Chapter 4

"Compared to Maura, Aurora's recent escapades are a joke," Jaxon said. "I pulled some strings, and only Clearwater High School agreed to take her, but they're demanding a $4,100 donation to their library."

He wouldn't have paid that much for Aurora if he didn't fear that her lack of a diploma would tarnish his reputation.

"It's not impossible for Aurora to get into college," Maura chimed in, ever the dutiful daughter. "She just needs to put in more effort."

Jaxon responded with a descending tone. "Maura is at the top of her class. You, Aurora, on the other hand, need to buckle down; you're already struggling. I don't expect you to be a star, but at least get into a decent university and don't be ashamed to mention where you go."

Aurora's face remained impassive. "No need for Clearwater High School. I'm going to Merida High School."

Maura let out a sharp retort. "Typical! Fresh out of the sticks, and you think you can waltz into Merida High School? It's not your backwoods school where anyone can show up."

Maura gave a soft, patronizing smile. "Aurora, you might not know this, but Merida High School is one of the best high schools in the country. It's all about grades. And no, you can't buy your way in if you don't meet their standards, even if Dad wanted to. Don't make things harder for him."

She fidgeted with her fingers, her voice sugary sweet. "If you're that curious, I can take you for a tour when I'm not in class. But studying there? Let's not kid ourselves."

Jason's patience was wearing thin. He thought Aurora was being cocky. "Do you have any idea what it took to get you into Clearwater High School? My contacts, my money. Now you think you have what it takes to get into Merida High School? What fantasy world are you living in?"

Aurora met his gaze, unflinching. "I remember Merida High School has an entrance exam. Why don't we see if I can pass it?"

Her voice was as cold as ice. If life had given her a second chance, this time she would show everyone—especially Maura—that she was more than capable. Getting into Merida High School would just be the start.

"Aurora, stop being so unreasonable," Maura sighed dramatically, a picture of disappointment. "Merida High School posts their scores publicly. If you fail, or if your score is embarrassing, it's going to reflect badly on the Crawford name."

"I know you're upset that I'm going to Merida High School while you're stuck at Clearwater High School, but don't drag Dad's reputation through the mud just because you're angry at me."

Maura's academic prowess had always been Jaxon's pride. He would boast about her at every opportunity. The thought of Aurora potentially flunking exams and leaving test papers barely touched was unbearable. He could already imagine the ridicule he'd face from his business partners if Aurora were to embarrass him in such a manner.

"No more of this nonsense. You're going to Clearwater High School, and that's final. I've been more than generous with you since you came back, but you're part of the Crawford family now. Don't bring shame to us."

"And if you keep this up, I'll send you abroad where you can't cause any trouble," Jaxon warned Aurora. His words were as harsh as they were final, showing none of the warmth one might expect from a father reunited with his long-lost daughter.

Aurora let out a soft laugh, feeling the weight of their disbelief. So, they are all convinced I can't get in. Fine, she thought.

"What if I pass?" Aurora's voice cut through the tension like a knife.

Maura blinked. "What?"

Aurora turned to Jason, a confident smile playing on her lips. "You're all so sure I'll fail. But what if I pass the exam?"

Jaxon didn't even look at her and said with finality, "I said no, and that's that."

Aurora remained unfazed, a smile on her face. "Let me take the exam. If I fail, I'll agree to one condition of your choosing. But if I pass, I want the $300,000 donation to go directly to me."

Jason's eyes narrowed; beneath the irritation, a flicker of interest sparked. The insurance money, he thought. I've been wondering how to get Aurora's signature on those documents without raising suspicion, and here is the perfect opportunity.

Aurora didn't miss the glint of greed in his eyes. She knew exactly what he was plotting. In her last life, Jason had spun a tale about securing her legal inheritance, leading her to sign an agreement that handed over full control of her affairs to him in emergencies. He had presented it as a protective measure, a safety net in times of crisis. But the truth, as Aurora had learned the hard way, was far more sinister.

Chapter 5 (following text begins Chapter 5) Not long after, when she had been thrust into the dire situation of a kidnapping, Jason's so-called "safeguard" had become a weapon against her. The funds she had in the insurance company had been swiftly and mercilessly seized by Jaxon.

"Since you're so determined, I'll let you try," Jaxon said, his tone suddenly lighter, his eyes filled with greed. "I'll reach out to the school tomorrow."

