Chapter 93
After stepping into the room, Aurora immediately spotted a large vanity. Beside the mirror, a neat row of jewelry was displayed, all belonging to Stacy. The master bedroom was lavishly furnished, and the maids had cleaned it perfectly.
Aurora scoured the room but found nothing. Growing anxious, he glanced at the time. Jaxon would be off work soon. Even if she wanted to keep looking, she’d have to leave empty–handed
Sitting on the window seat, Aurora gazed absentmindedly at the garden below, feeling a wave of helplessness over her. She had lost count of how many times she had hoped to see her mother again. Unfortunately, even the hard–earned clue about Holt had gone cold.
Aurora wasn’t sure how much time had passed when a voice came from the doorway, “Ms. Crawford, your cake is ready.”
Aurora collected herself. Knowing she’d need to probe Jaxon later, she figured it was best to eat something first.
When Jaxon returned, he found Aurora eating the cake. “You’re back?” Talking over the phone had been easier. Now that they were face–to–face, the memory of their argument from that night came rushing back to him. His expression darkened. Aurora bit her spoon, her face innocent and naive. “Dad, don’t you want me here? I can leave right away,
Jaxon forced a stiff smile. “How could that be? It’s just that we haven’t seen each other for days, and I don’t know what to say.” “Then why don’t you just give me what Mom left behind and tell me about her?” Aurora quickly finished her cake, her eyes fixed on Jaxon, clearly showing she wouldn’t give up unless he handed over the items.
A shadow flickered across Jaxon’s eyes as he instructed Emma to fetch the safe from his desk in the study.
Aurora thought, The study? So, that’s where it’s hidden Unfortunately, the study had a password–protected door and cameras. Even the maids could only clean it under Jaxon’s watchful eye, so she had never had a chance to sneak in.
Five minutes later, Emma came down, carrying a brown safe.
After entering the password, Jaxon took out a square box from the safe. This Blue Ocean necklace is what your mother left behind.”
Aurora opened it and was shocked. She recognized this necklace. In her past life, Maura had worn it to a grand party hosted by the Harrison family as thanks after she treated Annie’s back injury as the famed “little miracle doctor“.
Aurora had watched Maura put it on before the event.
Seeing that Aurora liked it, Maura had even asked her if it was beautiful, showing off the necklace.
That party had been Maura’s shining moment. She made connections with the prestigious Whitaker family, which was known for their expertise in alternative medicine. Maura’s career soared from then on, playing a key role in helping the Newton family of Mereida reconnect with their prominent relatives in Jydratica.
Aurora thought, ‘So, this necklace belonged to my mother? Jaxon’s family had truly drained both me and my mother, using us up completely. How could I not hate them?
Aurora gently ran her fingers over the blue gemstone, the size of a quail egg, imagining how regal her mother must have looked wearing it
“Dad, tell me more about Mom, Aurora finally said, her voice so oft it could have been carried away by the wind. Jaxon wouldn’t have heard her if it were not for the room’s stillness
After waiting a long time and not hearing a response from Jaxon Aurora looked up and noticed the hesitation in his eyes.
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She thought, ‘Does he not want to talk about it? Ile’s already shown me the necklace. How can he refuse to talk now?
Aurora asked. “Dad, didn’t you say you often look at Mom’s things and think about her? You must remember her, right?
Her question backed Jaxon into a corner, his past careless word how coming back to haunt him.
Jaxon had always tried to avoid thinking about the brilliant woman in his memories. Whenever he did, he felt a deep sense of inferiority. This uncomfortable feeling clashed with his pride.
“Dad, why aren’t you saying anything? Did you lie to me about remembering Mom?” Aurora’s voice was relentless, tugging at Jaxon’s fraying nerves as though she were an emissary sent to torment him from the depths of his own conscience.
Jaxon couldn’t help but look up at Aurora, and for the first time, he noticed how her eyes mirrored Victoria’s as if they could peer into the darkest recesses of his soul.
“Y–Your mother was my college classmate.” Jaxon shifted his gaze away from Aurora, struggling to hide his discomfort.
He finally said half–truthfully, “I pursued her for a long time in college before I finally won her heart. Then we got married, and after you were born, your mother got depressed and ran away with you. After that, both of you disappeared.”
Aurora thought angrily. “Lies. My mom clearly disappeared after going to Bradley Mountain. She went alone and didn’t take me with her. Even now, he’s still trying to deceive me. He’s unrepentant
Aurora’s expression grew cold as she locked her eyes, which were identical to Victoria’s, on Jaxon, exposing all his hidden. thoughts and leaving him nowhere to hide. “Dad, if you pursued Mom for so long in college, then why did you marry Stacy right after she disappeared?”
Jaxon’s eyes dropped, avoiding Aurora’s piercing gaze. He stammered, “At that time, y–you were young and needed someone to care for you…
Aurora seized on the flaws in his story and pressed on. “Dad, you just said that Mom took me and ran away. Did you find me afterward? When you found me, did you see Mom? How did you lose me again if you found me?”
Jaxon was at a loss for words, his lips trembling as he stuttered. In a matter of moments, he was sweating profusely. His frustration was palpable. He thought, “What is Aurora doing? Is she interrogating me like I’m a criminal? I raised her, and this is how she repays me?
Although Jaxon was seething inside, he felt guilty and could only mutter evasively, “It’s been so long, I… I can’t remember.”
Aurora said, “Dad, you just said you often used this Blue Ocean necklace to remember Mom. How can you not remember.
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“I just can’t remember! Jaxon snapped, his anger boiling over. He slammed his hands on the table, his eyes bloodshot and his breath coming in ragged gasps. It was clear he was hiding something.
Aurora clutched her chest, feigning shock. “Dad, what are you doing? You scared me.”
Jaxon’s frustration flared, but he managed to suppress his anger. Sorry, I’ve had a long day at work and didn’t mean to scare you. I’m going upstairs to rest.”
Aurora smiled, “Goodbye, Dad.” Though Jaxon had lied, she still walked away with valuable information about her mother’s identity, It was worth enduring the unpleasantness of returning Crawford Manor.
Jaxon ascended the stairs in silence, standing on the second floor and looking down at Aurora, who was now engrossed in studying the Blue Ocean necklace.
For a brief moment, his gaze turned menacingly cold. He thought. ‘Aurora’s suspicions have been aroused. The plan can’t be delayed any longer. After all, I’m not about to let the massive fortune I fought so hard for slip away to someone else.
