Chapter 57
Sunrise Pharmaceuticals had taken a serious hit thanks to Caspian, and their relationship with Whitaker Medical Center was precarious. Whitaker's desire to terminate the contract was understandable.
Aurora remained silent for a moment before saying, “Let's set a time to try saving the situation.”
Giles had been considering the same. He picked up the calendar on the table and asked, “How about next week?”
“Next week’s no good. I have finals. We’ll need to postpone it another week.”
“Alright.”
Giles didn't underestimate Aurora despite her being a student. Their interactions revealed her thorough, calm, and direct approach—a far cry from the typical high schooler.
After enduring Caspian's interference, Giles appreciated working with someone who didn't second-guess or micromanage. He valued this efficiency.
Aurora said, “Stay late this Friday. I’ll come by after school.” Giles nodded.
“If there’s nothing else, let’s wrap up.” Aurora leaned forward to shut down her computer.
Giles stopped her. Meeting her curious gaze, he hesitated, looking slightly embarrassed. “Actually, this is personal.”
Aurora raised an eyebrow. “You need time off?” She knew Giles and Irene were close, and with Irene still hospitalized, time off for caregiving seemed likely.
He hesitated. “No. I wanted to ask about something, Ms. Crawford. When Mr. Gray called you Ms. Whitaker… how reliable is this ‘Ms. Whitaker’?”
Giles suspected “Ms. Whitaker” was a figure Aurora had introduced as a major shareholder, worrying about potential future share conflicts.
Aurora replied calmly, “Whitaker is my mother’s surname. In a few months, when I turn eighteen, I’ll be changing my last name to Whitaker.” Jaxon was entirely focused on Stacy's children; keeping his last name seemed pointless. Her mother had left her a substantial fortune through Woodside Capital Management, with everything meticulously planned, making the name change worthwhile.
“Oh, I see,” Giles replied. Noticing Aurora's somber expression, he realized he'd touched on a sensitive topic and felt uneasy.
Their conversation ended as Aurora powered down her computer. Afterward, she opened a drawer, retrieved a prescription, and focused on one of the formulas. She planned to prepare this medicine and use it to sway Whitaker Medical Center.
While copying the prescription, she heard cheering from downstairs. Peeking out, she saw the household staff in matching uniforms, flowers and balloons in hand, singing and dancing around Maura. Two staff members even wore giant mascot costumes, performing for her amusement.
It was a small welcome party for Maura. Jaxon and Stacy watched from the sidelines, smiling as Maura was the center of attention.
“Stacy certainly went all out,” Aurora scoffed, pulling the curtains shut to avoid witnessing their family's celebration.
After transcribing the prescription, she crawled under the bed, placing two books in a box nailed to the bed frame. She tidied the room, ensuring everything looked normal, before heading downstairs.
Leaning against a hallway pillar, Aurora smiled at the noticeably thinner Maura. In a familiar, affectionate tone, she said, “Welcome home, Maura!”
Maura's smile froze. Her legs trembled uncontrollably, her face paling drastically. She would never forget Aurora dragging her from the wilderness to that warehouse, nor the agony of her addiction or hospital stay.
“You were sick for so long. I missed you so much,” Aurora said, extending her arms.
Maura crouched, clutching her head and screaming, “Don’t come near me! Stay away! Get away from me!” Aurora’s presence, even her voice, instilled terror.
The servants fell silent, unsure why Maura reacted so strongly. Stacy gritted her teeth, muttering, “Why couldn’t she just stay upstairs? I could break her legs!”
“What’s wrong, Maura?” Aurora pushed through the crowd, stopping before Maura. Lowering her voice, she asked, “Are you not feeling well? Tell me, and I’ll protect you.”
Aurora reached out to touch Maura’s head. Maura trembled violently; Aurora could hear her teeth chattering. Aurora's smile deepened, her tone softening. “Maura, what are you so afraid of…”
Before Aurora could touch Maura, Stacy grabbed her wrist. Stacy's grip tightened, old and new resentments fueling her desire to crush it.
“Ow! That hurts!” Aurora yanked her hand away, displaying a red mark. Mimicking Maura’s earlier sweet tone, she said, “Mrs. Crawford, I was only worried about my sister. Why did you grab me so hard? Maura may not be Dad’s biological daughter, but I’ve always treated her like my real sister.”
Stacy stood panting, furious, wanting to tear Aurora's mouth apart. ‘You little witch,’ Stacy thought. ‘Let’s see how long you can keep this up!’
“Dad, look at her!” Aurora turned to Jaxon, her expression cold. “Just the other day, Mrs. Crawford said she treats me like her own daughter. Is this how you treat your child?”
Jaxon gave Stacy a disapproving look. She closed her eyes, pinching her thigh to quell her rising anger, forcing a strained smile. “You’re right. It was my fault. Maura’s sudden reaction made me anxious, and I didn’t realize how hard I grabbed.”
Aurora wasn't letting Stacy off easily. She rubbed her wrist, emphasizing the red mark. “Mrs. Crawford—after a pampered life, you still have so much strength. You must have had a rough time before marrying Dad, huh?”
Stacy fumed. She had always looked down on Aurora, a country girl. Aurora’s words clearly implied Stacy was uncultured and rough.
Stacy thought furiously. Aurora had nearly ruined Maura, and she’d been merciful. But Aurora’s constant provocation was infuriating.
Aurora enjoyed Stacy's simmering rage. She glanced casually at Maura. “Maura, what’s wrong with you? You’re not losing your mind, are you?” If Maura suffered a mental breakdown, Aurora might let her off the hook.