Chapter 93

After entering the room, Aurora immediately spotted a large vanity. Beside the mirror, a neat row of Stacy's jewelry was displayed. The master bedroom was lavishly furnished and impeccably clean. Aurora searched the room thoroughly but found nothing. Growing anxious, she glanced at the time. Jaxon would be finishing work soon. Even if she wished to continue searching, she would have to leave empty-handed.

Sitting on the window seat, Aurora gazed absentmindedly at the garden below, a wave of helplessness washing over her. She had lost count of how many times she had hoped to see her mother again. Unfortunately, even the hard-earned clue about Holt had gone cold.

A voice came from the doorway, interrupting her thoughts: "Ms. Crawford, your cake is ready."

Aurora composed herself. Knowing she would need to question Jaxon later, she decided to eat something first.

When Jaxon returned, he found Aurora eating cake. "You're back?" Talking on the phone had been easier. Now, face-to-face, the memory of their argument flooded back, darkening his expression. Aurora delicately bit her spoon, her face innocent and naive. "Dad, don't you want me here? I can leave immediately."

Jaxon forced a stiff smile. "How could that be? We haven't seen each other for days, and I don't know what to say." "Then why don't you just give me what Mom left behind and tell me about her?" Aurora quickly finished her cake, her eyes fixed on Jaxon, clearly indicating she wouldn't relent.

A shadow flickered across Jaxon's eyes as he instructed Emma to retrieve the safe from his desk in the study.

Aurora thought, The study? So, that's where it's hidden. Unfortunately, the study had a password-protected door and security cameras. Even the maids could only clean it under Jaxon's supervision, so she had never had an opportunity to sneak in.

Five minutes later, Emma arrived with a brown safe.

After entering the password, Jaxon removed a square box. "This Blue Ocean necklace is what your mother left behind."

Aurora opened it, shocked. She recognized the necklace. In her past life, Maura had worn it to a grand party hosted by the Harrison family, as thanks for treating Annie's back injury. Aurora had watched Maura put it on before the event; Maura had even asked her if it was beautiful, showing off the necklace. That party had been Maura's shining moment. She made connections with the prestigious Whitaker family, renowned for their expertise in alternative medicine. Maura's career soared afterward, playing a key role in reconnecting the Newton family of Mereida with their prominent Jydratic relatives.

Aurora thought, So, this necklace belonged to my mother? Jaxon's family truly drained both my mother and me, using us up completely. How could I not hate them?

Aurora gently traced the blue gemstone, the size of a quail egg, imagining her mother's regal appearance.

"Dad, tell me more about Mom," Aurora finally whispered, her voice so soft it might have been carried away by the wind. Jaxon would not have heard her if the room hadn't been so still.

After a long silence, Aurora looked up, noticing the hesitation in his eyes. She thought, Does he not want to talk about it? He's already shown me the necklace. How can he refuse to talk now?

"Dad," Aurora asked, "didn't you say you often look at Mom's things and think about her? You must remember her, right?"

Her question cornered Jaxon, his past careless words returning to haunt him. He had always avoided thinking about the brilliant woman in his memories, the experience leaving him with a deep sense of inferiority that clashed with his pride.

"Dad, why aren't you saying anything? Did you lie to me about remembering Mom?" Aurora's voice was relentless, tugging at Jaxon's fraying nerves.

Jaxon looked up at Aurora, noticing for the first time how her eyes mirrored Victoria's, as if peering into the darkest recesses of his soul.

"Y-Your mother was my college classmate," Jaxon stammered, shifting his gaze. He continued, haltingly, "I pursued her for a long time before winning her heart. We married, and after you were born, your mother became depressed and ran away with you. After that, both of you disappeared."

Aurora thought angrily, Lies. My mother clearly disappeared after going to Bradley Mountain. She went alone and didn't take me with her. Even now, he's still trying to deceive me. He's unrepentant.

Aurora's expression turned cold as she locked eyes with Jaxon, her gaze identical to Victoria's, exposing his hidden thoughts. "Dad, if you pursued Mom for so long in college, then why did you marry Stacy right after she disappeared?"

Jaxon's eyes dropped, avoiding her piercing gaze. He stammered, "At that time, y-you were young and needed someone to care for you..."

Aurora seized on the inconsistencies in his story. "Dad, you just said Mom took me and ran away. Did you find me afterward? When you found me, did you see Mom? How did you lose me again if you found me?"

Jaxon was speechless, his lips trembling. He was sweating profusely, his frustration palpable. He thought, What is Aurora doing? Is she interrogating me like I'm a criminal? I raised her, and this is how she repays me?

Although seething inside, Jaxon felt guilty and could only mutter evasively, "It's been so long, I... I can't remember."

"Dad," Aurora said, "you just said you often used this Blue Ocean necklace to remember Mom. How can you not remember?"

"I just can't remember!" Jaxon snapped, his anger exploding. He slammed his hands on the table, his eyes bloodshot, his breathing ragged. His deception was clear.

Aurora clutched her chest, feigning shock. "Dad, what are you doing? You scared me."

Jaxon suppressed his anger. "Sorry, I've had a long day at work and didn't mean to scare you. I'm going upstairs to rest."

Aurora smiled. "Goodbye, Dad." Though Jaxon had lied, she had gained valuable information about her mother's identity. The unpleasantness of returning to Crawford Manor had been worthwhile.

Jaxon ascended the stairs silently, pausing on the second floor to look down at Aurora, who was now studying the Blue Ocean necklace. For a brief moment, his gaze turned menacingly cold. He thought, Aurora's suspicions have been aroused. The plan can't be delayed any longer. After all, I'm not about to let the massive fortune I fought so hard for slip away to someone else.