Chapter 92
Not long ago, they had another heated argument over her mother's belongings. Jaxon had been so decisive, almost arrogant. Now that he was calling, he clearly needed something from her—and it was unlikely to be about her mother's assets. He still possessed her mother's belongings; Aurora suspected he was saving them for the perfect moment, perhaps to blackmail her.
"So what could he possibly want?" she mused, glancing at the calendar: June 23rd—exam results day. Remembering earlier calls, a realization dawned. Several influential families were in her class; Jaxon had probably already heard from them.
Jaxon's voice interrupted her thoughts. "Aurora, I haven't congratulated you yet! Top science student at Mereida. You've made me proud, my girl. Anything you want, just ask."
"Just as I expected," she thought. "What do I want? There is something." She said, "Dad, didn't you say you still have some of Mom's things? I'd like those."
Having opened the door, Aurora pressed her advantage. A long silence followed. Her tone turned playful, laced with a hint of malice. "Dad, you didn't throw Mom's things away, did you?" She thought, What a shame if he had. Those things are his safety net. How foolish to throw away one's lifeline!
Jaxon felt a shiver. He looked out the rain-streaked window, confused. It's shut tight; where's this chill coming from? He attributed it to the weather, silently adjusting the heating. "How could I? Your mother's things are well cared for. I often take them out to remember her."
Then, his teeth gritted. "I'll give you one item, but you must move back to Crawford Manor." He muttered the old adage: You can't catch the wolf without sacrificing the sheep.
Aurora immediately saw the flaw. "One item?" she thought, Just how many does he have? If he dangles one each time he needs my help, I'll be forever under his thumb. That won't do.
"Yes, just one," Jaxon repeated, his tone softening. "Aurora, your mother and I were married for many years. Since she disappeared, I haven't slept properly. Can't you leave me a few keepsakes?" He thought, Actually, Victoria left behind only two. One I must reserve for the most critical moment, and this isn't it.
Aurora's fingertips tapped lightly on her desk, her eyes cold. A paternity test report lay in the drawer below. "Alright, I'll come home tomorrow."
Jaxon was delighted. "Where are you staying? I'll send a car."
"I'll take a cab," Aurora replied, hanging up before he could respond. She wouldn't give him a chance to know where she lived. If he caused a scene using his guardianship, her hard-won peace would vanish.
The rain had finally stopped after a day and night of relentless downpour. The clean air felt clearer. Aurora stood at the gates of Crawford Manor, dragging her suitcase—a few clothes and essentials. She wouldn't be staying long.
"Ms. Crawford, you've returned!" Emina and the other servants greeted her, one quickly taking her suitcase.
"Mr. Crawford specifically told us to welcome you," Emma beamed, attempting to bridge the gap between them.
Aurora's gaze swept over the blooming garden. She touched a dew-covered gardenia petal. "Is there any cake?" She recalled Maura's return from the hospital—flowers, balloons, cake, a small party. Now, only servants at the door. Same house, different fates, she thought bitterly.
Emma, missing the bitterness, exclaimed, "Cake! I'll make some right away!"
Aurora, her voice soft, replied, "Go ahead."
A maid whispered to Emma, "Do you think Ms. Crawford is upset because her return wasn't like Ms. Maura Crawford's?"
"She's Mr. Crawford's biological daughter, yet treated worse than a stepdaughter. I'd be angry too," the maid said.
The contrast was stark: Maura's lavish room versus Aurora's bare one. The young maid was indignant, but Emma, keeping her gaze low, muttered, "Just get back to work." She thought, We're servants paid by Mr. Crawford. How he treats his daughters is none of our business. The party for Ms. Maura was on Mrs. Crawford's orders and expensive. Since Mr. Crawford didn't mention a celebration, I didn't dare overstep.
Maybe it's because she isn't his biological daughter? Emma mused. Aurora likely faces tougher expectations. Being kind to a stepdaughter enhances his reputation. So, why not? Jaxon was a master of appearances, deceiving Aurora and the staff.
Aurora quietly ascended the stairs, heading to the third floor, not her own room. She put on gloves and gently opened the master bedroom door. A sliver of hope remained. What if something Mom left behind is still here?