"Mom, what do we do? We can't let her live with Grandpa!" Sophia asked anxiously."What do you mean, 'what do we do'? I should be asking you! If you hadn't stolen that photo and made a scene, how would you have been humiliated? You were supposed to apologize today, not throw punches!" Madeline shot back, visibly angry at her daughter's actions."I couldn't stand her arrogance, okay? She's practically walking all over us, and now Grandpa's taking her side. What if he gives her some of the shares? Do you know how much money we'd lose? I didn't mean to, Mom. Can you please not be mad?" Sophia pleaded, her voice tinged with tears.Seeing her daughter kneeling on the ground, Madeline's heart softened. "Sophia, hang in there a bit longer. I'll call your brother to come back and plead with Grandpa.""Then go, call him back. I don't want to be kneeling here like some joke," Sophia said, still crying.Madeline hurried back to the villa and called Maxwell, who was at his office. Seeing his moth
"Sir, this is a family matter. Please step aside," Maxwell said, his face stern."But I'm not your family," Aurora replied, standing behind Heath.Maxwell: "Aurora...""Maxwell, if you want to protect Sophia, then don't mess with me. I don't need your kindness or your protection. Just stay away from me," Aurora said calmly, trying to clear the air.Before Maxwell could say anything else, the impatient Heath pulled Aurora away.Once they were out of the backyard, Heath let go of her. Aurora rubbed her wrist and asked, "What brings you here?""We had dinner plans," Heath said."I thought that was in a couple of days?" Aurora sighed."In a couple of days, I'll be back in the capital," Heath said gravely.Aurora looked up, meeting his dark, obsidian-like eyes staring back at her, like a vortex. She felt a sudden tremor in her heart. She had forgotten that Heath was from the capital and wouldn't always be in Seaview."Oh... so... what do you feel like eating? My treat," Aurora said, forcin
Heath strolled leisurely into the training area, rolling up the sleeves of his shirt to reveal his well-defined forearms.He flashed a smile at Aurora and said, "Let's get started."Aurora threw a quick punch, but no matter how fast she was, Heath always seemed to dodge effortlessly, as if he was always one step ahead.Panting, Aurora couldn't even graze the hem of his shirt, which frustrated her to no end.She aimed a swift punch at Heath's face. Dodging to the side, he grabbed her wrist with his left hand. Aurora lifted her right arm for an elbow strike to his chest, only to be caught again.With both hands restrained, Aurora instinctively used Heath's own force to flip over, aiming a kick. Heath sidestepped again, locking her in his arms.Her hands twisted behind her back, pressed against Heath, he leaned in, his breath slightly ragged, whispering in her ear, "Was that move taught by Coach Lyne too?"Aurora was taken aback. She'd been fighting o
Knock, knock, knock. The sound of knocking echoed through the room. Aurora got out of bed and opened the door. The housekeeper Mr. Leen stood outside, holding a tray."Mr. Leen, what's up? It's pretty late," Aurora asked."Miss Aurora, you didn't eat much at dinner. Your grandpa was worried you might get hungry, so he asked me to bring you some food," Leen explained."Thanks, Grandpa. And thanks for the trouble, Mr. Leen." Aurora stepped aside to let him in. Leen walked into the room, tray in hand."Miss Aurora, I've warmed up some milk for you and brought some snacks. Have something before you go to sleep. Don't starve yourself," Leen set the tray on the table and advised her."Alright, got it. Thanks," Aurora responded."Miss Aurora, you've had a tough past, and it weighs on your grandpa's heart. Sometimes he wants to make it up to you, so don't turn him down. He's getting old; he might not always think things through," Leen suddenly added.Aurora looked up and met Leen’s earnest ga
The next day, Aurora was at home when her phone buzzed. It was a call from Jasper, and he sounded super anxious. "Aurora, can you come over to the villa? Something's wrong with Amy!""What do you mean 'something's wrong'?" Aurora stood up from the couch, slipping on her shoes as she talked."She's had a high fever since yesterday, and she's unconscious now. She even coughed up blood!" Jasper blurted out."Coughed up blood? Hold on, I'm on my way!" Aurora dashed out the door.Just as she reached the entrance, she ran into Leen."Miss Aurora, where are you off to in such a hurry?" Leen asked."I've got an emergency. I'm taking Grandpa's Audi from the garage," she replied."You should really get your driver's license soon. Driving without one will upset your grandpa," Leen cautioned."I know, I know," Aurora said, speeding off in her car.When she arrived at the villa, she practically sprinted inside. Jasper saw her and immediately led her further in."Amy's in her room. Carly and Jay ar
Aurora could still hear Little Fish yelling her name, but it was like she was underwater. Her head was spinning and her legs felt like jelly. Then everything went black.Hearing Little Fish's cries, Grandpa and Leen rushed downstairs, only to find Aurora lying unconscious on the floor.Outside, Maxwell was about to drive Sophia home when he heard the commotion and came inside.Everyone hurried to help Aurora up. Sophia stood to the side, arms crossed, and said, "What's her deal now? She was all fierce just a moment ago, and now she's passed out?""Miss Sophia, what did you do to Miss Aurora? Every time she runs into you, something bad happens!" Little Fish accused, her eyes red."Nonsense! What could I have possibly done to her? She's the one who—""Shut up!" Maxwell cut her off sharply."Big brother! You're taking her side?" Sophia stomped her foot in frustration."Enough! Sophia, go back to your place and stay away from the old house! And stop bothering Aurora!" the old man banged h
The next day.Aurora woke up in a daze, feeling weak all over. She moved her arm and propped herself up to see Little Fish lying beside her bed.Little Fish woke up, rubbed her eyes, and smiled when she saw Aurora awake. "Miss Aurora, you're finally awake!""Why didn't you go back to your room to sleep?" Aurora rubbed her temples with her eyes closed."You had a fever, and Dr. Lysander said you shouldn't catch a cold after sweating at night. So, I stayed here to cover you with a blanket," Little Fish explained."Lysander Fane? Has he been here?" Aurora asked."Yeah, he'll be back for a follow-up check. Are you hungry? Want me to bring some food?" Little Fish inquired.Only then did Aurora realize she was hungry and nodded.After helping Aurora freshen up in the bathroom, Little Fish brought up some porridge and a few side dishes. "You just woke up, so let's keep it light. They've been keeping the porridge warm for you in the kitchen.Aurora sat down on the sofa, took a few bites, and
After leaving the cemetery, the group returned to the villa.Aurora carefully collected the blood samples from the three of them. "I'll have the doctor run some tests. We should have the results by tomorrow. What are you guys planning to do next?"The group exchanged glances. Jasper spoke up, "Miss Aurora, we took the liberty of looking into your background. You're the least favored third daughter of the Pendleton family. What were your original plans for us?"Aurora chuckled, "As you can see, I'm just a high school student. I don't have money or influence. If you guys want to stay, you'll have to live under the radar.""Meaning?" Carly raised an eyebrow, her expression full of Western allure."After I finish my college entrance exams, I'll be starting my own company soon. I'll need a lot of help. You can stay if you want, but the pay will be standard, not like the big bucks you made in the underworld."Aurora put it delicately, but everyone knew that in the underworld, they were invo