At noon, Elias and Sonya remained at the manor for lunch. Aubree also contrived an excuse to stay.

At the dining table, she feigned attentiveness. She not only served the couple soup and food but also helped Estella peel prawns, though she herself ate few.

“Here, Essie,” she said, sliding a plate of peeled prawns to Estella. “I remember you love prawns, so I peeled them especially for you.”

Estella merely glanced at the plate before returning to her meal, seemingly ignoring it.

Aubree’s hand remained on the plate, her smile faltering. Estella still didn't touch the prawns.

“Essie, why aren’t you eating the prawns Ms. Pearson peeled for you? And you didn’t even thank her,” Sonya chided.

Estella remained silent.

Sonya frowned, her voice hardening. “That’s exceedingly rude, Essie.”

Estella finally looked up, her eyes defiant. I just don’t want to eat anything from that evil woman! she thought.

Aubree, seeing Sonya defend her, quickly interjected, “Don’t be angry, Mrs. Farwell. Perhaps Essie is full. She’s also emotionally unstable; you’ll frighten her.”

“What a considerate girl!” Sonya exclaimed gratefully. “I’ll rest easy knowing you’ll care for her.”

Aubree cautiously looked at Lucian, forcing a smile. Sonya, however, glared at her son.

Lucian’s expression tightened. He said to Aubree, in a clipped tone, “Essie doesn’t eat food from strangers. You needn’t try again.”

Hurt flashed across Aubree’s face. She sheepishly retrieved the prawns.

Seeing Aubree’s distress, Sonya reprimanded Lucian, “This is all your fault for pampering her.”

Lucian remained impassive. “Children need safety awareness. At the very least, she shouldn’t eat food from strangers.”

Sonya started to retort, but Elias coughed, agreeing. “Lucian’s right. Essie wanders these days. We can’t be responsible if she eats something unsafe outside.”

Sonya conceded.

After lunch, Lucian had work and asked about their plans.

Sonya, looking fondly at her granddaughter, said, “It’s been ages since I took Essie shopping. Essie, let’s buy some pretty dresses!” Despite her disapproval of her son’s marriage, she deeply loved her granddaughter and always bought her treats during visits, knowing Lucian might neglect that aspect.

Estella was about to agree when Aubree offered, “I’ll come, Mrs. Farwell. I can help Essie choose.”

“Wonderful!” Sonya smiled.

She reached for Estella’s hand, but Estella shook her head and wrote in her notebook: I don’t want to go out today. I want to practice writing at home. I don’t want to be with that evil woman!

Sonya didn't press the matter. Elias sat with Estella. “Let’s practice writing. What word would you like to try?”

Remembering names from her kindergarten books, Estella wrote “Archie” and “Benny.”

Elias was puzzled. “Why those two words?” They weren’t common nouns, and he couldn't discern their significance. Estella tugged his sleeve, urging him to teach her.

(Note: The reference to a website has been removed as it appears to be an advertisement.)