Chapter 33

“Hey, what’s on your mind?” Maura twirled her hair, tilting her head to look at Aurora. Seeing Aurora ignore her, a strange anger welled up; her eyes flushed with frustration. Mom promised to teach her a lesson! Maura complained inwardly. I’m already harassed at school, and why is Aurora still perfectly fine? Was I bullied for nothing?

Aurora shoved her hands into her pockets, her fingers brushing a small packet of powder. She closed her eyes and responded coldly, “Nothing.”

Maura pressed on. “You haven’t properly explored Merrida yet, right? I can show you around this weekend.”

Since when is Maura so chatty? Aurora thought. She usually doesn’t talk this much.

With that thought, Aurora opened her eyes and stared at Maura. Her gaze silently commanded, “Shut up.”

Under Aurora’s piercing gaze, Maura felt exposed. Her confidence faltered, and she quickly looked away.

Aurora let out a soft, mocking laugh and turned to the window.

The wealthy district of Merida sat on a hill overlooking the noisy city center, offering beautiful scenery, fresh air, and a quiet, winding mountain road. The car was traveling along that road now. The dense forest blurred into streaks as they sped by, sunlight flickering through the windows, casting shifting patterns of light and shadow on Aurora’s face. Her flawless skin seemed to glow.

Maura lowered her gaze to her hands, resentment surging through her. When Aurora arrived, she was skinny and gaunt. But after just a few days, she’s become this delicate beauty—better than me!

Suddenly, the car screeched to a halt, tires squealing. The girls lurched forward, then were yanked back by their seatbelts. They weren’t injured, but the sudden pull left a sharp pain in their waists.

“Leopold, what the hell!” Maura snapped, nearly slamming into the front seat.

Leopold turned, his face apologetic. “Ms. Maura, the car appears to be broken down.”

“Broken down,” Aurora thought, instinctively glancing out the window. They were in a secluded mountain ravine, halfway between Crawford Mansion and the city—isolated. “What a coincidence. Isn’t the car supposed to have regular maintenance? Is this a setup by the mechanics, or the driver?”

Suspicion flared. Leopold unbuckled his seatbelt and checked under the hood. He then stuck his head back in. “Ms. Aurora, Ms. Maura, the car is truly broken down. I’ll call the insurance company.”

Waiting for help would take time; they had to get out. Aurora kept her eyes on both Maura and the surroundings, her senses heightened. She noticed Leopold fiddling with his phone—texting someone.

Her suspicion peaked. “Didn’t you say you were calling the insurance company? Why haven’t you called yet?”

He’s probably tipping off Stacy, Aurora thought.

Leopold’s eyes flickered, but he quickly offered an excuse. “The breakdown was unexpected, so I’m just letting my wife know I’ll be late for dinner. I’ll call them now.” He began dialing.

Aurora smirked inwardly, sensing his deception. She reached for her phone, realizing it was in her backpack, left in the car. Maura also seemed empty-handed.

For a moment, Aurora hesitated. Should I go back for my phone?

Maura, seizing the opportunity, chimed in. “Aurora, be patient. Leopold usually gets home on time. It’s understandable he’d quickly message his family. Don’t be too harsh.”

Aurora remained cold, unresponsive. Maura’s attempt at appeasement fell flat, leaving her mildly irritated. With no one watching, she dropped the pretense, turning her back on Aurora.

A car horn echoed from the bend—another car approached. Normally, this wouldn't alarm Aurora, but Leopold’s reaction did. Pretending to work on the car, he called out, “Ms. Maura, could you get the wrench from the trunk? I want to see if I can fix this myself.”

Maura’s face twisted in displeasure. You’re just my driver, and now you’re asking me to do things for you? But maintaining appearances, she forced a smile and walked toward the trunk.

The car that honked rounded the bend: a black van. The sun visor was down, obscuring the driver. Aurora could only see part of the driver’s chest.

As the van neared, the side door slid open, a muscular arm extending. The van didn't slow, passing Maura who was heading toward the trunk, and aiming straight for Aurora.

Aurora reacted instantly, stepping back and dodging the grab. The fabric of her collar narrowly escaped.

Stacy really sent someone? She’s bold, attempting a kidnapping in broad daylight, Aurora thought.

Maura gasped, eyes wide in disbelief, then quickly masked her expression, a flicker of smug satisfaction hidden beneath. They hadn’t gone for her.

Mom didn’t lie. She really hired people to get back at Aurora. Aurora, you’re finished, Maura whispered inwardly, smiling.

The van screeched to a halt, and three large men jumped out, heading straight for Aurora. Maura turned to return to the trunk, wanting to avoid the inevitable struggle. But as she moved, her body was yanked backward.

Aurora’s cold voice echoed. “Maura, where are you going?”

Aurora had grabbed Maura's hair, pulling her close. Her voice was icy. “Don’t worry, I’ll protect you!”