Chapter 94

Returning to his room, Jaxon paced, deep in thought, before calling his mother. “Mom, yes, it’s me… Griffin’s been staying with you too long. It’s time he came back… No need to bring him; you’re getting older, and long journeys aren't good for you. Just have Thomas bring him.”

Downstairs, Aurora removed the necklace from its box, the gemstones dazzling in the chandelier's light. She thought, Mom, I’ll take good care of this. I hope, when the time comes, you’ll wear it and stand before me again.

The clatter of Emma washing dishes broke her reverie. Aurora carefully returned the necklace to its box and took it upstairs.

The next morning, Aurora left Crawford Manor at dawn. In her past life, Maura had flaunted this necklace; now, with Jaxon's return of it, Aurora feared another attempt by Maura to borrow or steal it. She didn't trust Jaxon, either. She needed to secure the necklace at the bank.

By the time Aurora left the bank, the sun blazed overhead. She jogged to the shade, chuckling, "Just like running from a storm in a game."

Meanwhile, Daxon and Annie arrived in Mereida. Stepping off the plane, a wave of intense heat hit them. Annie gasped, "The sun is so intense!" Sweat immediately beaded on her skin. She quickly removed her jacket, revealing a long-sleeved shirt. The scorching light forced her to squint, her temples throbbing. It was unlike anything she'd experienced.

"Follow me," Daxon said, shielding her with his jacket as he guided her into the shade. A moment later, Harry arrived in the car.

Inside the air-conditioned vehicle, Annie breathed a sigh of relief. Patting her flushed cheeks, she looked at the shimmering light outside. "Daxon, you should call Aurora and tell her not to pick us up," she said, worried about Aurora suffering heatstroke.

Even Daxon, usually composed, frowned at the blazing sun. He knew Mereida's summers were hot, but not this extreme.

He called Aurora, but to his surprise, she was already outside and insisted on picking them up. Aurora knew Annie, having spoken to her on the phone several times, including last night about their flight. Knowing the heat, Annie's concern touched her.

"Just pick a mall, and I'll come find you," Aurora said before hanging up and hailing a taxi.

Meanwhile, Annie followed Daxon into the mall. Despite preparing herself, the heat as she exited the car brought on more sweat.

By the time Aurora reached the mall, Annie sat on a bench, eating ice cream, her color returned.

"The Aurora you've been talking about is here," Daxon's pleasant voice murmured beside her.

Annie looked up, instantly drawn to a tall, radiant woman in the crowd. She couldn't look away.

"Huh," Annie gasped. She expected Mereida's heat to affect Aurora's skin, but she looked flawless.

Aurora approached. "Sorry to keep you waiting, Daxon." Her arrival drew glances; Daxon's presence was undeniably commanding.

"You must be Annie," Aurora said, extending her hand. "Hi, I'm Aurora. I'm two years older than you. Call me Aurora."

Annie, glancing up, saw Aurora's grace and strength. Aurora's vibrant energy startled her; a wave of insecurity washed over her.

"I... I'm Annie," she mumbled, timidly extending her hand. Aurora's warm grip startled her.

Daxon gently patted Annie's head, his eyes tinged with sadness. Annie's past abuse had left her cautious and fearful. She'd spent over a month in the hospital after coming to the Harrison family, and more than two months with Daxon, yet she remained withdrawn around strangers. Daxon hoped this trip would help her open up.

"Here," Aurora said, offering local snacks.

Annie smiled shyly, noticing Aurora's lack of any redness. "Aurora, aren't you hot?"

"I'm used to it," Aurora replied, smiling. Mereida's heat felt warm and vital to her.

Daxon offered Aurora ice cream, his stern gaze softening. "To cool you down."

Aurora thought, Even Mereida's heat brings warmth to this aloof man.

After their break, they shopped. Annie's clothes were unsuitable, so Aurora and Daxon helped her choose new outfits.

"Annie, try this on," Aurora said, handing her a green dress.

Annie glanced at Daxon, entering the fitting room only after his nod.

Daxon sat casually on a leather bench, his long legs stretched out. His imposing frame was hard to ignore, even though he tried to appear less intimidating. People still found it difficult to meet his gaze. The sales assistants, briefed beforehand, stood quietly.

“You noticed, too?” Daxon asked.

Aurora turned, meeting his gaze. “Yes, Annie is overly cautious.”