Chapter 743: Aversion
Lucian, more or less anticipating Sonya's words, silently furrowed his brows and waited. With a serious expression, she said, “I’m still saying the same thing, Lucian. Aubree has waited for you for six years, and it’s been hard on her. No matter what, you can’t disappoint her!” The repetitive nature of their conversation had begun to induce headaches and stifled his desire to argue. He listened silently as she continued.
Inside the mansion, Estella, displaying a wary expression, timidly clutched Catalina's shirt as she watched the woman on the couch. Aubree, noticing the girl's aversion, feigned pleasantness. “Look, Essie, I brought you a gift.” She produced a doll. “Do you like it?” The girl immediately shook her head.
Aubree’s expression faltered momentarily before regaining composure. “It’s fine if you don’t like it. I’ll take you out next time to buy whatever you want.” Estella cowered wordlessly behind Catalina.
“Ms. Estella just returned from school, Ms. Pearson. She’s probably tired. Perhaps you could wait in the living room while I take her to her room,” Catalina intervened, understanding Estella’s fear. Having watched the girl grow up, she instinctively shielded her, speaking politely to Aubree.
Aubree frowned. “I’ll take Essie upstairs. I have something to discuss with her.” She approached the girl.
Estella’s grip on Catalina’s shirt tightened as Aubree drew closer; defiance etched on her face. Catalina, distressed but constrained by her position, could only watch as Aubree extended a hand towards Estella.
“I’ll take you upstairs, Essie,” Aubree offered, forcing a smile to alter the girl’s perception. Despite waiting patiently, Estella remained unresponsive, cowering further behind Catalina.
Aubree’s eyebrows furrowed slightly as she suppressed her anger. Squatting, she gazed apologetically into Estella’s eyes. “I understand why you don’t like me, Essie. I wasn’t good with children in the past, and I wasn’t patient. I hope you can forgive me. Let’s try to get along, okay?”
Estella, lips pursed, shook her head. Aubree secretly dug her nails into her palm, stifling a surge of fury. The thought of Catalina’s absence fueled her resentment.
Children are sensitive to emotions, and despite Aubree’s efforts, Estella sensed her anger, tightening her grip on Catalina’s shirt. Catalina, sensing this, could only offer silent protection.
“Be a good girl, Essie? I’m going to be your mommy in the future. Don’t you want to get along with your mommy?” Aubree played her final card. To her astonishment, Estella's aversion intensified.