Chapter 686

As the elevator reached the top floor, the doors opened. Lucian instantly regained his composure. Stepping out into the dimly lit corridor, he frowned. Aubree followed silently.

At the doorway, Lucian used his keycard to open the door for her. He paused, looking at her indifferently, waiting for her to enter. Aubree hesitated, turning to him, silently questioning his inaction.

"You'll have to make do with this for the next few days," Lucian said coldly, ignoring her questioning gaze. "I'll try to reason with Mr. Pearson."

Aubree's face fell. "Lucian, haven't you figured out why I argued with my father? Is that all you have to say?"

Lucian's expression remained unchanged. "You don't want to hear what I have to say right now. Get some rest and don't overthink things."

He turned and left. Aubree looked distraught. Lucian's reluctance to stay stemmed from the Pearsons' past kindness and Aubree's recent expulsion from home; he wanted to avoid further conflict.

He'd barely taken two steps when he felt a tug on his clothes. His heart sank. Maintaining his impassive demeanor, he turned. "Let go!"

"I won't! Lucian, I'm scared! Won't you stay with me?" Aubree pleaded, her expression a mix of desperation and determination. "We're still engaged! No one will care if you stay!"

"What nonsense?" Lucian hissed angrily. "Aubree, let go before I lose my temper. I'm warning you!"

Aubree, unyielding, tugged at his clothes, closing the distance. Eyes closed, she leaned in to kiss him.

Lucian's disgust was palpable. Just as her lips neared his, he shoved her away. Aubree, still with her eyes closed, stumbled back, falling to the ground.

"Have you lost your mind?" Lucian's voice was chilling.

Aubree sat there, regaining her composure. Bloodshot eyes fixed on him, she said, "I-I love you, Lucian! I was kicked out because of you, yet you bring me to a hotel? Have you considered my feelings?"

Lucian glanced at her impassively. "You'd better not harbor any foolish ideas. Do you think we have a future after what you did to Essie? You should know better!"

"I've already apologized about Estella—"

Lucian cut her off impatiently. "I'll pretend this never happened. But I hope nothing like this ever happens again!"

Without waiting for a response, he left swiftly. Aubree's tears flowed freely, her despair intensifying. She'd expected a return to the Farwell residence, a deepening of their intimacy. Instead, Lucian had delivered a stark rejection: their future was over. The thought stole her breath.