Chapter 94
Aurora felt a flicker of remorse.
But remembering Ady's lessons, she instantly composed herself, adopting a look of utter bewilderment.
Her eyes grew large, and tears streamed down her cheeks. "Evelina, how could you say that?"
"Still pretending?" Evelina snorted. "That innocent act fits you too well. Maybe you should wear it permanently."
She didn't wait for a reply and kept going. "When we were all hauled into the hotel lobby, the robbers cracked open every bag and grabbed anything they could. Every single one-except yours. Untouched. Isn't that strange?"
Aurora blinked, caught off guard that Evelina had noticed such a minor discrepancy.
She silently cursed herself for misjudging Evelina, but quickly responded, "Mara packed mine. She knew there was nothing worth stealing in it."
"Oh please," Evelina replied with a cold smirk. "Our bags were identical-same color, same shape. And somehow Mara's crew knew to skip yours? Do you think I'm an idiot?"
The criminal who ransacked the upstairs room had gone straight for her luggage.
What he didn't anticipate was the shock device installed inside. The electric jolt forced him back, and in fury,he fired a bullet into the suitcase, ruining the contents-clothing and expensive accessories alike.
The only silver lining was that the Starry Night earrings were safe with Kristina. Without them, what could she possibly present to ldris?
"Shouldn't you question the criminals instead of pointingfingers at me?"
Noticing Jasper's approach, Aurora's demeanor softened, and her voice trembled. "Evelia, I know we've had our differences, but l've let go of the past. I even stepped aside so you could be with Jasper.Why are you still attacking me?"
Evelina gave a sharp, mocking chuckle. "You let me have him? Do you hear how delusional that sounds?When exactly did Jasper belong to you in the first place?"
Aurora's expression faltered. Her intention had been to make Evelina look pety and unworthy-but somehow, the insult had ricocheted.
"If you insist on playing dangerous games, be ready for the consequences," Evelina warned. "Jasper will find out what really happened with those four criminals. And I'll be speaking with your father, Mr. Marsh. He assured me he'd keep his household in check."
Aurora stiffened, a shiver running down her spine.
She hadn't imagined Evelina would go that far-especially involving her father.
Her adoptive father was blunt and unyielding. He wouldn't hesitate to interrogate her thoroughly and hold her accountable if anything felt off.
But Evelina wasn't done. Her cold stare met Aurora's eyes. "The day I was injured, your father tried to avoid a lawsuit, so he granted me one request-no limits. You once told me I wasn't good enough for Jasper,that only someone from a noble lineage could stand beside him. Well, hear this: that someone will never be you."
Even if Aurora managed to manipulate her way into becoming Jasper's only option, Evelina would cash in that promise and make Franklin stop the marriage.
In short, Aurora's dreams of marrying Jasper were doomed-no matter how hard she schemed.
"You're using my father against me?" Aurora sputtered, shaking with fury.
Evelina's expression didn't waver. "Even if something happened to me, that promise would become part of my final instructions. It would still reach Mr. Marsh. So tread carefully, Miss Marsh."
"You... you..." Aurora's body wobbled, and she collapsed-completely overwhelmed.