Chapter 967

Aubree, having finally received permission, smiled and ascended the stairs. Sonya, having just awakened from her nap in the master bedroom, opened the door at a knock.

“Mrs. Farwell,” Aubree greeted politely, “I hope I’m not disturbing you.”

Sonya smiled in return. “Not at all. I just woke up.”

Aubree approached, affectionately taking Sonya’s arm. “I brought you some gifts. Let’s go downstairs and look at them.”

“Oh, you’re too sweet,” Sonya replied, glancing at the gifts. “You didn’t have to. I’m just happy you’re here.”

Aubree smiled. “I had to; I haven’t visited in a while.”

They descended to the living hall, Sonya barely glancing at the gifts. The butler collected them. After they settled onto the couch, he served coffee.

As Aubree sipped her coffee, an idea sparked. “I was planning to take you to the suburbs; the scenery is lovely. Many of my friends have been walking there.”

Sonya’s interest piqued, but before she could respond, Aubree continued, “But I heard that bacteria is growing rapidly in the warm weather. People who’ve visited have fallen ill with vomiting and diarrhea.”

Sonya immediately dismissed the idea. “Let’s not risk it. We can visit another time.”

Aubree nodded. A few seconds later, a frown creased her brow.

Sonya noticed. “What’s on your mind?”

Aubree feigned realization. “If I’m not mistaken, Ms. Jarvis took Essie out a few days ago, so I’m not sure…”

She trailed off, carefully studying Sonya’s reaction. Sonya’s face darkened at the thought of her granddaughter with Roxanne again. Aubree inwardly gloated.

“How did you know they went out?” Sonya asked.

“I’ve been worried about Essie since her last disappearance,” Aubree explained, “so I have men watching her whenever she leaves the house.”

Sonya, realizing Aubree’s actions, lowered her guard against her, her hostility shifting toward Roxanne. I’ve warned her many times to stay away from Essie. How dare she defy me?

Aubree pressed her advantage. “Perhaps Ms. Jarvis simply wanted a stroll and wasn’t paying attention to the environment. Now, I’m worried…”

Again, she paused.

Sonya’s brow furrowed. “Worried? About what?”

“Essie might have caught an infection. I wonder how she’s feeling,” Aubree voiced her concern.