Chapter 969: Too Anxious

Ten minutes earlier, Catalina had been instructing the household staff when the doorbell rang. Sonya stood on the doorstep. Before Catalina could offer a greeting, Sonya demanded, "Where's Essie? Tell Essie her grandmother is here."

Catalina was immediately placed in a difficult position. Estella hadn't been at the manor for days; Catalina had assumed she was with Sonya. Sonya's reaction, however, revealed Estella was with Roxanne. Sonya's anger made Catalina's predicament clear. Unable to answer directly, Catalina replied, "I will inform Mr. Farwell immediately."

She started toward Lucian for help, but Sonya stopped her. "I want to see Essie. If she doesn't come down, I will go up myself." Sonya then began ascending the stairs.

Catalina, having no other choice, lied, claiming she would fetch Estella while instead seeking Lucian.

Lucian, sitting with his mother, could no longer conceal the truth. "Essie isn't here," he admitted.

Sonya's distress intensified. "What do you mean?"

"Essie isn't here, and you won't be seeing her," Lucian repeated calmly.

Sonya slammed her cup onto the table. "Where is she?"

Sonya suspected the answer, but she needed confirmation from Lucian. He merely frowned.

"Is she with Roxanne?" Sonya's voice rose. "Roxanne has caused Essie so much pain. Why did you allow Essie to stay with her?"

Lucian's frown deepened. Sonya's unexpected arrival and demand for Estella struck him as odd. He surmised she had learned about Estella's recent infection during a camping trip.

His expression darkened. "How did you find out?"

Few knew of Estella's condition. Only the children, Roxanne, and himself had interacted with Sonya recently. Lucian doubted Roxanne, or the children, had revealed it. The only other possibilities were the private investigator and the person behind him.

A murderous look filled Lucian's eyes.

Sonya's regret was evident. She'd promised Aubree not to mention Estella's condition. Her anxiety had overwhelmed her.

After a moment, she asked casually, "Why wouldn't I find out? Isn't it enough that Essie has suffered for years because of Roxanne?" She alluded to Roxanne's abandonment of Estella.

Lucian wasn't easily diverted. "Why did you ask to see Essie upon arrival?"

Sonya faltered, then glared. "I heard Essie hadn't been at the Farwell residence for days. That worried me. What's wrong with that?"

She countered, "I have a question for you. Roxanne abandoned Essie years ago. We raised her. Yet you keep sending Essie to Roxanne. What are you thinking? Are you planning to give Roxanne custody?"