Chapter 350: Fully Cured

Meanwhile, at the Farwell residence, Lucian immediately stopped working after receiving Catalina's call. He rushed home from the office, calling James en route.

Since the abduction incident, Estella had suffered from mental instability, requiring their constant attention.

Catalina stepped forward as soon as she saw them enter the house.

"Where's Essie?" Lucian furrowed his brow, scanning the living room. The little girl was nowhere to be seen.

Catalina pointed upstairs. "She went to her room after returning. She wasn't in a good mood and ignored everything I said. I didn't know what to do, so I called you home."

Lucian nodded gravely and went upstairs with James.

Estella's room was locked, and eerily silent.

Lucian's heart sank. He knocked gently. "Essie, it's Daddy. Can you open the door?"

There was no response. Estella showed no sign of opening the door.

Lucian turned to James. He wasn't worried about Estella returning home alone, but her brooding concerned him. He feared she would isolate herself, as before. James shared his concern for the little girl.

James, Estella's psychologist for many years, noted that while her condition, rare for her age, hadn't improved, it remained unchanged.

They hesitated. Lucian quietly instructed Catalina, "Get the keys."

Just as Catalina moved to retrieve them, Estella opened the door. The three adults breathed a sigh of relief.

"What happened? Why did you come back alone?" Lucian leaned forward, observing the little girl.

Estella, upset, shook her head, clearly unwilling to discuss it.

Relieved by her responsiveness, Lucian patted her head. "It's all right if you don't want to talk. Just rest. I'll call you for dinner."

Estella nodded meekly.

Once inside, Lucian quietly instructed, "Don't lock the door again."

Estella agreed. She closed the door, and Lucian took James to his study.

"What do you think of Essie's condition?"

Seated opposite each other, James, after observing Estella, said, "No change. Perhaps only certain people could improve her condition."

Lucian knew who he meant.

"I suggest more frequent contact with Ms. Jarvis. Estella might recover with time," James commented.

Noticing Lucian's somber expression, he asked, "Why? Is that not feasible?"

Lucian pinched the bridge of his nose. "I'm afraid not, at the moment."

Lucian knew Roxanne's presence would benefit Estella, but Roxanne disliked him, making her agreement to Estella staying with her unlikely.

James was saddened. "Then you're Estella's best hope. Pay close attention to her. You can always contact me." Lucian nodded gravely.