Chapter 32
That jade piece, bought to match Stacy's evening gowns, had been unused for three years. Her jewelry collection wasn't extensive, and the thought of selling a favorite piece made her hesitant.
Meanwhile, Aurora, drenched in sweat, stowed her boxing gloves. After a quick shower, she donned comfortable clothes and sat at her desk to study the medical book her mother had left her. She'd brought the book from the orphanage and hidden it carefully. Every night, she'd read it, but tonight, she planned something different—creating a prescription from the book's instructions.
With the $300,000 Jaxon had given her, she'd gradually acquired many herbs, stashing them under her bed, in her closet, and even in her suitcases.
"Black locust flowers, pine citrus, freesia…" Aurora scratched her head, glancing at the scattered herbs. She'd thought she had enough ingredients, but she was missing some.
"Guess I'll need a house just for this," she muttered. Living in Crawford Mansion, constantly under observation, made things difficult. The banquet, the bet, and the pool incident—so many distractions. "Once this is over, I have to find a quiet place to live." If everything remained in her room, discovery would be impossible to explain.
For now, however, she lacked the strength to openly defy Jaxon, so she bided her time.
Late that night, the mansion was cloaked in darkness, everyone asleep. Only Aurora's room glowed with light. She looked down at the white powder in her hands, shook her aching arms, and smiled with relief. "It's finally done."
Now she had something to defend herself; she wouldn't be helpless if trouble arose. She couldn't remain perpetually on guard against lurking threats.
At Merelda High School's gate, Maura, feigning concern, said to Aurora, "Aurora, from now on, let's go to school and home together. No need to trouble the McLeans anymore."
Passing students overheard and whispered. "Their family has a car, right? Why take someone else's ride?" one asked. "Maybe she thinks Margaret's not all there, so she's taking advantage," another speculated. "Oh, that's a typical country bumpkin. She's worried about a few bucks in gas money," someone scoffed.
Just then, Margaret arrived. Hearing the gossip, she pulled a brick from her backpack, waved it, and shouted, "Mind your own business! I just like riding with Aurora!" The bloodstained brick—the one Aurora had used to hit Margaret's attackers—scattered the crowd instantly. They regarded Margaret as mentally unstable, believing someone with such problems wouldn't be held accountable for murder. Safety was paramount.
Feeling smug, Margaret returned the brick to her bag, linked arms with Aurora, and said, "Aurora, that brick you gave me is amazing! It scared them all off."
Aurora's expression grew complicated. She thought, I think I tossed the brick after the incident, and Margaret picked it up. Since when did it become a gift? But Margaret didn't care about details. Giggling, she said, "Aurora, are you riding back with me this afternoon too?"
Aurora led her toward Class F, rejecting her. "My family driver's available now, so I won't trouble you anymore."
"It's no trouble for me at all. I love riding with you," Margaret insisted.
The other students finally understood why Aurora had been riding in Margaret's car: the driver had simply been too busy. Why the gossip? they wondered.
Some recalled the pool incident. Aurora had saved Maura, but Alison had twisted the story, accusing Aurora of pushing her. Security footage revealed the truth: Maura had been awake and hadn't thanked Aurora. Looks like things aren't so harmonious between the Crawford daughters after all, someone thought. Aren't they natural-born enemies?
Maura felt the weight of curious stares and clutched her skirt. Why have they changed? she thought. Aurora must've been spreading lies about me while I was in the hospital. These brainless fools believe anything!
Entering the classroom with Margaret, Aurora was unaware of Maura's thoughts, and even if she were, she wouldn't care.
As school ended, Margaret, with a pitiful look, asked, "Aurora, are you sure you're not going home with me today?"
Aurora felt a headache coming on. Margaret had been pestering her all day. "I'd love to, but not today. How about this weekend?" Aurora finally promised peace.
Margaret squealed, "Pinky promise!"
In the fading sunset, their pinkies intertwined. Maura, observing this, sneered with false admiration. "Aurora, you and Margaret are so close. I never thought you'd actually make a friend here."
Alison snorted, arms crossed. "No one wants to be friends with a country bumpkin. She's only good enough for idiots."
Margaret immediately started searching for the brick. "I am not an idiot!"
Fearing the brick, Alison pretended to be gracious. "I don't argue with idiots." She waved goodbye to Maura, making plans for the week.
"Aurora, let's go home," Maura said, reaching for Aurora's hand.
Aurora noticed shadowy figures lurking and thought, Wow, they've got patience. Still haven't given up, huh?
"Let's go," Aurora said, ignoring Maura and stepping ahead.
In the car, Aurora saw the driver exchanging glances with the men through the rearview mirror. Maura's voice was syrupy sweet as she said to the driver, "Leopold, let's go."
Leaning back, Aurora marveled at Stacy's boldness. What's the plan? she thought. Let them kidnap me! Maura fails to save me, but walks away with a shiny new reputation? If Stacy's scheme backfired, and Maura took the blame, the expression on Stacy's face would be priceless.