Chapter 47
After receiving the desired response, Aurora had no interest in witnessing Stacy's saccharine-yet-bitter expression. Turning sharply, she ascended the stairs, announcing, "Since you're not evicting me, I'm going to bed."
The remaining guests in the living room exchanged glances. A servant mused, "We all expected Ms. Crawford's expulsion. Who knew things would change so rapidly? But then again, Mr. Crawford is her biological father; he wouldn't actually throw her out."
"So Ms. Maura Crawford is hospitalized due to a car accident," another servant said. "That explains the condition of Leopold's car last night—shattered windows and a dented door. It all makes sense now!"
Upstairs, Aurora returned to her room, devoid of happiness. Witnessing Maura and Stacy face consequences should have been satisfying, but Jaxon's all-day vigil at the hospital underscored a painful truth: no one cared about Aurora.
She couldn't understand her perceived inferiority to Maura. Grades, appearance, personality, social graces—Aurora could master them all, even surpass Maura. She remained baffled by Jaxon's consistent coldness, his unwavering support of Maura in their arguments, as if Aurora were an outsider.
Aurora lowered her head, gently pressing her palms to her stinging eyes. After regaining composure, she locked her door and retrieved a medical book from beneath her bed.
"At least I'm not alone. I still have my mother," she whispered, tracing the cover, her eyes brimming with longing. News of her mother's disappearance fueled her yearning for a reunion.
That night, as on countless nights before, the light in Aurora's room burned late.
The next morning, sunlight streamed through the curtains, dappling the floor. Birds chirped merrily outside. The fresh morning air invigorated Aurora as she opened her window, stepped onto the balcony, and inhaled deeply.
After breakfast, Margaret's excited call beckoned Aurora out. Shouldering her bag, Aurora headed to the underground garage, only to find it dimly lit and empty. Returning to the living room, she asked a gardener, "Where's the driver?"
Emma's uneasy expression spoke volumes. "There are only two drivers. Mr. and Mrs. Crawford returned last night to pack Ms. Maura's belongings and left immediately. The other driver… Leopold. He was driving Ms. Maura during the accident and is likely on leave…"
Aurora finally understood Stacy's absence from the hospital and their unexpected home encounter. Maura's condition was evidently worse than she'd realized.
A genuine smile graced Aurora's face. "I'll take a taxi then."
Terranex's affluent district boasted many private cars but few taxis. Aurora waited patiently by the roadside for an hour, her smile unwavering.
Arriving at her meeting place with Margaret near noon, Margaret pouted, thrusting a milkshake into Aurora's hand. "Why are you so late, Rory? Since you're late, you're paying for lunch!"
Aurora patted Margaret's head. "Alright, order whatever you want. Don't hold back."
They strolled arm-in-arm through the mall before lunching at a food street. Aurora felt she'd fulfilled her promise to spend time with Margaret.
As they prepared to part, Margaret, hesitant to end their outing, suggested, "Rory, let's see a movie! That new release is super good—like, really, really, really good!"
Despite the temptation, Aurora refused. "I have something to take care of this afternoon." Her outing with Margaret was not her sole purpose. She had pressing business.
The previous night, Aurora had noticed a small, gray footprint—a woman's—on her door. She surmised it belonged to Stacy, who, upon hearing about Maura's hospitalization and mistaking Aurora's presence, had kicked the door in frustration, then rushed to the hospital without entering. This meant the herbal medicines Aurora had hidden remained undiscovered.
The herbs were insignificant compared to the book of medical theories and prescriptions, heirlooms from her mother. She wouldn't let them be appropriated again, as in her past life, to further someone else's ambitions.
She planned to buy a house, and today was the day.
"I'm coming too!" Margaret declared, determined to remain by Aurora's side. Learning of the house purchase, she added eagerly, "Rory, my family's in real estate. You should buy from us; I'll get you the best price!"
I have to convince Rory to buy near me. Then I can visit all the time, Margaret thought, grinning.
At the sales office, Margaret efficiently steered Aurora to the sales manager, advocating for their best offer.
The manager, after assessing Aurora's understated yet high-quality attire, surmised she couldn't be impecunious. "Even at the lowest price, a house costs hundreds of thousands, even millions. This simplifies things for me, and I still make a good deal," he reasoned.
He inquired about Aurora's preferences and, after brief deliberation, led them to a quiet residential area.
"Ms. McLean, Ms. Crawford, these are single-level apartments. Moderate foot traffic, with a supermarket, clinic, and gym on-site. Most importantly, one apartment per floor, key-card elevator access to specific floors—ideal for your needs."
He opened an apartment door. "Standard four-bedroom, two-living-room layout. The master bedroom boasts an en-suite bathroom and walk-in closet."
"The smart door lock is replaceable. Property management requires owner approval for entry, even deliveries are pre-arranged."
He continued, "It's fully furnished; you can move in immediately."
Aurora appreciated the abundant natural light and lack of obstructing buildings, ensuring privacy for her medicinal preparations. The spacious master bedroom could easily accommodate a workspace; other rooms could store herbs and supplies.