Chapter 45

Jaxon's face hardened, and he spat out angrily, "How dare you speak to your mother like that, you brat? Stacy is my legal wife, making her your mother. If you don't acknowledge her, get out of Crawford Manor."

The dining room instantly chilled. Every servant held their breath, silent.

Emma frantically signaled to Aurora, urging her to apologize.

A smug look crossed Stacy's face. Humph, she thought, this little brat thinks she can go up against me? Once Jaxon kicks her out, I'll get my revenge.

Aurora met Jaxon's gaze unflinchingly. "What kind of mother would call her own daughter a bitch?"

The servants exchanged glances, subtly observing Stacy's reaction.

Stacy's face flushed, then paled. Jaxon, speechless for a moment, finally spoke. "Your mother was anxious. You upset Maura, and she's still in the hospital. Stacy was worried…"

His anger flared again. "Aurora, what have I taught you? I brought you from the countryside, gave you everything you wanted. Has Maura ever treated you poorly? She always cares for you, and yet you're so cruel! She's your sister!"

A flicker of genuine hurt crossed Jaxon's face as his anger intensified.

Stacy glared at Aurora with hatred. "You're the reason Maura is in the ICU after ten hours of surgery. Someone as heartless as you doesn't deserve to live here. Get out of Crawford Manor!"

Stacy shoved Aurora, but Aurora reacted swiftly, throwing Stacy off balance.

Jaxon, enraged, raised his hand to strike Aurora. "Are you rebelling against me?"

Aurora caught his wrist, her gaze unwavering. Reflected in her eyes was his fury, yet she felt a surge of hurt. Stacy sent people to take me away, and he didn't care. I was out all night, and he said nothing. Stacy insulted me, and he sided with her… In his heart, I'm nothing more than a weed!

"You ungrateful brat!" Jaxon roared, his face red, veins bulging. "Get out of my house!"

Aurora chuckled. "Crawford Manor belongs to my mother. The one who should leave is someone else, don't you think?" Does he really think I'm dumb enough to give up my mother's inheritance?

Jaxon's eyes flickered with uncertainty. How does she know? Could Victoria have contacted her? No, that's impossible! He pressed his fingers to his brow, trying to control his temper. He needed to teach Aurora a lesson before she became even more rebellious.

"You're talking nonsense! This is Crawford Manor, earned by me! Get out!" Jaxon barked.

Stacy watched Aurora smugly, like a stray dog.

"Fine," Aurora said indifferently, shouldering her backpack. "I'll be back tomorrow with someone from the notary office. We'll see who really owns this place."

Jaxon's heart pounded. He glared at her retreating figure, his eyes filled with murderous intensity. It had been years since anyone had cornered him like this.

Stacy, too, glared, pressing her nails into her palm. Reluctantly, she played peacemaker. "Honey, calm down. Aurora is your daughter. There's no such thing as a lasting grudge between father and daughter."

Stacy knew that if Aurora reclaimed the property, they would both lose face. Jaxon, obviously thinking the same, grumbled, "Look at her! As her father, I can't even say a few words without her talking back! I've failed as a parent!"

Stacy, furious, swallowed her anger and forced a smile, grabbing Aurora's backpack. "Aurora, you're too hot-headed. Your dad was only looking out for you. He said a couple of things, and now you're running away? You're breaking his heart."

Aurora didn't turn around. That wasn't a couple of angry words. He told me to get lost. How did it turn into me making a scene and leaving home?

Stacy's resentment slipped out. "You put Maura in the hospital. The doctor said she can only have liquids for three days. Maura was raised by your dad. He says a few things, and you can't handle it? Maura is your sister! If she wronged you, you should have told me, but you hurt her like that!"

Stacy's tears flowed freely, her performance flawless. The servants exchanged knowing glances. One thought, Mr. and Mrs. Crawford rushed to the hospital last night, and Ms. Crawford and Ms. Maura Crawford weren't home. Did Ms. Crawford really do something to Ms. Maura Crawford?

Stacy, secretly pleased, knew some servants gossiped. Even if she couldn't hurt Aurora now, she could ruin her reputation.

Aurora scoffed. "Mrs. Crawford, if you're going to accuse me, you'd better have proof. What did I do?"