Ch. 961..970
Leaving The Country After Divorce Chapter 961 Why Would I Be Unable To
Upon hearing that, the doubtful Roxanne and Madilyn exchanged glances. They had spoken to nearly all the research institutes that could develop that specific bacterium in Horington, and only that research institute confirmed that their laboratory had previously lost the bacteria.
Although it happened half a month ago, the bacteria could remain viable as long as they were appropriately preserved.
Madilyn was aware of that and didn’t hesitate to ask, “How did you guys lose the bacteria back then? Do you guys have any findings now?”
The person’s answer did not disappoint them. “One of the researchers should have taken it,” he said frankly. Madilyn was filled with confusion when she heard that.
“Although we have no solid evidence, we were certain about that. Two days after the bacteria went missing, that researcher suddenly quit. We haven’t heard from her since then,” the person continued.
Before Madilyn could speak, Roxanne asked, “What’s the name of that researcher?”
The person on the other end of the line was stunned by the sudden change of the speaker. It took him a few seconds to regain his senses before answering, “Her name is Nancy Lowther.”
Roxanne replied, “Got it. Thank you.”
Madilyn, too, followed suit and expressed her gratitude. “I’ll treat you the next time we meet.”
After exchanging a few pleasantries, he subsequently hung up the phone.
As Madilyn put away her phone, both Roxanne and she thought of the person’s words, and their expressions turned grim.
We have found a clue and the name of the staff who stole the bacteria. It will be much simpler for us to carry on the investigation. Moreover, we have a hacker—Benny—with us.
The duo shared a meaningful look. Roxanne then made her way downstairs to summon Benny over.
“Mommy, what’s the matter?” The little boy was confused when Roxanne led him to sit in front of the desk.
She tapped on the computer screen and said, “Please help me to investigate this person.”
Upon hearing that, Benny instantly focused on the screen in front of him with a straight face.
Roxanne shared with him everything she knew about Nancy. Only then did she realize the information she had might not help the investigation much.
After all, she only knew her full name was Nancy Lowther and that she used to work at that research institute.
“It’s fine if you’re unable to find anything about her. I’ll think of another way.”
She didn’t want to put too much pressure on the boy.
However, Benny shot her a puzzled look. “Why would I be unable to?”
To him, Roxanne had provided him with much information to begin the investigation.
He turned to the computer screen and began typing away.
A short while later, he hacked into the hub of the research institute and retrieved the information about Nancy.
From that, he managed to find out Nancy’s recent activities.
Shortly after, he lifted his head and looked at Roxanne. “This person left the country two days ago. Is there something you need from her, Mommy? I can help you locate her.”
Once again, he placed his hands on the keyboard.
Roxanne and Madilyn had yet to come back to their senses.
Both of them had always known that Benny was a computer expert.
However, this was their first time witnessing his skills.
Seeing that the little boy was ready to dig further, Roxanne snapped back to her senses and uttered gently, “It’s okay. There’s no need for that.”
Benny obediently stopped what he was doing. “Why do you want to investigate her, Mommy?” he asked.
Naturally, Roxanne would not tell him the truth. “There are some things that I need to clarify with her.”
Having said that, she glanced through Nancy’s information that Benny had found.
This information about Nancy is more than enough for me.
“Thank you, Darling.” She caressed Benny’s head.
Leaving The Country After Divorce Chapter 962 Do Not Hide It From Me
After Benny left, Roxanne and Madilyn began to study Nancy’s resume. Madilyn’s expression changed when she spotted the name of one of the institutes where Nancy used to work.
Noticing that, Roxanne asked, “What is it?” Madilyn pointed to the name of the research institute on the screen and spoke with certainty. “This research institute is under Pearson Group.”
She had been in Chanaea for years and had collaborated with nearly all of the research institutes in Horington. As such, she was familiar with all the research institutes’ backgrounds.
Because of the entanglement between Roxanne and Aubree, Madilyn paid extra attention when cooperating with the research institutes under Pearson Group.
Coincidentally, this research institute was one of the research institutes she had collaborated with.
Madilyn’s words brought a frown to Roxanne’s face.
