Chapter 286: Your Attitude
After Roxanne's departure, Lucian returned Estella to the Farwell residence. Sonya and Elias were already in the living room, Aubree sitting beside them with a worried expression.
Upon seeing them, Aubree stood to greet them. "Lucian, is Essie alright?" She then knelt to check on Estella.
Estella retreated behind Lucian, clutching his shirt and refusing to look at Aubree. Aubree remained patient, reaching out to take Estella's hand. "Essie, I'm so sorry for upsetting you. I was just—"
Slap! Estella slapped her hand away. "I hate that evil Ms. Pearson! She's the reason Ms. Jarvis stays away from me!"
Aubree persisted, approaching Estella while Sonya and Elias observed. I can't let Essie show them we're not close! she thought. She reached out again. "Essie, don't be afraid. I just want to check your injury."
Without waiting for a reply, she took Estella's hand, pulling her closer. Estella burst into tears. Everyone stared.
Lucian was shocked by Estella's intense hatred for Aubree and Aubree's boldness in approaching her despite knowing this. His expression darkened as he saw Estella crying uncontrollably. He demanded, "Aren't you going to leave?"
Aubree, startled, released Estella. Though displeased by Estella's tears, she feigned guilt. "It was all my fault. I knew Essie hadn't forgiven me, but I was worried about her. I should have considered her feelings."
She glanced cautiously at Lucian. "I'm so sorry. I had no idea Essie hated me this much. It was all my fault. I should leave before I upset her further."
Turning to Sonya, she said, "Mrs. Farwell, I'll leave now. I'll visit Essie another day."
Sonya, witnessing Lucian's outburst and Aubree's repeated apologies, felt sympathy for Aubree. She intervened, pulling Aubree back. Patting her hand, she said, "Stay. I know you mean well."
Aubree stood beside Sonya, close to tears.
Sonya glared at Lucian. "Aubree has been blaming herself for Essie's disappearance. She didn't sleep all night, keeping us company. Now that she's apologizing, how could you treat her this way?"
Lucian frowned, his gaze cold. "She should blame herself." He thought of Roxanne and Estella's injuries from the previous night, his gaze growing colder. If Aubree hadn't angered Estella and had cared for her properly, Estella wouldn't have run away and suffered.
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The intrusive promotional sentence was removed. The narrative was tightened and clarified, improving sentence structure and flow. Internal monologue was italicized for clarity.