Chapter 42

Silence greeted Rocco on the other end of the line, fueling his mounting anxiety. He paced restlessly, unable to settle.

After a protracted silence, the same unfamiliar female voice returned. “Caleb’s unavailable. If you have something to say, say it to me.”

Suspicious, Rocco cautiously inquired, “Who are you to Caleb?” The line went dead.

The insistent beeping in his car intensified his anxiety. Taking a deep breath, he grabbed his coat and headed to the parking garage. He needed to see for himself.

Meanwhile, at the warehouse, Aurora stood arms crossed, pleased with the sight of several people sprawled on the ground. Her fingers tapped lightly against her arm, her satisfaction palpable.

“It’s getting dark. I should go home,” she said coldly, her voice echoing through the quiet warehouse.

Maura, barely conscious, struggled to lift her head. Through dirt- and sweat-matted hair, she saw Aurora standing unharmed in the center of the warehouse. The harsh overhead lamp stung her eyes, but she kept them open, determined to see Aurora's expression.

Aurora noticed Maura’s gaze and approached, looking down at the dirt-smeared, bleeding woman. Finally speaking normally, she said, “You were teaming up with Caleb to take me away? Well, stay with them. I’m going home.”

Maura gritted her teeth, tears stinging her eyes. Despite the pain, she held her gaze, her voice raw with hatred. “I won’t let you get away with this!”

Blood streaked her face. Her head throbbed, her body alternating between chills and fever. Even the slightest movement sent shivers through her. I won’t let you off, Aurora, she thought resolutely. I’ll remember this, and I’ll make you suffer a thousand times worse!

Aurora offered an ambiguous smile, casually tossing aside her phone. It crashed to the floor, the screen cracking instantly. The lights flickered before going out completely. “I look forward to it,” she said, turning and leaving.

Before disappearing into the darkness, Aurora glanced back at Maura, a deep sense of satisfaction washing over her. Even the Crawford princess has her day, huh? she mused. This is just the beginning. I haven't forgotten a thing. I'll repay you, piece by piece. Let's see how you handle it. She let out a soft scoff.

The moon was hidden behind clouds, leaving only the stars. Terranex slept.

Stacy felt a strange tightness in her chest, tossing and turning, unable to sleep. An inexplicable anxiety gripped her.

Jaxon slept soundly beside her. Unable to sleep but unwilling to disturb him, Stacy lay staring at the wall.

The phone on the nightstand buzzed, instantly capturing her attention. Seeing Rocco’s name, she sat up, slipped out of bed, and went to the balcony.

Rocco’s urgent voice filled her ear. “Stacy, something’s happened! Caleb and the others fell into Aurora’s hands, and she injected Maura with what we prepared for her!”

“What?” Stacy cried, knowing all too well what he meant. She had obtained it specifically for Aurora.

Never in her wildest dreams did she imagine Maura would be the victim. She knew that substance would destroy Maura.

Stunned, her eyes widened, her fingers clenching so hard on the railing that her nails split unnoticed. Maura, the daughter I raised with love and care…a prestigious university, a grand wedding…how could this happen?

Rocco's voice broke through her thoughts. “I’m at the hospital. It’s not looking good. You need to come.”

Cold sweat broke out. Taking a deep breath, she forced herself to remain calm. Maura needed her. “Yes, I need to go,” she muttered, hurrying into the room.

As she turned, her legs gave way, sending her crashing to the floor. Her elbow struck the glass window.

The sound woke Jaxon. He rubbed his eyes and found the bed empty.

He switched on the lamp. “Why are you up and on the balcony?”

Ignoring the pain in her arm, Stacy stumbled toward the bed, her face pale, her voice frantic. “Aurora escaped! She injected Maura with what I made for her! Maura’s at the hospital!”

“What?” Jaxon’s drowsiness vanished. “How is Maura?”

He threw off the blankets, dressed quickly, and called the driver. They needed to get to the hospital.

The master bedroom light illuminated one wall, their panicked voices carrying through the house. Several night staff were awakened by the commotion.

Passing the second floor, Stacy opened the door to Maura's room, silently praying it was all a nightmare.

The room was empty. The horrifying truth hit her. Rocco’s call was real. “Aurora!” she screamed.