Roxanne read the information carefully and noticed something from the date Nancy resigned from the research institute under Pearson Group.
After leaving the research Institute under Pearson Group for half a month, Nancy joined the current research institute, worked for six months, and left with the newly developed bacteria. Hmm…
“It must be Aubree!” she suddenly exclaimed.
“This woman is so vicious. How could she do such a cruel thing to the children? No wonder Mr. Farwell dislikes her.” Madilyn’s tone was laced with displeasure when she heard that.
Roxanne was dubious as well. Still, she tried to calm Madilyn down. “Don’t act rashly. We don’t have any solid evidence yet.”
Madilyn was her best friend. She knew that if she didn’t try to dissuade Madilyn, the latter would rush to settle the score with Aubree for laying a hand on the children.
Just as she had expected, Madilyn was displeased at her words.
Squeezing out a smile, Roxanne said, “Thanks to you, I was able to find such an important clue. I’ll take care of the rest of this matter myself.”
Aubree was a scheming woman. Thus, Roxanne didn’t want to drag Madilyn into the matter as it would make her Aubree’s target.
Madilyn naturally knew what was on Roxanne’s mind and shot her a dissatisfied look. “Archie and Benny are both my godsons. Someone harmed them. How can you ask me to stand idly by?”
Roxanne quickly responded, “You’ve helped me plenty. If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have been able to find out about any of this.”
Then, she got up and held Madilyn’s hands. In a firm tone, she reassured Madilyn, “Don’t worry. I won’t let those who have bullied Archie and Benny off easily. I’ll look for you if I need help.”
Madilyn knew there was no way she could argue with Roxanne, and she sulked in response.
Roxanne patiently comforted her until the latter reluctantly gave in.
“No matter what happens, don’t hide it from me,” Madilyn reminded solemnly.
Seeing Madilyn finally give in, Roxanne breathed a sigh of relief and assented with a smile.
Only then did Madilyn leave unwillingly.
Roxanne didn’t go downstairs to send her off. She sat in the study, immersing in her thoughts instead.
If the bacterial infection this time was Aubree’s doing, then…
Her eyes darkened when she recalled the bacterial infection Estella had caught the other day.
If I remember correctly, Aubree was in the manor when Estella got infected. But she coincidentally did not get infected.
Roxanne didn’t give it much thought back then.
With the new clue she had found, she began to mull over the situation that day.
She couldn’t help but link the two incidents together.
It’s too much of a coincidence. Aubree is obviously related to both incidents.
The more she thought about it, the more she felt something was off. All of a sudden, she felt the need to talk to Lucian about her findings.
Leaving The Country After Divorce Chapter 963 Who Told You To Stalk Her
Meanwhile, Lucian, too, ordered Cayden to investigate the issue. With Farwell Group’s financial capability, the investigation was carried out effortlessly.
In less than an hour, Cayden had managed to bring the private investigator to Farwell Group. It was not until the private investigator was led to Farwell Group’s entrance that he realized something was off.
“D-Did I do something wrong? Why did you bring me here?” Cayden cast him a cold glance. “Why are you asking me that? I’m not the one who calls the shots here. You’ll find out soon.”
The private investigator’s legs trembled when he heard Cayden’s words. The only person who came to mind when he thought of the person who called the shots for Farwell Group was none other than Lucian Farwell.
The private investigator had recently been following Roxanne around on Aubree’s orders. During those times, he had indeed seen Roxanne interacting with Lucian.
Yet, he paid no mind to that.
After all, he was merely doing as instructed. He did nothing improper; all he did was take a few pictures.
I definitely did not expect to be brought over by Lucian today…
He could not help but shiver as he thought about Lucian’s reputation in the industry.
The elevator soon came to a halt on the top floor. Cayden brought the private investigator along and entered the CEO’s office.
“I’ve brought the person, Mr. Farwell,” Cayden reported.
Lucian was working in the office expressionlessly. Upon hearing Cayden’s words, he stopped what he was doing and looked up.
Lucian did not start speaking right away. Instead, he eyed the private investigator up and down.
The private investigator felt weak at the knees. His waning determination was the only thing keeping him from falling over and dropping to the ground.
