Chapter 993: Grim Expression

At the Farwell residence, Aubree dined with Lucian and Estella. She attempted conversation, but received no response, fueling her anger. Lucian, though he hadn't ejected her, ignored her completely.

After dinner, Aubree rose and offered to help Catalina clean up, surprising the maid. Before Catalina could react, Aubree began working, swallowing her pride in an attempt to impress Lucian through small gestures. "Daddy..." Estella tugged on her father's sleeve. "I want to see the flowers," she said, glancing at Aubree. Estella clearly wished to avoid Aubree; Lucian, understanding, offered to accompany her. Estella, however, insisted on going alone, concerned about her father's illness. Lucian, dismissing his cold as minor, agreed to join her.

Estella's delight at her father's unexpected companionship was palpable. Aubree, observing their departure, a cold glint in her eyes, abandoned her cleaning. Catalina, recognizing Aubree's insincerity, continued her work silently.

In the garden, Estella examined the flowers. She excitedly pointed out a ring of white flowers surrounding pale yellow ones, recognizing the smaller yellow flowers from a wreath Ms. Jarvis had made for her. Lucian, intrigued, smiled.

Aubree emerged from the mansion, offering Lucian a thick coat to ward off his cold. Lucian, maintaining a smile, accepted the coat coolly, preventing her from touching him. Aubree's hands froze, her expression hardening. She then noticed a familiar car parked at the manor entrance, its occupants unseen in the darkness.