Twenty minutes later, the car slowly stopped at the Farwell residence. Estella refused assistance and quietly climbed out. Lucian followed silently.

The moment they entered, they heard someone call Estella. "Essie!" Aubree, who had been on her phone in the living room, exclaimed, looking up as they entered. She ran to Estella, hugging her. "Essie, you're finally home! How could you run away without telling us? I was terrified when you went missing! Are you okay? Are you injured?"

Aubree began inspecting Estella, who was taken aback by her sudden concern. But Estella's cold gaze returned as Aubree's insincere words continued. Does she not know why I ran away? I wouldn't have if she hadn't told me Daddy wouldn't care about me anymore.

Disgusted by Aubree's hypocrisy, Estella thought of the woman she'd met earlier. There was a vast difference between them. Despising Aubree's pretense, Estella struggled free.

"What's wrong, Essie? Stay still. Let me check if you're alright," Aubree pleaded, sensing Estella's reluctance. She tightened her grip, sighing helplessly in front of Lucian.

Estella reacted aggressively, crying out in pain. Aubree's patience wore thin. Previously, Estella would tremble in fear during punishment; this was the first time she fought back. Aubree would have been harsher if Lucian hadn't been present. Cautious of his observation, a glint appeared in her eyes. Instead of continuing the struggle, she released Estella and fell to the ground.

"Essie, I know you dislike me, but I'm worried about you. How could you" Aubree choked back tears, looking at Estella with red-rimmed eyes.

Noticing Aubree on the ground after removing his coat, Lucian frowned and pulled Estella aside. "Essie, I know you're unhappy, but you can't take it out on others like this. It's rude."

Estella refused to admit fault, feeling helpless. Daddy always sides with that evil woman! She pulled away, hugged her doll, and ran upstairs.

Aubree slowly got up. "Don't be too harsh on Essie. We don't know what she's been through."

Lucian interrupted, "You should go. Essie is still angry and doesn't want to see you."

Aubree's expression stiffened momentarily before she offered an awkward smile. "Alright then. I'll visit another day." She left.

Outside, Aubree's pleasant facade vanished. How did he find that little bstard? And how dare she behave like that? Why isn't she dead?*

Meanwhile, Madilyn remained at Drunken Fairy after Lucian left. Later, she rushed to her car.

"Are you alright?" Roxanne asked, opening the door. "He left?"

Madilyn sighed. "Yes. You should have seen his stare. It felt like he could see right through me! I almost gave you away."

Roxanne smiled. "You must have had a hard time. Let's get something to eat. My treat."

Madilyn refused. "No thanks. I have the leftovers. I'll enjoy this exquisite restaurant's dishes."

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