Byan spat her name through clenched teeth, his voice dripping with venom. “Do you even understand the consequences of going against me? Are you really willing to risk your future? All your hard work will be gone, just like that!”

Ana saddled, her voice dropping to a calm yet chilling tone. “Last month, on the ninth, you and Sally took a little trip to Hopburg. She got drunk, hit a teenager with her car, and drove off. That kid spent two weeks in the hospital.”

“When their family tracked you down, you bribed and threatened them to keep it quiet. You’re so devoted to her, Ryan. I’m sure you wouldn’t want news of that mess leaking out, would you?”

Ryan’s face went pale, his expression shifting from anger to shock. He stared at Aurora in disbelief. He had handled this matter with the utmost secrecy. The other party didn’t even know that the driver at the time was Sally. He had carefully covered every detail, certain that he had tied up all the loose ends and resolved it perfectly.

But how did Aurora find out?

Bran began to suspect that it was his subordinate, Bansdir Maddes, who told Aurora about the accident. But Brodie had been by his side for so many years and had always been loyal, never once betraying him. He couldn’t have leaked anything about this.

No, it couldn’t be.

“You’re talking nonsense!” Ryan hissed, though his voice wavered.

Aurora didn’t back down. “Ten thousand dollars for a broken rib or two? That kid was preparing for exams, and you threatened their future at a prestigious high school to coerce them into silence. Really classy, Ryan.”

His expression darkened. “What the hell do you want?” he snarled.

Aurora raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed by his anger. “Looks like you do have a weak spot, after all.”

Ryan’s jaw tightened, his breathing heavy with suppressed rage. “You’re not touching my mom again. No more screaming at her, no more making her your personal maid, and no more locking her in this house like a prisoner. If you push me, the things you’ve done will come back to bite you and your precious family. I promise you that.”

“You wouldn’t dare!” he breathed, disbelief tinged with panic.

Aurora’s gaze turned icy. “You always doubted I was your child, didn’t you? That’s why you kept me around—to use me as a pawn and wring every bit of value you could out of me. But guess what? That also means I don’t owe you anything anymore. The next time you lay a hand on my mom, it’ll cost you more than just a bad headline.”

Byan glared at her, frozen in place, as she turned and headed back.

Aurora found Wendy sitting on the edge of the bed, trembling as she clutched Sebastian close.

“Aurora, are you okay? Did he hurt you?” Wendy asked, her voice shaky but full of concern.

Aurora frowned, pulling a tissue from the nightstand and gently wiping the blood from the corner of Wendy’s mouth. “I’m fine, Mom. But you’re not. Let me take you to the hospital, okay?”

Wendy’s eyes flickered with hope before dimming again. She shook her head. “I’m fine, sweetie. Really. You should go home. It’s late. Owen is probably worried about you.”

Aurora crouched beside her, her tone firm but caring. “Think about what I said earlier. I can protect you and Wendy.”

Wendy nodded absently, her expression distant. “I know you’re trying to help. I just need some time to think.”

Aurora sighed, letting the conversation drift for now. She waved Sebastian over, asking him to bring over the first-aid kit. Carefully, she cleaned and bandaged her mother’s wounds.

“He won’t touch you again for a while, and he won’t stop you from leaving the house. If you decide you’re ready, call me. If you can’t reach me, visit Astrait University’s Department of Physics. I’ll always be there.”

Immediately. Got it?

Avesta plated at Sebastian. “Bash, if anything happens, call—”

Selbank looked between Wendy and Aurora before nodding quietly.

Aurora could hear Rosalie’s shrill voice echoing through the living room as she descended the stairs. She was perched on the couch, and the words out of her mouth were laced with venom:

“That girl is a disgrace! She’s ruined the Klein family’s reputation! Did you see what she did to Whitney? Whitney twisted her ankle so badly that she couldn’t even finish her shoot! Elaine’s nothing but a selfish brat with no respect for her father—or me, for that matter!”

Aurora stopped at the foot of the stairs, waiting until Rosalie had finished before speaking. “You really want to talk about respect, Rosalie? How about we start with your son, the one who beats his wife and worships his mistresses. You’ve been enabling him while turning a blind eye to his actions.”

“And now you’re here, crying about some reputation? Please. The Klein family’s reputation was trashed long before I came into the picture.”

Shut it. Ryan was boiling with anger, his rage simmering with nowhere to vent. It left him visibly edgy.

Chapter 2.3

“You ungrateful brat! How dare you come here and lecture me?” Rosalie was equally enraged, her face tense and stern, her fury unmistakable.

“I’ve taken photos of every bruise on my mom,” Aurora said coldly. “If you dare lay another finger on her, I’ll post the videos and photos online for the whole world to see just how well the Klein family treats their people. Ryan, you’d better remember what I just said. I won’t give you another warning.”

“Are you threatening me?” Ryan barked, his voice icy.

Aurora let out a mocking laugh and began walking toward the door.

“Do you think you can walk out of here without my permission?” Ryan snapped.

As soon as he finished speaking, four men in black suits appeared at the door, blocking her path.

Aurora laughed again, this time louder.

“Are you seriously planning to stop me? You’re even resorting to house arrest now?”

“You’re still a Klein. If I want to keep my daughter under this roof, who’s going to stop me?” Ryan sneered, his gaze sharp. “You think you can stand up to me just because you’ve grown a spine? You’re still a little girl, and I have a hundred ways to make sure you do as you’re told.”

Aurora didn’t respond. She didn’t even break stride. Calmly, she rolled up her sleeves, unbuttoning her cuffs as she approached the door.

“Stop her!” Ryan ordered sharply.