Aurora 9 Chapter 97

It was usually the spoiled child's fault when such things happened. Seeing that Griffin was unharmed, the servants returned to their duties, ignoring him. He could use a lesson; they were weary of constantly cleaning up his messes. Even the most patient person has their breaking point.

Griffin's ear-piercing wails gradually subsided, his voice hoarse, his eyes swollen shut. Aurora loosened her grip, smiling sweetly. "Griffin, do you realize what you did wrong?"

Griffin rubbed his eyes, fear creeping into his gaze. He hung his head, silent. Sensing his fear, Aurora felt satisfaction. This is nothing, she thought, not even a fraction of what you did to me in my past life. Now that I'm back, it's time for you to experience all the "love" an elder sister can offer. I'll ensure you grow into a well-rounded child, excelling in virtue, intellect, and physical and artistic development.

"Why aren't you saying anything? Didn't Dad teach you what to say after misbehaving?"

Griffin twisted his hands, tears falling. A sob escaped him between hiccups. Aurora stared. "Hmm?"

His body trembled at her calm yet chilling voice. Seeing no help forthcoming, he muttered, "S-sorry…"

Aurora pressed him. "Sorry for what? To whom? What did you do that requires an apology?"

Griffin's cheeks flushed red. Even though Aurora had released him, his face burned, tears blurring his vision as he stared at the ground. Tears soaked the soil, darkening it in patches. He didn't want to apologize; even so young, his pride remained.

"It seems you still don't understand," Aurora sighed, grabbing his ear again.

Jaxon and Thomas arrived, carrying bags, witnessing the scene.

"Aurora, what are you doing?" Jaxon shouted, scooping up his tearful son. Frantically checking for injuries, he glared at Aurora. "Griffin is just a child! How could you hit him? When did you become so cold-hearted?"

Sensing his father's arrival, Griffin shifted from quiet sobs to dramatic wails, pointing at Aurora. "Dad, it hurts! That wretch hit me!"

Jaxon's heart ached, his anger boiling. "Aurora, you've outdone yourself. Picking on your little brother? You're an adult! Where's your shame? What have I taught you?"

Beside Jaxon, Thomas glanced at Aurora, surprise and admiration in his eyes. So this is Aurora, he thought. Not bad at all. Definitely not a loss this time.

Aurora felt his gaze, a wave of disgust washing over her. She hadn't forgotten Thomas's past actions. If he dared try anything again, she wouldn't be so lenient.

"Dad, what are you talking about?" Aurora asked calmly. "Griffin tried to run me over. Isn't it right that I teach him not to?"

Jaxon, seeing Griffin wasn't hurt, sighed in relief, wiping away his tears, soothing him. However, noticing Aurora's lack of remorse, his anger flared. "Griffin is a child! He doesn't understand. But you do! Why resort to hitting? When you made mistakes, did I ever hit you? Didn't I always reason with you?"

Aurora almost laughed at his audacity. You never hit me? Only because I never gave you the chance! she thought.

With a sigh of feigned sorrow, Aurora replied, "Dad, since you said so, perhaps I should leave Crawford Manor. I wouldn't want to be an eyesore." She turned and went upstairs, feigning packing. Truthfully, she'd had enough; this was her chance to leave.

Jaxon stiffened, his frustration growing. I went to great lengths to bring her back, and now she wants to leave? That's not happening.

"Look at you. A few words, and you threaten to run away. A girl shouldn't be so stubborn. Be more gentle," Jaxon nagged, affecting concern.

Griffin, listening, realized things weren't going his way. Why isn't Dad punishing Aurora?

"Dad, make her leave! Get rid of her!" Griffin wailed, tugging at Jaxon's sleeve.

Jaxon's temple throbbed. He crouched to reason with Griffin, but the boy was relentless, crying and shouting. The noise gave Jaxon a headache; he was tempted to smack Griffin to silence him, but having just scolded Aurora, he couldn't recant so quickly.

Sensing her opportunity, Aurora stepped forward, smiling. "Dad, Griffin's behavior is out of line. Even young, he can't always have his way. He needs someone to fear, don't you think?"

Jaxon's head throbbed. As Aurora's suggestion sank in, his expression softened.

Sensing his softening, Aurora continued. "Dad, Griffin cursed at me. He needs to learn manners. Let me teach him polite language."

Jaxon hesitated. I've come to understand Aurora's temperament. She doesn't let anyone push her around, not even me. Can I trust her with Griffin?

Thomas interrupted. "Mr. Crawford, Aurora has a point. She's a top science student. She could help Griffin with schoolwork."

Jaxon deflected. "It's late. Let's eat." Aurora still has her uses, but when the time comes, I must send her away. And I don't want Griffin too close to her.

Aurora understood Jaxon's reluctance. Undeterred, she went upstairs to pack.

At dinner, Jaxon introduced Thomas. "Aurora, this is your cousin, Thomas Archer. He's studying in Merida and is home for summer break."

Thomas smiled politely. "I heard you finished your exams, Aurora. Need advice on choosing a major?"

Aurora gave a nonchalant "hmm" and continued eating. Thomas's smile stiffened. He glanced at Jaxon, silently seeking help.