But behind his feigned warmth, Aurora could see his true intentions. He didn't believe she could ever get into Merida High School. In his eyes, her failure was inevitable—unless she was given another life.

"But Dad—" Maura protested, upset that things weren't going her way.

Jason's voice cut through the air before she could argue further. "You're going with Aurora tomorrow. No questions."

Maura scowled. The last thing she wanted was for Aurora to get what she wanted. Then again, having Aurora fail will only make me look better in comparison, she thought with a smug smile. Her failure will only highlight my success!

The next morning, Maura was up bright and early, dressed in a brand-new, floral sundress that fell to her knees. She waited downstairs, making sure to look effortlessly perfect as usual.

"Aurora, good luck today. I stayed up late preparing these study materials for you," she offered a thick packet with a sugary smile. "You can review them on the way, and if anything's unclear, I'll explain it." She somehow looked even more nervous than Aurora.

Aurora didn't even glance at the papers. "No, thanks." She brushed Maura's hand aside, her expression as flat as her voice.

Maura bit her lip, pouting slightly as if wounded.

Jaxon, observing the exchange and the indifference on Aurora's face, felt his temper flare. "Maura went through all that trouble for you, and you can't even bother to look at it? Aren't you afraid that you won't even get one question right on the exam? So ungrateful!"

He bellowed inwardly, I swear, it's like she thinks the whole Crawford family owes her something. If it weren't for that money, I wouldn't even have taken her back.

Maura simply turned on her heel and headed straight for the driver waiting by the door.

Aurora couldn't be bothered to waste another breath on her father, who seemed to lose all sense whenever Maura was around.

Aurora turned and called over her shoulder, "Aren't you coming, Maura? Don't you have school today? Move it." Hearing that, Maura ran towards her with her head down, pretending to be the perfect little victim. Jaxon's heart ached for his precious Maura, watching her as if she were a fragile doll about to break.

The moment they arrived at Merida High School, Maura's whole demeanor shifted. Her concern evaporated as she pointed lazily towards a distant building. "The admin office is over there. I have classes, so you're on your own. Good luck." Her tone dripped with fake sweetness. Merida High School was enormous, sprawling with buildings that looked identical. If one didn't know their way, getting lost was almost a certainty.

Maura shot a covert, provocative glance at Aurora, a smirk playing on her lips. In her mind, she was thinking, Oh, you want to show off, huh? If you end up missing the exam and handing in a blank paper, let's see how you explain that to Dad.

But Aurora didn't flinch, not giving a crap about Maura's little game at all. Without a word or even a glance in Maura's direction, she confidently strode towards the admin office.

Maura's fists clenched at her sides, her nails digging into her palms as she gritted her teeth. She's ignoring me again!

Just then, Damon Lloyd, the school's golden boy, strolled over, looking as effortlessly cool as always. "Maura, what are you staring at?"

Maura quickly softened her expression, playing the concerned stepsister. "Oh, it's Aurora. She insists on taking the Merida High School entrance exam. I'm just worried she's setting herself up for failure."

Damon followed her gaze and spotted Aurora walking ahead. He raised an eyebrow, surprised at how elegant and poised she looked. There was something striking about her, though he couldn't quite put his finger on it.

Sensing Damon's interest, jealousy prickled Maura, but she kept her voice soft and sweet. "I stayed up all night preparing study materials for her, but don't think she even looked at them."

Damon turned back to Maura. He felt a pang of sympathy after noticing the faint dark circles under her eyes. "You've done your part, Maura. If she fails, it's on her, not you."

"But if she does fail, it's going to reflect badly on our family, on my dad," Maura's voice quivered just enough to seem genuinely worried.

Damon shrugged, slipping into his usual laid-back tone. "Look, I get it. I know her type. She's new around here and probably wants to stir things up so Mr. Crawford pays attention to her. She just wants to compete with you for his favor."

"But trust me, after a few bumps, she'll learn where she stands. Just ignore her. The more she kicks up a fuss, the less likable she'll be to Mr. Crawford. She's not like you. You've always had a way with people. Even my dad says he wishes you were his daughter." He winked playfully, trying to lighten her sour mood.

Maura laughed coquettishly, her cheeks flushed with pride. "Damon, stop it. You're just trying to make me feel better."

"Alright, enough about her. Let's head to the classroom," Damon said, his gaze lingering affectionately on his dream girl, clearly pleased with himself for garnering that laugh.