Chapter 783: Will Decide For You

Upon hearing Lucian's words, Aubree pushed aside her guilt and snapped, "What are you saying? My father is still angry. How can I go back? How can I leave so easily after all the effort I put into moving into the manor?"

Lucian remained unfazed, his gaze emotionless. "Then go to a hotel. The manor has only been disinfected once. I don't know if more bacteria are present, but if I let you stay knowing you might get infected, I couldn't explain it to the elders." His words were ostensibly concerned, but his tone was apathetic, sending a chill down Aubree's spine. She knew it was an excuse to get rid of her.

Sadly, she had no valid reason to argue. The realization fueled her resentment toward Estella's swift recovery. I should have let her suffer more! she thought.

"I'll wait in the car," Lucian stated, not giving her a chance to respond. He left the mansion immediately.

Aubree gritted her teeth, watching him go. I did all this to teach that little btch a lesson, yet I've backfired and given Lucian a reason to chase me away! she fumed. I have no choice but to leave.*

She stood for a long while before reluctantly going upstairs to pack. Seeing Estella's towel, the one she'd swapped back last night, she clenched her jaw and furiously stuffed it into her luggage. She'd planned to discard it in the morning, but Lucian had denied her the opportunity. Now, she had to take the risk and leave with the evidence.

Aubree intentionally packed slowly, prolonging her departure. After some time, Catalina appeared at the door, politely asking, "Do you need my help, Ms. Pearson? Mr. Farwell has been waiting downstairs."

Lucian, wanting to expedite her departure, had sent Catalina to urge her. Aubree understood. With a scowl, she closed her luggage and stood.

"No, thank you. I'm done."

She dragged her luggage downstairs, her face long. At the door, Lucian didn't even exit the car; a housekeeper helped load her luggage. Aubree's fury simmered beneath the surface, masked by a neutral expression. She walked to the passenger seat, frustration evident in her movements.

As she reached for the door, she found it locked from the inside. After two attempts, she stared, dumbfounded, at Lucian. He never used to concern himself with such details, let alone act so pointedly against her. Did that btch Roxanne really change him so much?*

Lucian ignored her. He'd locked the door because he didn't want to watch her act any longer.

A tense silence stretched between them. Seeing his resolve, Aubree reluctantly opened the back door and sat.

Lucian glanced at her in the rearview mirror. "Have you decided where you want to go?"

Aubree bit her lip. "I... don't know."

Silence fell again. Instead of waiting for her answer, Lucian broke the stillness. "Then I'll decide for you."

He started the engine and drove away from the manor.