“M-Mr. Farwell…”
Lucian stopped scrutinizing him and said in a cold voice, “Your name.”
The private investigator shuddered inwardly. How could he not know my name? I was escorted here by one of his men.
Still, since Lucian had asked, he could only answer his question. “Cory Zaythrone.”
Lucian nodded emotionlessly. “You’ve been following a woman these days.”
The words came out as a statement and not a question.
Cory felt an immense amount of pressure upon hearing Lucian’s words. In an instant, he was covered with cold sweat.
He dared not deny it because of Lucian’s confident tone.
After some time, he stammered, “I did follow a woman. B-But I only took pictures. I didn’t do anything else!”
Lucian frowned. He believed Cory was speaking the truth.
Since he’s not the culprit, I think I know who did it.
“Someone added something to that woman’s glass yesterday. Who was it?”
Remembering everything Aubree had done yesterday and the pained expression on the children’s faces after her departure, Cory realized that Aubree had dragged him into trouble.
He did not put a stop to Aubree’s doings and merely watched as she added something to Roxanne’s drink.
I would still be deemed as an accomplice if Lucian were to know about this!
It’s not like Lucian will let me off even if I don’t sell Aubree out…
Cory felt troubled.
Lucian could see Cory’s visible hesitance. His eyes darkened as the atmosphere around him became thick with tension. “How about I put this in another way? Who told you to stalk her?”
Cory was stunned. After a moment of contemplation, he had no choice but to reply, “No one.”
He had been working day and night ever since and had yet to receive a single penny.
Even if Lucian managed to find out anything later on, it would still be worth it, as Cory would have received the money he was promised.
However, if he were to sell Aubree out, he might lose everything.
Leaving The Country After Divorce Chapter 964 Search His Workplace
As soon as Cory finished speaking, he suddenly heard a rustle. He carefully lifted his head and saw Lucian standing up from the desk, walking in his direction.
Lucian was already exuding a domineering aura when he was seated. Cory only felt suffocated when the man suddenly stood up.
Lucian stood before Cory with a straight face. In an icy voice, he said, “It’s a slip-up on my part. You’re a private investigator. It’s only natural for you to speak after I pay you.”
With that, Lucian glanced at Cayden. Cayden understood instantly. He got a check and handed it to Lucian. Cory only heard the sound of light footsteps. Then, a slender and defined hand was waving a check before his eyes.
“Tell me who did it, and this check will be yours. You’re free to write whatever amount you want,” Lucian said in a softer tone.
Cory fixed his eyes on the check.
He had been a private investigator for many years. Naturally, he only had his eyes on the money.
Cory knew that the amount he could write on the check promised by Lucian was nearly limitless.
If the things from yesterday had not happened, he would have sold Aubree out in a heartbeat.
Unfortunately, Lucian was angered by the things that had happened yesterday.
In just a matter of minutes, Cory had thought of all the possibilities.
Aubree would probably drag me down together if I were to sell her out. She might even tell Lucian that I was the one who told her about Roxanne and the other’s whereabouts. What if Aubree told Lucian that I saw her doing everything but chose to do nothing?
No matter how awful Aubree has been, she’s still someone acquainted with Farwell Group. On top of that, she’s the daughter of a wealthy family.
As long as Lucian cares about the Pearsons’ reputation, the only one to suffer will be me!
Cory made up his mind at the thought of that.
He and Aubree were in the same boat. He could not risk it all just for money!
Cory tore his gaze away from the check. Feigning calmness, he said, “I really have no idea what you’re talking about, Mr. Farwell. No one ordered me to do it. I’m also unaware if anyone added anything to Ms. Jarvis’ drink.”
Lucian stopped waving the check as soon as Cory finished his sentence.
At that moment, Cory felt as if his heart had stopped beating. He could not help but fear that Lucian would go hard on him.
Yet, Lucian only looked Cory up and down with a hint of impatience in his eyes.
The private investigator before me knows everything, but he’s just too stubborn.
“You better think carefully. Farwell Group could provide you with greater perks than your previous boss did. If you confess now, I’ll let you off. However, if you continued being stubborn and I were to find out anything after today, everything would be different,” Lucian said.
