Chapter 12

Grateful that she could help Daxon's sister, Harry had wasted no time contacting his boss. Daxon arrived as Harry impatiently waited for Aurora to finish her banquet. But if Aurora was deceiving his boss, Harry dreaded the consequences. That day, after Aurora finished her work, I-town, however, didn't cooperate with their plans.

His expression was red, a chill settling over his features, and the tension in the air made it difficult for anyone to speak. His voice was deep and smooth, revealing nothing.

"Car and paper and a pen?" Aurora asked.

Harry quickly handed them over. Aurora bowed her head and concentrated on sketching with swift, clean strokes, and the car fell silent.

"The...what went through your mind?" Daxon asked eventually, handing Aurora the sketch and saying, "If you search based on this, you should be able to find her soon."

She paused for a second and added, "Oh, by the way, there's been a blood agate circulating on the black market recently. That's probably hers. You might want to follow that lead."

"How do you know what my sister looks like?" Daxon asked, taking the sketch. His deep eyes locked on Aurora, the suffocating pressure returning. Daxon handed it back, his tone cold. He didn't even have many recent photos of his sister—how could Aurora possibly know? Most importantly, the blood agate was the very same one his mother had bought at an auction as a birthday gift for his sister on the day she disappeared.

Aurora looked down. This wasn't something she could easily explain. In her past life, Annie had been found two years later. By then, due to a serious back injury, she could barely walk, and the Harrisons had found Maura first. That's how Aurora learned what Daxon's sister looked like.

"I've told you everything I know. As for how I know… sorry, that's personal. I can't explain, but that doesn't change the fact that you can find her based on the sketch," Aurora replied. That was all she could say. If Daxon didn't believe her, there was nothing she could do.

Daxon studied Aurora carefully. She looked young, with soft baby fat still on her face, her brows slightly furrowed, eyes serious. She didn't look like she was lying.

He said, "You better not be playing me. Anyone who tries to trick me on this doesn't end up well, you know. But if you're telling the truth, the entire Harrison family will owe you. The crown is just a deposit. Once we find her, whatever you want, I'll make it happen."

Aurora knew that since she hadn't explained much, Daxon still had his doubts. She spoke seriously, "You've helped me, and I wouldn't lie to you."

Daxon nodded slightly, not saying whether he believed her. Instead, he turned to Harry and told him to find a nearby mall.

When the car pulled up in front of a mall, Aurora furrowed her brow in confusion. "Why are we at a mall?"

"Your dress is dirty," Daxon replied curtly.

Aurora glanced down and noticed the state of her gown—streaked with half-dried mud, smudging the car's interior. Feeling embarrassed, she muttered, "Sorry for messing up your car."

Daxon's expression softened to one of cool politeness. "It's fine. If you can help me find Annie, I wouldn't mind giving you the whole mall's wardrobe."

He led her straight to the top floor, where various luxury brands were displayed. "Pick whatever you like," Daxon said, his tone casual, though his words were anything but. Though he offered, Aurora didn't take much, grabbing only a few practical outfits. She didn't even bother trying them on, simply asking for them to be packed up, and then chose a fresh set to wear.

After shopping, Aurora opted for a taxi home instead of having Daxon drop her off. Maura had been waiting by the door, and when she saw Aurora step out of a taxi, she visibly relaxed. "Aurora, didn't Mr. Harrison give you a ride home?"

"He had something to take care of," Aurora replied.

"Typical," Maura thought, assuming Aurora had been snubbed. With a sympathetic sigh, she said, "Well, a man like Mr. Harrison has high standards. Don't let it get you down." Noticing the bags Aurora was carrying, a flash of jealousy crossed her face. "By the way, are all those designer bags for you?"

Aurora gave her a dry smile and said, "More hard work, anyone can climb that high, after all." Maura muttered something under her breath as she made her way inside.

"Is my personal business something for people like you to pry into?" Aurora retorted sharply. "Showing off?" Maura thought bitterly. Maura, getting nothing out of Aurora, watched as Aurora made her way upstairs without another word.

Maura felt much better after confirming there was no romantic connection between Jason and Daxon. She thought, No way am I going to let Aurora overshadow my daughter. Even if Daxon takes a liking to anyone from our family, it should be Maura.

With that in mind, Stacy stopped Aurora. "Your current priority should be studying hard and getting into a good university. Don't waste your time on other things. If you behave and do as you're told, I'll transfer you 15 grand every month for living expenses."

Heh, as if I don't know what's going on, Stacy thought to herself. Maura's monthly allowance isn't less than 150 thousand dollars. Does Stacy really think I'm a fool?

"And hand over the bracelet. I'll return it to Mrs. Newton," Stacy added, pausing for effect before scolding Aurora. "You really overstepped today. If Mr. Harrison hadn't been there, do you really think Mrs. Newton would've let you off the hook?"

Aurora almost laughed out loud at Stacy's twisted logic. So after I've already offended the Newtons, Stacy still wants me to grovel and make amends! Clearly, Stacy doesn't just think I'm an idiot—she thinks I'm completely brainless, thought Aurora.

"Stacy, doesn't your son still want to get into the Harrisons' school?" Aurora shot back. Stacy's words choked in her throat.

"And even though Daxon and I don't have any special connection, if you dare return that bracelet—the compensation Daxon asked for me—to Beatrix, let's see what he'll do," Aurora threatened Stacy.

"Well, what are you even going to do with that bracelet? You don't need any allowance from the family after all," Stacy waved her hand dismissively. "Since you've got something so valuable, it seems you…"

Aurora fully paused, turning back to face Stacy, arms crossed. "Stacy, let's be real. People might call you Mrs. Crawford, but let's not forget, you're nothing more than my dad's second wife."

She then shot Stacy a glare and continued, "And here's a friendly tip—whatever allowance Maura gets, you'll transfer the same amount to my account, not a cent less. Otherwise, by tomorrow, I'll make sure everyone in Mereida knows the Crawford family is mistreating me. The Crawford Group wouldn't exist today without my mother's efforts. If the outsiders know you guys are so ungrateful, we'll see who's still willing to do business with you."

Stacy was left clutching her chest in anger, her breath catching. She was so furious that she thought she might drop dead before she even had a chance to get the bracelet. With Daxon nowhere to be found, she didn't even have anyone to complain to. All Stacy could do was glare daggers at Aurora, but Aurora couldn't be bothered and strolled off.