Chapter 983: My Turn

“Mr. Farwell,” Catalina greeted him as he entered. Dinner was ready. “Dinner is—”

Before she could finish, Lucian interrupted wearily, “I won’t be eating; I’ll be resting upstairs. I’ll leave Essie to you.”

Just then, Estella entered.

Noticing Lucian’s unwell appearance, Catalina said nothing. After watching him ascend the stairs, she led Estella to the dining table.

Estella gazed up the stairs with worry. “Daddy’s not feeling well.” Catalina patted her head. “I’ll go check on him later. Eat while it’s hot, Ms. Estella.”

Estella remained distracted throughout the meal. After finishing, she started to run upstairs. Catalina hurried after her.

Lucian’s bedroom door was closed. Estella knocked cautiously, but there was no answer. “Daddy?” she called. Silence. She looked anxiously at Catalina.

Catalina was growing concerned; Lucian had looked pale. However, believing he could manage himself, and needing to attend to Estella, she hesitated to go upstairs immediately.

She hadn't anticipated the situation's severity. Catalina and Estella exchanged a glance before Catalina cautiously opened the door.

Fortunately, Lucian didn't lock his door. He was lying in bed, tucked under the covers, asleep.

He appeared fine at first, but they soon noticed an unnatural flush on his face and furrowed brows.

“Daddy!” Estella rushed to his bedside.

Unlike Estella, Catalina quickly called their family doctor. Just as she finished, Lucian awoke, startled by their voices.

Squinting at Estella beside his bed, he said, “Go out, Essie. I’m sick, and I’ll spread it to you.” Estella shook her head vehemently.

Lucian’s voice was raspy; Estella knew he had a bad cold. “I want to take care of you, Daddy!” she protested. Lucian remained firm. “Catalina, take Essie out.”

Catalina nodded curtly and approached the bed. “Mr. Farwell, I’ve called Dr. Elswick.”

Lucian inclined his head. “Please take Essie out.”

“No!” Estella stubbornly resisted Catalina. “I want to take care of Daddy!” Unable to force the girl, Catalina could only say, “Ms. Estella…”

With a somber expression, Estella declared, “Daddy always takes care of me when I’m sick, so now it’s my turn to take care of Daddy!”

Catalina frowned and looked at Lucian.

“You want to take care of me?” Lucian asked, looking at his daughter. Estella nodded vigorously.

“Then please get me a glass of water from downstairs.”

Estella immediately spun around and left the room.

Only then did Lucian say to Catalina, “Go after Essie and look after her. When Dr. Elswick arrives, have him come upstairs.”

Catalina nodded and left.