After giving Cayden the check, he turned around and sat at his desk.
Cory trembled inwardly. Carefully, he lifted his head to sneak a glance before quickly lowering his head again.
Even in that split second, he could see how bone-chilling Lucian’s gaze was.
The thought of whether Lucian’s words matched his thoughts terrified Cory.
“There’s really no one. You can get people to check my workplace if you don’t believe me,” Cory said, forcing himself to be calm.
Lucian’s eyes darkened as his probing gaze swept past Cory.
There’s only one possibility for him to suggest that… He’s already prepared.
Other than that, he’s also as stubborn as a mule.
Lucian knew there would still be no answer to his question even if he continued forcing Cory, so he took up Cory’s suggestion. He turned to Cayden. “Get some people to search his workplace.”
Cayden agreed without hesitation before ordering people to escort Cory away.
Leaving The Country After Divorce Chapter 965 Walk Out Alive
The search lasted the entire morning. The grim-faced Cayden, who returned with his subordinates in the afternoon, said, “We found nothing, Mr. Farwell.”
Admittedly, Cory was an excellent private investigator. Cayden could not help but wonder how he had managed to keep in touch with his employers.
Not only did Cayden not find any evidence of how the mastermind instructed Cory to spy on Roxanne, but he also could not find proof that could expose Cory’s identity as a private investigator.
Cory began playing the sympathy card. “Mr. Farwell, I told you no one instructed me to do anything.” Lucian waited for half a day but did not get the answer he was looking for. His eyes blazed with fury when he saw the pretentious innocent look on the culprit’s face.
“If no one put you up to this, why did you stalk her?” he asked.
Cory blinked innocently. “B-Because I find Ms. Jarvis attractive. I wished to snap photos of her since I was trying my hand at photography.”
He had felt nervous before Cayden carried out his investigations, but upon realizing the latter got nothing on him, he started speaking more boldly.
Lucian was about to explode. He kept staring at Cory, giving him the killer glare.
Instead of continuously triggering him, Cory kept mum and stood quietly in the middle of the room.
“Mr. Farwell, what if we…” A cold glint flashed across Cayden’s eyes as he could not stand how the man disrespected Lucian. There are many ways to interrogate a person. We’ll find one that can make him spill out the truth.
Cory started panicking as he could sense the murderous intent in his voice.
Suddenly, Lucian’s deep voice reverberated in their ears. “Release him.”
“Mr. Farwell!” Cayden was reluctant to do so. How can we let him go when we haven’t gotten anything out of him? Besides, we should teach him a lesson for his arrogance!
Cory, too, was struck dumb. He did not expect Lucian to let him off. I can’t believe my ears!
Lucian reiterated, “Release him!”
Upon noticing the expression on Lucian’s face, Cayden had no choice but to do as he said. He gestured for his subordinates to release Cory.
Never did Cory expect he could fool his way through. He dared not leave because he was unsure if they would allow him to go.
While Cory was still in a dilemma, Lucian looked over impatiently and raised his voice. “What are you waiting for? Scram!”
Cory came to his senses and immediately inclined his head in response. “All right, all right. I’ll leave now. I’ll leave.”
He staggered backward and left Lucian’s office.
Cayden was boiling with rage as he stared at Cory’s back. “Mr. Farwell, are you just going to let him off like this? I’m sure he’s not innocent!”
Lucian stared into the distance for a few seconds before replying, “Keep an eye on him.” What’s the point of interrogating him since he refused to cooperate with us and tell us who the mastermind is? Farwell Group may be an influential corporation, but we can’t do anything to him since we have no evidence.
He was determined to gather the evidence first.
Upon hearing that, Cayden immediately understood Lucian’s logic. Mr. Farwell isn’t letting Cory off. He wants that man to put his guard down so that he can gather more evidence.
His wrath finally dissipated when the realization dawned on him. He turned around and ordered his men to follow Cory.
Meanwhile, Cory heaved a sigh of relief after stepping out of the lobby of Farwell Group.
As a private investigator with decades of experience, he had heard a thing or two about Lucian.
Rumors had it that Lucian was a cruel man who did not wear his heart on his sleeve.
