Chapter 742: Is There Anything Else?

That night, after Lucian picked up Estella and returned home, he found his mother, Sonya, and Aubree sitting on the couch. Sonya's face was filled with rage, while Aubree looked troubled. Aubree stood and greeted them, "Lucian, Estella, you're back."

Lucian nodded curtly and turned to his mother. Estella, upon seeing Aubree, timidly hid behind her father, avoiding Sonya entirely. Holding Estella's hand, Lucian wordlessly comforted her before asking his mother in a deep voice, "Why are you here with Aubree?"

Sonya's scowl deepened. "You still wonder why we're here? I entrusted Aubree to you, yet you refused to let her stay at home. Worse, you didn't even check on her after her injury relapsed!"

Lucian's head throbbed with annoyance. "I sent someone to take her to the hospital, but she refused to go." He knew the messenger had reported Aubree's refusal; she was likely waiting for his mother's intervention. Sonya certainly hadn't disappointed her.

"Aubree is injured and having family troubles," Sonya interjected, before Aubree could explain. "How could she go to the hospital alone, with no one to talk to or care for her?" Aubree looked pleased, though she maintained a pretense of distress.

"Then what do you want me to do?" Lucian asked, weary of the pointless argument. Sonya always prioritized Aubree, and further discussion would be futile.

Sonya glanced at Aubree then back at Lucian. "Let Aubree stay here for now."

Estella frowned, her grip tightening on her father's hand in protest. Lucian understood her silent plea. He patted her head before addressing his mother. "I can ask Catalina to care for her in a hotel. She can't stay here."

Aubree's lashes fluttered as she tugged at Sonya's shirt. "I think I should go back to the hotel, Mrs. Farwell. I can manage."

This apparent sensibility only solidified Sonya's resolve. "I've already checked her out. Aubree's arm is injured. Why make things difficult? You're at the company all day; what difference does it make if she's here or in a hotel?"

Before Lucian could respond, Sonya stood, turning to Aubree. "I'm leaving now. Stay at the manor; Catalina will take care of you."

Aubree looked at Lucian hesitantly before nodding at Sonya with a troubled expression. Sonya then turned to Lucian. "You're not walking me out?"

Lucian frowned, asking Catalina to watch Estella before leaving with his mother. "Is there anything else?" He knew she had more to say if she'd insisted on him accompanying her.

Sonya turned, her gaze furious.