Chapter 95

At first glance, Aurora noticed it immediately. Annie’s cautious demeanor mirrored Aurora’s own from her past life with the Crawford family. Everything she did then was tentative, dependent on gauging the room and seeking permission. Had Jaxon not thrust her into countless social engagements as an adult, forcing her to confront scorn and challenges, she might never have become the woman she was today.

Aurora acknowledged that Daxon's decision to bring Annie to her was sound. In her past life, she had been utterly clueless, suffering in high society and enduring endless pain. She could serve as Annie's guide in this life, helping her avoid the same fate. Perhaps this was her way of repaying Daxon's kindness that last time, when he'd covered her with his coat.

"I appreciate your help these days," Daxon said, maintaining a respectful distance. His awareness of his potentially overwhelming presence was evident. "Pick whatever you like. I will pay."

Beneath his cold exterior, Aurora sensed a gentleness in his tone, which made her chuckle. Her brow furrowed as she recalled their last encounter. "Mr. Harrison, do you say this to every girl?" She remembered his similar words earlier at the store, and coupled with his behavior after the Lloyd family's anniversary, her suspicions grew.

Her seemingly impromptu remark stunned Daxon, but he quickly understood. "I've only ever said that to you and Annie." He wasn't interested in women and had never had a companion. He'd seen many eager suitors, but Harry always thwarted them.

Aurora met his deep, unreadable gaze, but she looked away first, feeling inexplicably uneasy.

"Mereida's weather, you've seen it yourself, Daxon. Where are you planning to go next?" Aurora asked, smoothly changing the subject. Their relationship wasn't close enough for deeply personal discussions.

Daxon casually rubbed his thumb against his finger, his aristocratic composure masking his emotions. He followed her lead. "Mereida is already this hot at the end of June. I honestly didn't expect it."

The city was sweltering. The amusement park Daxon had planned was likely out of the question; they'd be sunburnt and exhausted.

Aurora picked up on the subtle shift in Daxon's tone and laughed softly. Who would've thought even the great Mr. Harrison could miscalculate? she thought mischievously, deciding to tease him.

"You think this is bad? The worst heat hasn't even arrived yet. Wait until the dog days of summer hit. It'll be 104°F, and the ground will get so hot that flip-flops might melt."

Aurora, brimming with charm and liveliness, earnestly described Mereida's scorching summers. The bright lights of the mall seemed to reflect the sparkle in her eyes, making her radiant. Her flawless skin held a rosy flush, her lively eyes held a playful glint. Dressed in a simple white T-shirt, she exuded effortless beauty, like a summer flower, fresh with dew.

Suddenly, Daxon thought Mereida's summer heat had arrived at just the right moment.

"When the temperature hits 104°F, schools even close for heat breaks. No one dares to step outside," Aurora continued with a grin.

Daxon's eyes held amusement as he nodded. "It truly lives up to its reputation as the number one furnace of the country."

Thinking she'd successfully frightened him, Aurora smiled in satisfaction and sat down on a bench. "Don't worry. Mereida still has plenty of fun things to do. I promise you won't regret this trip."

"Alright," Daxon replied.

Meanwhile, Harry observed in astonishment. "Well, well, well. This Aurora is something else. She's so at ease around Mr. Harrison. No wonder she's the one who could get Mr. Whitaker to change his mind."

Harry understood why Daxon had brought Annie to Aurora instead of other young ladies from Jydratica. Those girls, raised in luxury, wouldn't have understood Annie's discomfort; they might even have mocked her. Annie, newly returned to the Harrison family, was still adjusting. The wrong company would only heighten her anxiety.

Aurora, having grown up in the countryside and recently rejoined the Crawford family, mirrored Annie's situation. Their connection, facilitated by Aurora, suggested a shared understanding.

Harry touched his chin, watching Aurora and Daxon. In all the years I've followed Mr. Harrison, Aurora is the only person who isn't afraid of him. When Mr. Harrison isn't smiling, even I feel uneasy, let alone cracking jokes with him.

Lost in thought, Harry replayed their interactions, still baffled by Aurora's lack of intimidation.

While Harry pondered, Aurora chose more outfits for Annie and led them to the next store.

Daxon, noticing the silence behind him, turned to find Harry standing there, lost in thought, a faint smile on his lips.

Harry jumped at Daxon's voice, snapping back to reality. He quickly grabbed the bags. "Nothing at all," he said obediently. If Mr. Harrison found out I was letting my mind wander, he'd probably cut my TV time. Watching cheesy romance dramas is my only guilty pleasure, and I'm not about to let anyone take that away!

By evening, the ground still radiated heat, the crimson sky promising another sunny day.

Aurora entered Crawford Manor, bags in hand. She froze upon entering the garden, her gaze locking onto a child of five or six, wildly racing a miniature electric car through the flowerbeds. A house servant followed with a grim expression, clearly stressed about the damage.

The scion was having fun, but the servant would have to painstakingly restore the trampled plants.

"Mr. Crawford, be careful. You might hurt yourself," the servant called out anxiously.

Aurora's smile vanished the moment she recognized the child. A dark cloud settled over her features. Griffin Crawford, she thought bitterly. He's actually back. If Griffin is here, does that mean he has returned, too?

In her previous life, Griffin hadn't returned home this early. He'd stayed with Jaxon's parents for months.

Griffin was Jaxon's precious son. No one dared let him suffer discomfort.

Aurora watched coldly as Griffin gleefully drove over the flowerbeds, his laughter grating on her ears. A little brat like this thinks he's fit for the Harrisons' school for future heirs?