He had thought they would kill him today. Being able to walk out of the building alive is a miracle.
Leaving The Country After Divorce Chapter 966 Your Wedding With Lucian
When Cory thought he could lower his guard, he noticed something was amiss. As a professional investigator whose duty was to stalk people, he immediately realized a group of men was tailing him.
I knew he would not spare me so easily. He must be desperate to get some leads from me. A corner of Cory’s lips quirked up. He looked back, glanced at the men and the corners they were hiding, and turned around quickly. He then pretended nothing had happened and walked away casually.
Now that he was aware of these people, he had to be extra cautious and not give his secrets away. Besides, he could still threaten Aubree to pay him money with the photo in his hands.
Cory did not contact Aubree in the next few days to avoid arousing suspicion. Aubree had not received any updates from the private investigator since the day Roxanne and the others went camping.
She tried calling him but to no avail. Aubree, too, began to realize something was fishy. The private investigator she hired was the cream of the crop in the industry and had a reputation for being avaricious.
Aubree believed he would not disappear without any reason since she had yet to pay him in full. They must have found out who he is.
Aubree’s heart skipped a beat when that thought crossed her mind. She gritted her teeth and deleted the number from her contact list.
She did not think Roxanne was alert enough to expose the private investigator.
The only person capable of exposing Cory’s identity, she reckoned, was Lucian.
All leads would eventually point to her should Lucian continue with his investigations.
She could not imagine the consequences she had to face.
Aubree’s anxiety grew when she could not reach Cory. She felt it was time to take the matter into her hands. I don’t know how close Lucian is to the truth, but I can’t sit here and do nothing anymore!
That afternoon, Aubree went downstairs carrying a bag in her arm.
“Where are you going, Aubree?” Gina asked while she was chilling in the living room.
Aubree stopped in her tracks for a bit. “I’m going to visit Mrs. Farwell.”
Gina nodded in approval. “It’s good that you finally decided to pay her a visit. You seem to have maintained a distance from them since you moved back from the Farwell residence. I always thought that wasn’t a nice move.” She picked up a few more bags and put them into the car. “Here are more gifts for Mrs. Farwell. I prepared them some time ago, so please bring them to her for me.”
Looking at how her mother tried to butter the Farwell family up, Aubree could not help but respond with a cold snort.
Gina continued reminding her, “Remember to talk to Mrs. Farwell nicely. Make her happy, and she’ll approve your wedding with Lucian.”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah.” Feeling annoyed, Aubree got into the car and slammed the door.
Gina watched as her daughter drove off. What’s wrong with her? Why did she throw a fit?
Aubree drove all the way to the Farwell residence.
As she was hitting the road, thoughts were racing in her head. I have to think of a way to mention Roxanne in front of Mrs. Farwell.
Aubree knew Sonya was on her side, but if she did not take the initiative to ask for help, Sonya would tend to turn a blind eye to the things that happened around her.
Even the last time Sonya took action against Roxanne was because Aubree had instigated her. This time, what should I say to arouse Mrs. Farwell’s anger toward Roxanne?
She could not decide what to say to Sonya even when she had arrived at the Farwell residence.
Upon noticing her arrival, the butler came over, helped her with the bags, and led her to the residence.
Aubree followed right behind. There was a dark and unfathomable look in her eyes.
Leaving The Country After Divorce Chapter 967 Expressed Her Concern
“Please wait for a moment as Mrs. Farwell is taking a nap. I’ll tell her you’re here.” After inviting Aubree to sit on the couch in the living hall, the butler was ready to go up to call Sonya.
Aubree knitted her brows and responded, “It’s okay. I can go up and check on her.” The butler knew Sonya doted on her. He hesitated but eventually agreed to allow her to go upstairs.
Aubree responded with a nod. After plastering a smile on her face, she took the stairs and went up. Sonya had just woken up from her nap in the master bedroom upstairs. Upon hearing a knock on the door, she opened it right away.
“Mrs. Farwell.” Aubree grinned politely. “I hope I’m not disturbing you.” Sonya, too, responded with a smile when she realized it was Aubree. “Not at all. I just woke up.”
