Chapter 92
Not long ago, they had another heated argument over the things her mother left behind. Back then, Jaxon had spoken so decisively, almost arrogantly. Now that he was calling, there had to be something he needed from her. And it likely wasn’t about her mother’s assets this time.
He still had her mother’s belongings, after all. Aurora figured he save that ace card for the perfect moment. Perhaps to blackmail her into signing over property rights or something of that sort.
‘So what could he possibly want from me now? she thought. Her eyes drifted toward the calendar on the wall. June exam results day.
23rd-
Thinking back to all the calls she’d received earlier, a realization dawned on Aurora. “Ah, so that’s what this is about. There were a few influential families in her class, and chances were Jaxon had already gotten calls from them.
Jaxon’s voice broke through just as the pieces fell into place in her mind. “Aurora, I haven’t even congratulated you yet. Top science student at Mereida. You’ve really made me proud, my girl. Whatever you want, just tell me, and I’ll get it for you.”
Aurora thought, ‘Just as I expected. What do I want? Well, there is something I do want.‘ She said, “Dad, didn’t you say you still have some things Mom left behind? I’d like those.”
Since Jaxon had opened the door, Aurora wasn’t shy about pushing it further.
There was silence on the other end for a long moment. Aurora’s tone turned slightly playful, with a hint of evil. “Dad, you didn’t actually do what you said and throw away Mom’s things, did you?” She thought, ‘What a shame if he had. Those things are his safety net. How could anyone be foolish enough to throw away their own lifeline?”
After Aurora asked that question, Jaxon felt a shiver ripple down his spine. He looked out the window, confused. He thought. It’s shut tight, so where is this chill coming from?”
Jaxon chalked it up to the rain and cooler weather. Silently, he adjusted the central heating before continuing, “How could I? Your mother’s things are well taken care of. I often take them out to remember her
But then Jaxon gritted his teeth. Tll give you one of your mother’s items, but you have to move back to Crawford Manor.” He comforted himself with the old adage. You can’t catch the wolf without sacrificing the sheep.
Aurora immediately caught the flaw in his words. “One item?” She thought, ‘Just how many of my mother’s belongings does he have? If he plans to dangle one item each time he needs my help. I’ll be forever under his thumb. That wouldn’t do. Not
“Yes, just one.” Jaxon repeated, his tone softening as if afraid of pushing her too far. “Aurora, your mother and I were married for many years. Ever since she disappeared. I haven’t had a decent night’s sleep. Can’t you leave me a few keepsakes?”
He thought, ‘Actually, Victoria left behind only two things. One of them I must reserve for the most critical moment, and this isn’t that time.”
Aurora’s fingertips tapped lightly on the desk, her eyes cold. In the drawer below lay a paternity test report. “Alright, I’ll come home tomorrow.
Jaxon was delighted. He believed he had her right where he wanted her. “Where are you staying now? I’ll send a car to pick
you up.
“I’ll take a cab back myself tomorrow,” Aurora replied. Without waiting for a response, she hung up. She wasn’t foolish enough to give Jaxon a chance to know where she lived. If he decided to cause a scene, using his position as her legal guardian, her hard–won peace would vanish instantly.
1/3
Wed, Dec 25
Chapter 92
The rain had finally stopped, after pouring for a whole day and night. The downpour washed away the dust lingering in the air, making the world clearer.
Aurora stood at the gates of Crawford Manor, Just as when she left, she was dragging the same suitcase, which held only a few clothes and daily essentials. After all, she wouldn’t stay longo, why bother making herself uncomfortable?
“Ms. Crawlord, you’ve returned” Emina stood at the entrance with the other forward to take the suitcase from Aurora’s land.
servants to greet her. One instinctively stepped
“Ms. Crawford, Mr. Crawford specifically told us to be here to welcome you back,” Emma beamed, seizing the opportunity to heap praise on Jaxon, trying to bridge the gap between them.
Aurora’s gaze swept over the blooming garden. The vibrant flowers lifted her spirits just a little. She flicked a dew–covered gardenia petal with her fingers, her tone casual. “Is there any cake?”
Aurora recalled when Maura had returned from the hospital, they’d thrown a small welcome party for her. Flowers. balloons, cake, music, and even dolls–everyone had gone out oftheir way to make Maura smile. But now that it was her turn, all they’d done was have a few servants wait at the door. Same house, different fates, she thought bitterly.
Emma was stunned, missing the underlying bitterness in Aurora’s words. “Ms. Crawford, you want cake! I’ll go make some right away.”
Aurora brushed off her hands. She was not upset, her voice soft, “Go ahead.”
One of the maids who had followed Emma seemed to sense something amiss. While Emma was cracking eggs, the young maid whispered, “Emma, do you think Ms. Crawford is upset because her return wasn’t like the last time Ms. Maura Grawford came back?
“She’s Mr. Crawford’s biological daughter, but she’s treated worse than a stepdaughter. I’d be angry too if I were in her shoes.”
The unfairness was apparent. Maura’s room was lavish with thick carpets, elegant decor, a bed overflowing with stuffed animals, and even the trash bin was designer. In contrast, Auroras room was stark and bare, lacking even basic comforts.
The young maid was indignant.
Emma, however, kept her gaze low and offered no opinion. Just get back to work,” she muttered.
She thought, “We’re just servants paid by Mr. Crawford. How he treats his daughters is none of our business. The small welcome party for Ms. Maura Crawford was on Mrs. Crawford’s orders and cost a pretty penny. Since Mr. Crawford didn’t mention any celebration this time, I didn’t dare to overstep my bounds.
As for why Jaxon favored Maura, Emma thought, Maybe it’s because she isn’t his biological daughter? As Mr. Crawford’s real daughter, Aurora likely faced tougher expectations and stricter discipline. He probably wanted her to achieve even more. On the other hand, being kind to a stepdaughter could enhance his reputation. So, why not?”
Jaxon was quite the master of appearances. Not only had he fooled Aurora in her previous life, but he had also deceived the entire staff of Crawford Manor.
Aurora quietly ascended the stairs. She didn’t return to her room but headed up to the third floor instead.
Aurora put on gloves and gently opened the door to the master bedroom. Though she knew it was unlikely, she couldn’t help but cling to a sliver of hope. ‘What if? What if something my mom left behind is still here!‘
