Chapter 748: Fake Smile

The next morning, Lucian awoke to a series of gentle knocks on his door. Only Estella would be so considerate. He opened the door to find her standing there, her eyes wide with a pleading expression. "Good morning, Daddy!" she greeted sweetly.

He nodded, patting her head. "What is it? Why are you up so early?" After a glance at Aubree's room, Estella looked up. "I want to see Ms. Jarvis! Take me to her!" The thought of breakfast with Aubree filled her with disgust.

Lucian understood her feelings; he knew she wanted to avoid Aubree. However, he had an important meeting and would be late if he took Estella to Roxanne's before going to the office. He'd initially planned to leave Estella home, but seeing the pleading look in her eyes, he couldn't refuse.

"I have work today," he said. "You'll come with me to the company, and then I'll ask Mr. Lawson to take you to Ms. Jarvis. Is that alright?"

Estella, though she disliked Aubree, was obedient. She nodded, understanding her father's work commitments. Lucian patted her head, then went to wash up, leaving Estella waiting patiently at the door.

Meanwhile, Aubree awoke with a throbbing headache, a consequence of her previous night's excessive drinking. Lucian's cold treatment lingered in her mind, fueling her panic. If this continued, Roxanne might replace her. "Even if he ignores me," she thought, "I must endure it! I must change his attitude!"

Ignoring her headache, she quickly freshened up and headed downstairs. She only saw Lucian in the mornings and evenings, making these brief encounters crucial.

Upon leaving her room, she saw Estella waiting outside Lucian's bedroom. Aubree slowed her pace, carefully adjusting her expression into a smile. "You're up early, Essie," she said, reaching out to touch the girl's head.

But Estella reacted defensively, instantly wary of Aubree. She quickly retreated into Lucian's room. Aubree withdrew her hand, her smile faltering. "Are you waiting for your father? I can take you downstairs."

Estella shook her head, her defiance clear. Aubree's headache intensified with this further rejection. Noticing Lucian was likely still in the bathroom, she realized he couldn't see what was happening. Her expression hardened. "Come downstairs with me, now!"