Chapter 56

Aurora's gaze instinctively flicked to Jasper, silently pleading, but he remained unmoved, offering no defense on her behalf.

Humiliation surged through her, draining the color from her cheeks and causing her knees to tremble.

"Caleb, maybe you're unaware-being new to the Marsh family-but there's long been a pact tying the Marsh and Russell bloodlines. With Jazmine no longer around, I'm the sole remaining daughter. It falls on me to honor that pact."

Determined to salvage her pride, Aurora clung to the verbal agreement once exchanged by the families'elders.

Caleb's anger flared.

Clenching his fists, he retorted, "Who claimed Jazmine's gone? You're adopted into the Marsh name. Are you just hoping they never find their real daughter? Let me make it clear: forget it! I was missing for years and still got brought home. Jazmine will come back too."

Aurora's face lost all color as Caleb's words hit her.

Tears welled up in her eyes. "T-That's not what I meant. Of course, I truly hope Jazmine comes back soon..."

Caleb sneered, "Cut the act. You don't need to pretend-your grandmother isn't here to see it."

"Aurora." Jasper's voice was laced with ice as he finally broke his silence. "That so-called marriage vow? It was nothing but idle talk between elders. Stop shackling yourself to it."

Aurora's tears fell instantly.

Ever since she'd learned of thie arrangement, she'd worked tirelessly to be the perfect partner for Jasper.And now he dismissed it as nonsense? Adelusion she'd forced on herself?

"He's right, Aurora," Florrie added gently. "You're brilliant and stunning-you deserve someone who truly sees your worth. My uncle simpoly isn't that person."

Even Florrie could sense the incompatibility between Aurora and Jasper.

They clearly weren't meant to be.

It was best for Aurora to release her grip on a one-sided hope before things soured further.

"I'm to blame! I should never have..." Aurora gasped, clutching her chest before collapsing.

Evelina moved to help, but Aurora's bodyguard was quicker, lifting her into his arms with a sharp look at everyone present.

Florrie's brows furrowed in guilt. "Was that my fault? Did I say something wrong?"

"What does this have to do with you?" Caleb sneered. "She's putting on an act. Gave her grandmother a kidney, has such a supporter wrapped around her finger, and now pulls the sympathy card whenever it suits her. When she wants someone out of the picture, she pretends to pass out."

Evelina, sharp as ever, had already picked up on the connection between Caleb and Aurora based on their exchange.

A sense of unease crept in. "Is Aurora trying to push you out of the Marsh household?"

Caleb was unfazed. "Does she even hold that kind of influence? My aunt is Vivienne."

"Evelina's her real objective." Jasper quickly grasped Aurora's scheme.

Thanks to Caleb's aunt and three cousins shielding him, even Ady found it difficult to confront him directly.But Evelina? She was far more vulnerable.

"What?" Caleb's expression shifted. "She wouldn't dare! If anyone lays a finger on her, they'll have to deal with me-wait a second!"

A sudden thought struck him, and he jabbed a finger at Jasper. "The friction between Aurora and Evelina-it all started because of you and your messy love life!"

Jasper paid no mind to Caleb's bluntness. He turned to Evelina, voice soft. "You don't have to be afraid.I won't let anything happen to you."

"You've got me too, Evelina," Florrie said, clutching her arm. "I'll stand by you. Actually, I should tell my mom, dad, and grandpa that you helped restore my vision!"

Florrie wasn't just offering support-she was ready to rally the entire Russell clan to keep Evelina safe.

"You smart lady." Jasper couldn't helpo but be fond of such a warm-hearted niece.

Just then, Evelina's phone began to buzz.

It was Demi. "Evelina, Margot still isn't back... Is something wrong?"