Chapter 746: No One Found Out

Aubree waited at the dining table. Seeing Lucian and Estella descend, she apologized to Estella. “I’m sorry, Essie. I think I said the wrong thing earlier.”

Estella clutched her father’s hand, silently seeking his guidance. He patted her head reassuringly, pulling her close. They both ignored Aubree. The atmosphere was profoundly awkward.

Aubree seethed as they ate, pointedly ignoring her. Unable to express her anger, she attempted to appease Estella. "You're still growing, Essie. You need to eat more to grow taller," she said, forcing a smile and placing pork on the girl's plate.

Estella hesitated, staring at the pork. Lucian frowned, removing it. "Essie doesn't like pork," he explained flatly.

Aubree's expression shifted. This was the Farwell residence; the chef wouldn't serve something Estella disliked. This was deliberate.

Though she recognized this, she couldn't protest. She gritted her teeth and apologized, "Is that so? I had no idea. I'm sorry."

Lucian nodded impassively. "When I'm not around, Catalina will care for Essie, so you needn't worry. If you have time, spend it with your family."

Aubree, clenching her hand, agreed.

After the strained dinner, Lucian took Estella upstairs. Aubree's frown deepened as she watched them go. She reluctantly admitted his actions revealed a lack of feeling for her; perhaps he even viewed her as a liability. The thought filled her with despair.

"Do you still want to eat, Ms. Pearson?" Catalina asked, concerned by Aubree's prolonged stillness.

Suppressing her anger, Aubree smiled. "I haven't slept well these past two days. Could you bring me a bottle of red wine?"

Catalina readily retrieved a bottle from the wine cabinet.

Thanking Catalina, Aubree returned to her room with the wine. Only wine, she thought, could momentarily lift her spirits and distract her from Lucian.

She drank the bottle quickly, unconcerned with proper etiquette. Soon, the wine's effects took hold.

Aubree's cheeks flushed, her eyes glazed. Ironically, all she could think about was Lucian. Her intoxication fueled her impulsiveness. Thinking of him, she stumbled from her room. He must be in the study…

Supporting herself against the wall, she navigated towards the study, murmuring, "Lucian… Lucian…"

Lucian often worked at home, so the second floor was usually unattended. Therefore, no one noticed Aubree's erratic behavior.

She reached the study door, staring at it before knocking amidst her inebriation.