It was nearly ten o'clock when Lucian arrived home with Estella. The butler was already waiting at the door.

"Ms. Pearson is waiting for you inside, Mr. Farwell," he said.

Lucian's brows furrowed. With a nod to the butler, he strode inside with Estella.

"You're home!"

Aubree, seated on the couch, leaped to her feet as they crossed the threshold. She bent down to touch Estella's head, but Estella avoided her. Aubree's eyes flashed with displeasure, quickly masked by a smile.

"What's the matter?" Lucian asked intently, his tone indifferent.

Aubree offered a casual smile. "I want to thank you again for lending us someone today. You really helped us out, and Dad sent me to express our gratitude personally."

She paused, about to speak further, but Lucian cut her off. "Is the matter resolved?"

Aubree was momentarily dumbfounded by his bluntness. She nodded, her smile forced. "Well, the problem kept us busy until this afternoon. I hope it didn't interfere with your business."

Lucian nodded. "The Farwell Group has plenty of employees; one person's absence makes no difference. There's no need to thank me."

Without waiting for a response, he strode past her with Estella.

Aubree's features contorted with fury, softening moments later. "Nevertheless, you helped me immensely. I didn't know what to get you, so I brought a small present for Estella instead. Don't worry, it wasn't expensive—a token of my appreciation."

She produced a limited-edition doll from a bag on the couch. The delicate packaging revealed it as one from a set Estella already owned.

Knowing his daughter loved those dolls, Lucian paused to see if she wanted it. Unexpectedly, Estella didn't look up; she tightened her grip on his hand and drew closer.

Lucian understood immediately. He met Aubree's gaze. "Thank you for the doll, but she already has one. Besides, she's been upset. Forgive us for not being in the mood for company."

Aubree's expression was stiff. She put away the doll with a grimace, then looked at Estella with concern. "What's she angry about this time?"

Having failed to connect with Estella previously, Aubree, fearing Lucian would see through any pretense, directed her question to him.

"Oh, something minor," Lucian said curtly, looking away, clearly unwilling to elaborate.

Aubree thought, Maybe he thinks it's none of my business.

Her hand clenched the gift bag; her nails dug into her flesh as she forced a smile. "Is that so? Were you out for a fun evening, accounting for your late return?"

Lucian frowned. "It's late. You should leave if there's nothing else. Essie needs her sleep."

Aubree opened her mouth, but no excuse came. She watched as Lucian and Estella went upstairs.

Aubree looked unmistakably grim as she left the mansion. Her bodyguard and driver noticed her expression. "Shall we return home, Ms. Pearson?"

Aubree glared. "I want you to find out where Lucian was tonight with that little b*tch of his!"

The bodyguard shuddered and hastily obeyed.