Aubree walked up to her and held her arm affectionately. “I brought you lots of gifts. Let’s go down and check them out.”
“Aww, you’re too sweet.” Sonya glanced at her. “You didn’t have to do that. I’m happy that you’re here.” Aubree pressed her lips and smiled. “I have to since I haven’t visited you in a while.”
They continued to exchange pleasantries as they made their way down to the living hall. Sonya glanced at the gifts and looked away as she had no intention of opening them.
The butler collected the gifts and put them aside. After they sat on the couch, the butler served them coffee.
While Aubrey was taking a sip from the cup, her eyes flickered when an idea flashed across her mind. “I was planning to take you to the suburbs as the landscape is gorgeous. Many of my friends have been there for a walk.”
Her suggestion aroused Sonya’s interest. But before Sonya could respond, Aubree continued, “But I heard bacteria in the wild is growing fast as the weather has turned warm. People who have visited the place have fallen ill and suffered from vomiting and diarrhea.”
Upon hearing that, Sonya decided to put the trip on hold. “Let’s not risk it. We can always visit the suburbs some other time.”
Aubree nodded in agreement.
A few seconds later, she started frowning as if something was bothering her.
Sonya could tell something was on her mind. She asked, “What are you thinking about?”
“Oh…” Aubree acted as if she had come to her senses. “If I’m not mistaken, Ms. Jarvis took Essie on an outing a few days ago, so I’m not sure…”
Aubree left her sentence hanging and studied Sonya’s expression carefully.
Sonya’s face turned grim when she heard her granddaughter hanging out with Roxanne again.
Aubree gloated inwardly upon noticing the look on Sonya’s face.
“How did you know they went out together?” Sonya asked.
Aubree had an answer for that. “I’ve been worried about Essie since the last time she went missing, so I have my men to watch over her whenever she leaves the house.”
Upon realizing what Aubree had done for her granddaughter, Sonya put her guard down against her and began to develop a hostile attitude toward Roxanne. I’ve warned her many times to stay away from Essie. How dare she defy me?
Aubree continued adding fuel to the fire. “Perhaps Ms. Jarvis was merely thinking of taking Essie for a stroll and didn’t pay much attention to the environment. Now, I’m worried…”
Once again, she paused right there and did not continue.
Sonya knitted her brows and asked, “Worried? What are you worried about?”
“Essie seemed to have caught an infection. I wonder how she is feeling now.” Aubree expressed her concern.
Leaving The Country After Divorce Chapter 968 I Want To See Essie
“What?” Sonya frowned. It’s bad enough that Roxanne took my granddaughter out. She even caused my granddaughter to fall ill. Seeing that her instigation was successful, Aubree smiled ever so slightly before she promptly stopped herself.
“The person I sent to protect Essie saw it, but he doesn’t have any medical skills. Thinking that Ms. Jarvis has a little medical knowledge and will be able to treat Essie, he didn’t reveal himself.” Sonya’s face darkened. “Is Essie in a serious condition?”
Aubree pretended to ponder before replying, “My friends who were infected told me that the pain they felt was excruciating. Essie is only a child…”
There was no need for her to continue. Sonya understood what she was implying. If a grownup could not handle the pain, let alone a child like Estella.
It’s bad enough that Roxanne abandoned Essie back then. Now she’s the one responsible for Essie’s suffering. What exactly is Roxanne’s intention?
“I wanted to go and check on Essie, but you know Lucian’s attitude.” Aubree was still trying to add fuel to the fire. Sonya frowned again and declared, “I will go and take a look myself!”
With that, she took her bag and prepared to leave. Aubree quickly stopped her. “Mrs. Farwell, once you’re there, please don’t tell them I was the one who told you about this matter. Lucian already dislikes me. If he finds out, I’m worried that…”
That was the truth.
Sonya was worried about her granddaughter. At the same time, she also felt bad that Aubree’s painstaking efforts were not appreciated.
“Don’t worry. I know what to say and what not to say.”
As soon as Sonya finished talking, she took her bag and left.
Aubree did not stop her this time around. Once Sonya’s car was gone, she got up and went out.
