will we face the public if you refuse to marry Aubree?"

Lucian responded without hesitation, "That's not my concern. You released the news without my consent. I disapproved, but you insisted." Sonya's face hardened. Lucian had made up his mind.

She knew what he wanted but had always assumed she controlled him. [Remove the spammy sentence about the website.]

She had forgotten he was a grown man, now in charge of Farwell Group. His obedience stemmed from filial piety.

"But" Sonya began, searching for another excuse, "we agreed to your marriage to repay Old Mr. Pearson's favor. How will you explain this to him?"

Lucian frowned. "We repaid the Pearsons' favor by giving them what they wanted all these years. That's enough. Farwell Group will continue to support them in business, so long as they remain law-abiding."

Aubree stared in disbelief. It was clear Lucian had planned this for a long time.

When did he start scheming? After he rejected me? Or after that bitch Roxanne returned?

She panicked as Lucian looked at her impassively. "Ms. Pearson, please leave if you have nothing more to say."

Aubree froze, then apologized. "Lucian, I was wrong. I know my mistake. I promise to give Essie what she wants. It won't happen again. Please don't be angry!"

Lucian ignored her. Aubree's heart sank. She reached for his sleeve, but he evaded her.

"I've waited for you for many years, Lucian" Her hands fell. "I'll change. I promise. Please don't do this!"

Lucian remained silent. Aubree looked pleadingly at Sonya.

Sonya shook her head grimly. "You should go home."

Lucian showed no anger, but Sonya knew that was precisely the sign of his simmering rage. He had clearly thought this through.

There was nothing to say; she would wait for him to calm down.

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