Chapter 782: Pack Your Things

Aubree was stunned. Suppressing her panic, she approached him with a concerned expression, feigning ignorance of the previous day's events. "Lucian, what's going on?"

Lucian regarded her impassively. Last night had been chaotic. He'd only heard Roxanne attribute Estella's symptoms to a bacterial allergy. The bacterium's origin remained a mystery until he recalled his return journey. Everything had been normal before Aubree arrived at the manor; the bacterium appeared concurrently with her. Suspicion lingered.

Aubree's heart clenched under his gaze. Pinching her palm, she asked innocently, "The housekeepers mentioned a bacterium. Surely not? The house is cleaned daily. Where did it come from?"

Lucian frowned. He hadn't noticed anything unusual in her demeanor. Then again, he hadn't observed her treatment of Essie over the past six years, either overtly or secretly. He looked away, deciding to let time reveal any truth. If she was responsible, he would find out.

"Essie's allergy was triggered last night. I took her for a checkup; she'd been exposed to an infectious bacterium," Lucian said, his gaze lingering on Aubree. "Interestingly, you weren't infected. I suppose I needn't inform Mr. Pearson."

Aubree was taken aback, unsure whether her lack of infection was fortunate or not. Steeling herself, she shifted the conversation. "Essie had an allergic reaction? How is she?"

Lucian remained silent.

"Why did you return alone? Is someone with Essie?" Aubree persisted, maintaining her composure despite his silence.

His silence continued, forcing her to ask sheepishly, "Where is she? I'll visit."

Lucian pursed his lips. "It's not necessary. Essie has recovered."

Aubree's astonishment was barely concealed. Frieda had described the bacterium as difficult to detect, requiring days for diagnosis and treatment. Yet, Lucian didn't seem to be lying, nor did he have any reason to deceive her about Essie's condition.

Aubree forced a calm smile. "I'm glad Essie's fine. She's always been frail. This must have terrified her."

Lucian ignored her, scanning the room. Besides the woman before him, who else could have introduced the bacterium?

Catalina reported, "It's done, Mr. Farwell," after she and the other housekeepers had sanitized the mansion.

Lucian nodded. "Investigate anyone who's been away from the manor for an extended period in the last few days."

"Certainly, Mr. Farwell."

Aubree panicked at the thorough investigation. Her heart clenched as she feigned composure, averting her gaze.

"Pack your things. I'll send you back," Lucian said gravely.