Chapter 1092

Frieda dared not ask further questions. The next morning, she summoned a psychologist. "He's the best in our hospital. You can ask him anything," she explained.

The thin man beside Frieda politely greeted Aubree. "Greetings, Ms. Pearson." Aubree inclined her head. "Let's talk upstairs." She led Frieda and the psychologist to the second-floor study.

Frieda followed, confused. She'd assumed Aubree's request was secretive and personal, but Aubree's demeanor suggested otherwise. "What's going on, Aubree?"

Only after entering the study did Aubree turn to the psychologist. "How do I interact with a child with autism? How can I make her like me faster?"

Frieda's realization dawned. "Are you talking about Estella?"

Aubree nodded, her gaze fixed on the psychologist. He furrowed his brows. "Well, every child is different, and the signs they display vary. I don't have a specific plan, but patience is crucial when interacting with an autistic child."

"Anything else?" Aubree pressed.

The psychologist shook his head. "I can't provide a proper answer without interacting with her."

Aubree's annoyance flared. "Got it. You can leave now."

"Patience, patience, patience! It's always patience! I'm sick of hearing it! Lucian repeated it endlessly yesterday. That girl repulses me! I can't even get close to her, so what's the point of patience? If I drag this on, who knows if Lucian will change his mind again?" The possibility made her scowl.

After dismissing the psychologist, Frieda saw the scowl etched on Aubree's face. Cautiously, she asked, "Aubree, why are you suddenly asking about Essie?" Estella, as far as she knew, actively disliked Aubree. Aubree had previously sought ways to make Estella's life difficult; Frieda was baffled by this sudden interest in reconciliation.

"Why else?" Aubree grumbled. "Lucian came to me yesterday. He'll consider keeping the engagement, but Essie has to accept me first."

A surprised look flashed across Frieda's eyes. "Really? Lucian's changing his mind? What about Roxanne?"

Aubree, already anxious about Lucian rekindling his relationship with Roxanne, was irritated by Frieda's mention of her. Seeing Aubree's colder expression, Frieda steered the conversation back to Estella. "What are you planning to do?"

"If I knew, I wouldn't have called a psychologist," Aubree retorted. The conversation reached an impasse.

Silence settled as they pondered solutions. Then, Aubree recalled her mother's suggestion. "She's just a kid. I'll give her more gifts. I refuse to believe she'll still hate me after that."

Frieda raised an eyebrow. "Do you even know what Essie likes?"

They exchanged a look. Despite having watched Estella grow up, they knew nothing of her preferences.