Chapter 32
That jade piece was something Stacy had bought to match her evening gowns for banquets, and she hadn’t used it in like three years. Her jewelry collection wasn’t exactly extensive, and the thought of parting with one of her favorite pieces for cash made her reluctant.
Meanwhile, Aurora, drenched in sweat, stowed away her boxing gloves. After a quick shower, she changed into something soft and comfy and then sat down at her desk to study the medical book her mother had left her
She had brought this book with her from the orphanage in the countryside and had hidden it well Every night, the would take Tonight, she wanted to try something different–making up a prescription according to the book.
out to read. But
With the $300,000 Jaxon had given her as a foundation, she had gradually bought a ton of herbs, and she stashed them under the bed, in her
closet, and even in her suitcases.
“Black locust flowers, pine citrus, freesia. “Aurora scratched her head in frustration while glancing at the scattered herbs around her. She had thought she’d bought plenty of ingredients, but it turned out she was still missing some of the herbs she needed.
Guess I’ll need to buy a house of my own just for this,” she muttered. Living in Crawford Mansion with eyes on her all the time made it hard to do anything. She had already been sidetracked by the banquet, the bet, and the pool incident–so many distractions. “Once this find a quiet place to live.”
If everything was kept in her room, and someone discovered it, there’d be no way to explain herself.
For now, though, she wasn’t strong enough to openly dety Jaxon, so she had to bide her time,
over, I have to
Late at night, the entire mansion was cloaked in darkness, with everyone sound asleep. Only Aurora’s room was still glowing with light.
She looked down at the white powder in her hands, shook her aching arms, and finally showed a relieved smile. “It’s finally done”
Now that she had something to defend herself with, she wouldn’t be helpless if trouble came her way. After all, she couldn’t be on guard torever against someone lurking.
“Aurora, from now on, let’s go to school and go home together. No need to trouble the McLeans anymore.” At the gate of Merelda High School, Maura stood with her backpack and feigned concern as she spoke to Aurora,
Passing students overheard their conversation and began to whisper among themselves.
“Their family has a car, right? V
Why take someone else’s ride?” a student asked in curiosity.
“Maybe she thinks Margaret’s not all there, so she’s taking advantage, someone speculated.
“Oh, that’s a typical country bumpkin. She’s worried about a few bucks in gas money,” someone else scoffed.
.
Just then, Margaret’s car pulled up. Hearing the gossip, she reached into her backpack, pulled out a brick, and waved it at the crowd, shouting “Mind your own business. I just like riding with Aurora”
guys that al
day. The crowd scattered instantly as they saw
The brick still had bloodstains on it. It was the same one Aurora had used to hit those g Margaret waving the brick at them
They all regarded Margaret as mentally ill, and people with such problems wouldn’t be held accountable for murder. They thought better safe than
if they got hit, there’d be no our to complain to.
Feeling pretty smug. Margaret tucked the brick back into her bag and looped her arm through Aurora’s. “Aurora, that brick you gave nie is amazing It stared them all off.”
Aurora’s expression grew complicated, and she thought, I think I’ve tossed the brick on the ground after the incident, and Margaret picked it up herself: Since when did it become a gift from me?
But Margarer didn’t care about the details. She giggled like a loveck fool and said, “Aurora, are you riding back with me this afternoon too?” She practically clung 19 Aurora as she spoke.
so I won’t trouble you anymore.”
Aurora led her toward Class F while rejecting her flaily. “My family driver’s available now, so
“It’s no trouble for me at all. I love riding with you,” Margaret insisted, not letting
Overbearing this, the other students finally pieced together why Aurora had been riding in Margaret’s car.
1/2
11:37 AM
Chapter 32
Turns out the driver has just been too busy to pick her up. Well, that makes sense. Why is this even worth gossiping about in the first place they
thought
Some of them now remembered the pool incident from a few days ago. Aurora had clearly saved Maura from drowning, but Alison and her crew had twisted the story, accusing Aurora of pushing her in. It wasn’t until they checked the security footage that the truth came out. Maura had been awake the whole time, and she still hadn’t bothered to thank Aurora
Someone thought. Looks like things aren’t so harmonious between the Crawfords daughters after all. Then again, one is the Crawfords‘ biological daughter, and the other is a stepdaughter brought in by her mother’s remarriage. Aren’t they natural–born enemies?‘
Behind them. Maura felt the weight of the curious stares and clenched her skirt tightly. She thought, Why are these people staring at me so differently from before? I used to have everyone on my side, no matter what I said. Why have they changed!
Aurora must’ve been spreading lies about me while I was in the hospital. That has to be it. These brainless fools. They just believe anything they hear without even questioning it‘
Walking i
into the classroom with Margaret, Aurora had no clue what Maura was thinking behind her, and even if she did, she wouldn’t care
As school was about to end, Margaret tugged on Aurora’s hand with a pitiful look and asked, “Aurora, are you sure you’re not going home with me today?”
Aurora felt a headache coming on. Margaret had been pestering her about this all day.
“I’d love to, but not today. How about this? We can hang out this weekend. Aurora finally promised something, just to get some peace.
Margaret screamed with a beam, “Pinky promise!”
In the fading sunset, their pinkies intertwined. As Maura walked over and saw this, her eyes flickered with ridicule, and her voice was full of false admiration. “Aurora, you and Margaret are so close. I never thought you’d actually make a friend here”
Standing beside Maura. Alison snorted. arms crossed with a look of disdain, “No one wants to be friends with some country bumpkin. She’s only good enough to hang out with idiots.”
Margaret’s reaction was immediate, and she started rummaging in her bag for the brick again, “I am not an idiot.
Fearing she’d get brained by the brick, Alison hurried into the car, pretending to be gracious as she waved them off. “I don’t argue w
with idiots.”
Then she turned and waved to Maura, making plans for the weekerl Maura smiled and nodded back.
“Aurora, let’s go home. With that, Maura reached out and tried to take Aurora’s hand.
Aurora glanced at the few shady figures lurking in the co
corner and thought, “Wow, they’ve got some patience. Still haven’t given up, huh?
“Let’s go. Aurora ignored Maura’s hand and stepped ahead without a second glance.
Once in the car, Aurora caught sight of the driver exchanging a look with those men through the rearview mirror.
sweet as she addressed the driver. “Leopold, let’s go.”
Maura shut the door, her voice syrupy sweet as
Leaning back in her seat, Aurora couldn’t help but marvel at Stacy’s boldness. She was willing to use her own daughter just to get revenge. “What’s the plan here! Let them kidnap me! Maura fails to save me, but walks away with a shiny new reputation for being quick–witted and brave?” Aurora thought with a sneer
She tapped her fingers lightly on her thigh and was lost in thoughts. If Stacy’s schemes backfired and Maura ended up taking the all for all of it, the expression on Stacy’s face would be priceless.
