Chapter 259 Roots and Restraints

    Chapter 259 Roots and Restraints

    Sloane stepped forward and crouched beside the withering nts. The leaves were already yellowing, and there were signs of rot along the roots. She gently pushed aside the soil and examined the root system more closely.

    “Are the soil’s moisture levels and pH within the normal range?” she asked without looking up.

    A technician quickly handed her a report. “Yes, we ran all the diagnostics. Every indicator came back normal. But for some reason, the nts started withering all of a sudden.”

    Sloane took the report and studied it carefully. Her brow creased slightly in thought.

    Meanwhile, back at the vi, Lucas had just returned when the butler hurried toward him, looking anxious. “Sir, Madam Aubrey is refusing to eat again. Would you like to speak with her?”

    Lucas frowned, lips pressed tightly together. He remained silent for a moment before exhaling slowly. “I’ll go see her.”

    “Get out! All of you, out!”

    “Bring Lucas here-if that ungrateful son of mine doesn’t show up, I’d rather starve!”

    A maid looked helplessly at the te of food that had just been thrown to the floor. She sighed and was about to clean up when Lucas arrived.

    He motioned for the staff to step back, then opened the door and walked into Madam Aubrey’s room.

    She was sitting on the edge of the bed, her expression stormy, a pillow clenched tightly in her hands. It was clear she had just thrown another tantrum.

    Hearing the door open, she didn’t even look up, “I said I’m not eating! Not until Lucases in person!”

    “I’m here. What do you want?” Lucas stood by the doorway, his tone calm and devoid of emotion.

    Madam Aubrey snapped her head up. When she saw him, her eyes zed. “So you finally remember me? I thought you’d written off your own mother!”

    Lucas didn’t respond. He walked to her bedside and quietly set the tray of food on the nightstand. His tone remained even. “Someone put effort into making this meal. Out of basic respect, you shouldn’t be throwing it away.”

    She scoffed and turned her head. “I won’t eat! Not unless you let me out of here.”

    She was banking on Lucas giving in like he always had.

    But this time, he didn’t.

    He stood at the edge of the bed, staring down at her with a steady gaze. His voice was level. “I’m just reminding you. Whether you fat or not is up to you.”

    Madam Aubrey stared at him in disbelief. “What did you just say?”

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    12:07 Wed, 10 Septt.

    Chapter 259 Roots and Restraints

    The light from the hallway cast a ring of glow around his silhouette, his face unreadable.

    s

    “I respect you as my mother,” he said slowly. “If you truly don’t want to eat, I won’t force you. But I won’t- let you starve either. When you’re ready to eat, just let the kitchen know and they’ll bring something up.”

    With that, he picked up the tray again and turned to leave.

    Madam Aubrey stared at him in shock, unable to believe her ears. He wasn’t letting her manipte him

    anymore.

    As he reached the door, panic set in. “Stop right there!”

    Lucas paused, turning his head slightly. His expression was as cold and distant as a stranger’s. “Something else?”

    Clutching the nket around her, she demanded, “When are you going to let me out?”

    She red at him, voice sharp. “I’ve been gone too long. Aren’t you worried what people will say?”

    This time, she knew-she had to get out. Soon. The world outside hadn’t seen her in far too long.

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    12:07 Wed, 10 Sept