With Sonya’s interference, Aubree believed that Lucian’s attention would be diverted. She hoped that he would focus less on the investigation of what she had done.
Meanwhile, at the Farwell residence, Cayden was standing in the study with a grim expression.
“Mr. Farwell, that private investigator is a very cunning man. After following him for a week, our men were unable to find anything.”
That was the first time that a person had been so elusive.
Lucian looked somber. “Continue to follow him.”
He wanted to see how long that man could hide his secrets!
Cayden acknowledged his order before turning to leave the study.
Just as he opened the door, he saw Catalina standing outside.
“Mr. Farwell, Mrs. Farwell is here. She’s waiting downstairs.”
Catalina appeared a little disturbed.
Lucian furrowed his brows when he heard that, and he seemed to be contemplating something.
For the past few times when his mother had come and looked for him, it was all because of Aubree.
However, he had no interaction with Aubree of late, so he had no inkling why his mother had come.
It was only after a while before Lucian got up.
“Mr. Farwell, Mrs. Farwell doesn’t look too pleased,” Catalina whispered to him as he walked past her.
Lucian nodded with a deadpan expression before striding downstairs.
The moment he arrived downstairs, he was greeted by the sight of his mother sitting on the couch with an unfriendly face.
“Why have you come downstairs?”
Sonya was already worried about Estella. Her son’s tardiness in greeting her had only annoyed her further.
A frown appeared on Lucian’s face, and he turned around to look at Catalina.
The housekeeper did not know what to do.
Thankfully for her, Lucian did not make things difficult. He sat down on the couch and asked, “And why have you come all the way here? If there’s anything, you can always call me, and I will go over.”
All of a sudden, Sonya slammed the coffee table and raised her voice. “I want to see Essie. What’s the point of you going over? Where’s Essie?”
Lucian’s eyes darkened when he heard his mother’s outburst. He finally understood why Catalina had looked so conflicted earlier on.
Leaving The Country After Divorce Chapter 969 Too Anxious
Ten minutes ago, Catalina had been instructing the rest of the household staff on their chores when she heard the doorbell ring. The moment she opened the door, she saw that it was Sonya.
Before Catalina could greet her, Sonya questioned her, “Where’s Essie? Tell Essie to come out. Tell her that her grandma is here.” Catalina was put in a difficult position.
Estella had not been in the manor for the past few days. She had thought that the little girl was with Sonya. However, judging from Sonya’s reaction, Catalina knew there and then that Estella was with Roxanne.
It was obvious that Sonya must have discovered that, and that explained her anger. As a servant, Catalina did not know how to answer her question. In the end, she replied, “I will inform Mr. Farwell right away.”
She was about to go and seek help from Lucian when Sonya stopped her in her tracks.
“I want to see Essie. If she doesn’t come down, I will go up myself.”
With that, she began to walk upstairs.
Catalina had no choice but to lie and claim that she would get Estella when, in fact, she went upstairs to look for Lucian.
Sitting next to his mother, Lucian knew he could not hide the truth anymore. He told her honestly, “Essie isn’t here.”
Sonya looked even more upset when she heard that. “What do you mean by that?”
“Essie is not here right now, and you won’t be seeing her,” Lucian repeated calmly.
The moment he stopped talking, Sonya put down her cup. There was a loud sound when the cup hit the table.
“Where is she?”
Sonya had her own conclusion, but she still wanted to hear it from her son.
Lucian merely frowned and said nothing.
“Is she with Roxanne?” Sonya became infuriated when Lucian remained silent. “Roxanne has caused Essie so much pain. Why did you allow Essie to stay with her?”
Lucian’s frown deepened, and he looked up at her.
He knew something was wrong when Sonya had turned up at his house out of the blue and even demanded to see Estella.
From what he had heard so far, he reckoned his mother must have found out that Estella had been infected during her recent camping trip.
Lucian’s expression darkened. “How did you find out?”
Not many people knew about Estella’s condition. Furthermore, only the children, Roxanne, and himself had had any interaction with his mother.
Lucian did not believe that Roxanne would tell Sonya about Estella’s infection and certainly not the three children.
Besides them, only the private investigator and the person standing behind him knew about the matter.
