Chapter 46

Aurora turned, catching the fleeting hatred in Stacy’s eyes. “Yesterday, I stayed late at school,” Aurora said. “Worried about disturbing you, I got a hotel room.”

“What? Maura didn’t come home either?” Aurora casually brushed her hair, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. “Something happened to her? How is she? Did you call the police?” The barrage of questions left Stacy speechless.

Stacy couldn't call the police. Maura was hospitalized, and police involvement would inevitably lead to an investigation of her medical records. Her condition would be exposed, implicating both Stacy and Rocco. The revelation of Maura's drug addiction would ruin Stacy's reputation in Mereida, jeopardizing her engagement to the Newton family—even if their heir still needed a transplant. Jaxon's business would also suffer; the Crawford family name would be tarnished. Therefore, silence was Stacy's only option.

Stacy's mind raced, torn between the fragile Maura in her hospital bed and the vibrant Aurora before her. The contrast was agonizing.

Aurora, feigning concern, watched Stacy's distress. “Are you alright, Mrs. Crawford? You’re sweating. Should I call a doctor?”

Aurora reflected. Just months ago, Stacy had been in the garden, condescendingly dismissing her as a nobody, ordering her to the servants’ quarters. Stacy’s disdain had been palpable. Now, however, Stacy’s predicament was entirely self-inflicted, undeserving of pity.

Stacy’s face was grim, hatred flashing in her eyes. She forced a smile, the effort feeling like a physical wound. “I’m fine. It’s late, and you should…” Stacy paused, her knuckles white from clenching her fists.

Resentment welled up. Maura lay hospitalized, while Aurora was nonchalantly preparing for school. The unfairness was unbearable.

“You have school tomorrow; get some rest,” Stacy finally gritted out.

Inwardly, she seethed. She hadn't anticipated Aurora's countermove. Next time, Aurora would pay dearly. Aurora's actions regarding Maura would have consequences.

Aurora tossed her backpack onto the couch, startling Jaxon. His recently improved complexion darkened. He thought irritably, Aurora is out of line. So uncouth. Why can’t she emulate Maura’s grace?

Aurora laughed sarcastically, regarding the pair with equal displeasure. “Didn’t you both want to kick me out for hurting Maura? Why the change of heart?”

Jaxon fumed. Can’t she let it go? Does she need to spell everything out? His dissatisfaction grew. He turned away, fearing he might lose control and strike her.

Stacy saw Jaxon’s impatience and seized an opportunity. “Aurora, your father spoke in anger. Let’s not dwell on this. Apologize to your father, and we’ll move on.”

Aurora sneered. So, being abducted, beaten by Maura, and injected with that ‘mud water’ is inconsequential? Maura's in the hospital, and they rushed to berate me, ignoring my own ordeal. Stacy orchestrated it, and Father knew. Maura's always perfect, and I’m always wrong. Why should I care what he thinks?

Aurora shrugged off Stacy's hand. “I didn’t come home with Maura. How can you blame me for her condition?” Her malice was unconcealed. “That’s a serious accusation. I refuse to accept it. What if someone overhears?”

Stacy pinched her thigh to restrain herself from attacking Aurora. She forced a smile. “Of course not. It’s normal for a young girl to have a temper. We like you.”

Stacy continued her subtle attacks, assuming Aurora would remain passive.

Aurora advanced, her piercing gaze unsettling Stacy, who retreated until her calf struck the coffee table.

“Mrs. Crawford, I was at school all day. What happened to Maura? Is it connected to me?” Aurora asked.

Stacy’s fury raged. She wanted to scream it was Aurora’s fault; Maura’s hospitalization, her critical condition, her potential ruin—all because of Aurora. But logic intervened.

Stacy thought, How did that little bitch escape? She should have been hooked, under our control forever!

Aurora sensed Stacy’s thoughts. “Mrs. Crawford, is Maura’s situation related to me? You and Dad barged in, yelling. You terrified me!”

Stacy’s anger was immense. “Answer me!” Aurora pressed.

Stacy collapsed onto the table, the sharp pain momentarily clearing her mind. “Maura was in a car accident,” she finally said. “How could that possibly involve you?”