Chapter 76

Aurora's eyes sharpened. She stood, hurrying upstairs, telling the staff member on the phone, "Hold on, please. I'll find a quieter place."

As the weather worsened, many servants sought refuge in the garden's cool shade. If any overheard her conversation, it could cause trouble.

Returning upstairs, Aurora locked the door and asked for their findings.

The staff member replied, "Ms. Crawford, a man named Holt Brok may be connected to your mother's disappearance."

The name brought to mind the dead man on Bradley Mountain. She tapped the table. "Tell me everything."

The staff member continued, "Terranex security guards saw Holt. Also, I questioned people near Bradley Mountain; an old man recalled seeing Holt carrying away an unconscious woman."

Holt was a gambler, frequenting underground casinos since his teens. He'd do anything for a gamble.

The old man described the woman as well-dressed and wealthy, clearly tricked by Holt. He'd wanted to intervene but was intimidated by Holt's burly companions, watching helplessly as they drove away.

He'd kept this secret for over ten years, fearing repercussions.

Aurora listened, her face cold. "Anything else?"

After a pause, the staff member added, "The old man mentioned Holt had a daughter who vanished; he never searched for her. Neighbors speculated he'd sold her."

This was mere speculation, fading as Holt moved to the city. However, he did become unusually generous after his daughter disappeared.

Disgust flashed in Aurora's eyes. Even animals protected their young; some people, like Holt and Jaxon, were crueler.

"Who are Holt's associates?" she mused, hoping to find clues among his friends. Gamblers, she knew, were morally bankrupt, capable of anything for money.

The staff member replied, "Holt has many; we're investigating them."

Aurora hummed, hung up, and transferred thirty thousand dollars to the Lizzie Law Firm's account. Her generosity ensured the staff's proactive reporting.

The next day, Aurora went to school. Entering the schoolyard, students stared with strange expressions. Some looked her up and down, whispering and occasionally glancing at her with malicious glee.

Their whispers carried on the air: "It's Aurora. I can't believe she's like this." "She's pretty, but so shameless!" "No, she wouldn't have done so well in the countryside if she weren't pretty."

Everyone she passed pointed and scorned her.

Aurora frowned, puzzled by the sudden change. "I only took a day off," she thought. "What could have happened?"

She hurried to class, seeking answers. However, she was stopped.

"Aurora, after what you've done, you still dare show your face?" Alison blocked her path, Jenny and Daisy at her side. Alison, anticipating Aurora's arrival, had been waiting with her followers.

Aurora raised an eyebrow, recognizing another of their schemes. Preoccupied with the Whitaker Group Hospital contract, she'd neglected them.

She retorted, "Stay away from me. You're stinky." A mocking reference to their toilet-cleaning punishment. Aurora respected only those who respected her; Alison's provocation warranted no mercy.

Alison's face tightened; inwardly, she sneered, You'll cry later!

Smiling, Alison produced photos. Malice gleamed in her eyes as she snorted, "Aurora, do you know what these are?"

Students nearby saw the photos, their contempt intensifying.

A chill ran down Aurora's spine. Could someone have photographed Dexter and me at dinner? I don't want Jaxon to find out.

Alison's smile widened. She threw the photos to the ground with a flourish, shouting, "As a Mereida High student, Aurora shirks her studies and pursues men! We won't tolerate such shamelessness!" Aurora, she thought, you're always so arrogant. Today, I'll ruin you.

Seeing the photos – depicting her naked in bed with a man – Aurora felt fury. It was a blatant frame-up.

The onlookers blushed, covering their eyes and feigning modesty. Their meaningful glances and disgusted expressions were unmistakable.

Exclamations and whispers arose: "Oh my god! I never expected Aurora to be so depraved!" "Does that mean she'll do anything for money?" "Why those old guys? Are they...potent?"

Whistles, laughter, and obscenities filled the air. Some boys even engaged in disgusting gestures, a shocking display of behavior from high school students. The onlookers hurled the vilest insults at her. "Shameless!" "Disgusting!" "Did she seduce staff at the rural home?" "Of course! She's pretty; she'd use her looks to get what she wants."