Lucian looked murderous.
It was only then Sonya realized she should not have said what she had said, and a hint of regret flashed across her eyes.
She had promised Aubree that she would not mention anything about Estella’s condition.
Yet, she had been too anxious just now.
After calming herself down for a few seconds, Sonya asked nonchalantly, “Why wouldn’t I find out? Isn’t it enough that Essie has been suffering for so many years because of Roxanne?”
She was referring to the incident when Roxanne abandoned Estella.
Lucian was not so easily sidetracked by his mother. He questioned Sonya coldly, “Why did you ask to see Essie the moment you arrived?”
Sonya was stumped momentarily before glaring at her son. “I heard that Essie hasn’t been at the Farwell residence for these few days. That got me worried. What’s wrong with that?”
She then shot back a question of her own, “I have a question for you instead. Roxanne abandoned Essie years ago. We are the ones who have brought her up. Yet, you keep sending Essie to Roxanne. What exactly are you thinking about? Are you planning to give custody of Essie to Roxanne?”
Leaving The Country After Divorce Chapter 970 I Give Up
Sonya did not mention the possibility of their reconciliation. Lucian tensed slightly when he heard that. Sonya continued, “I was the one who brought Essie up. I will never allow you to give her away!”
When Lucian realized that his mother was off the topic, he rubbed his temples and said, “It’s not what you think. Two days ago, Essie fell ill. She’s recuperating at Ms. Jarvis’ place now.”
He felt that Sonya was trying to hide something, and he did not believe a single word she had just said. He felt that she had already known what had happened two days ago.
As far as he was concerned, it was pointless to lie anymore. Sonya finally had a legitimate reason to be furious when her son told her the truth.
“Why didn’t you let me know Essie is ill? I can’t believe you left her with Roxanne!” Lucian merely frowned and said nothing. He could not be bothered to argue with his mother with regard to the matter.
“Roxanne abandoned her first. And something bad always happens to Essie when she’s with Roxanne! Yet you still dare to allow the two of them to be together! Even if you aren’t worried, I am!”
Fury was written all over Sonya’s face. “I don’t care what you’re thinking. I want you to bring Essie back right now! If you don’t wish to take care of her, then I will!”
Lucian had no idea what he had said to make his own mother think that he did not want Estella.
Seeing that Sonya was livid, he could only explain to her calmly, “Essie is still recuperating, but that’s not the point. Ms. Jarvis is highly skilled in medicine, and it puts me at ease knowing that Essie is under her care.”
Sonya begged to differ. “Given our wealth and resources, we should be able to get her any doctor. Why must we engage Roxanne? Bring Essie back. I’ll find her the best doctor!”
There was no response from Lucian.
Sonya could tell that her son was not going to accede to her demands, and her face fell. “You can forget about the idea of reconciliation with Roxanne. As long as I’m alive, I will never allow her to be married into the Farwell family again!”
“You think too much.” In the end, Lucian still decided to say something. Even if the reconciliation had crossed his mind, Roxanne would not agree to it. Sonya was puzzled.
Lucian suppressed the frustration within him and explained patiently once more, “Essie was in a critical situation. Thankfully, Ms. Jarvis managed to brew the traditional medicine in time. That alleviated Essie’s symptoms. I only feel that no one else can understand Essie’s condition better than she does.”
It sounded very reasonable. However, as far as Sonya was concerned, Roxanne was the reason Estella became ill. She was not appeased despite hearing Lucian’s explanation.
Lucian assured his mother, “Leaving Essie with Roxanne is the most appropriate thing to do right now. Once Essie has recovered, I will definitely bring her back.”
No matter what, he had no intention of bringing Estella back right then. Sonya was extremely angry, but she decided not to discuss the matter with him anymore.
Since he refuses to bring the girl back, then I will do it myself! It’s no big deal! I know where she stays. With that plan in mind, Sonya controlled her fury and put on a calm demeanor. “So be it. I give up!”
She then strode out of the manor as if she no longer cared about the matter. Looking at his mother’s back view, Lucian found it strange. However, he did not know why and decided to let the matter rest.
Sonya drove toward Roxanne’s home once she came out of the manor.