Chapter 69

Aurora clenched her teeth, feeling resentment flood through her. Outsiders might think she lived a charmed life as a respected daughter of the prestigious Marsh family from lreah, but the reality was quite different. Franklin, Vivienne, and their sons had never fully accepted her because she wasn't their biological child.

She was forever overshadowed by the memory of Jazmine, always seen as just the adopted daughter who belonged on the fringes.

Despite enduring numerous slights within the family silently, Aurora's only true desire was to be with Jasper, a hope not supported by her adoptive family.

Consumed by a deep-seated bitterness, she remembered Ady's advice to maintain patience and composure. At the moment, her best strategy was to conform to the role of the compliant daughter, so she quickly agreed with Franklin, "Alright, Dad, I'll listen to your advice."

Having recently caused a significant stir, it was crucial for her to now adopt the guise of a well-behaved daughter. "I realize that you and Mom want only the best for me."

"That's good to hear," Franklin said, feeling reassured of her sincerity.

"Soon, I'll take the assistant's remains back to lreah so her sister can have a final farewell. Also, howis Mom feeling these days?"

While Aurora's question about Vivienne suggested concern,she actually shared Ady's aversion towards her.

Vivienne's continual mourning over her lost daughter and resulting illnesses were a burden Aurora wished the family could finally shed.

"She had a tough time again," Franklin explained with a heavy heart. "When you return, bring Caleb. He seems to calmn her."

It was two hours later when Evelina regained consciousness.

Dorothea was there to check up on her upon waking and, relieved to see Evelina well.

Feeling much better, Evelina urged Dorothea-who'd been running around all day-to head home and get some rest.

Once Dorothea had left, only Florrie remained in the room with Evelina.

"My uncle and lan had to step out, and Mr. Quinn was urgently called-apparently, Mrs. Marsh is having a tough time," Florrie said.

She held Evelina's hand softly, offering solace. "I just spoke with my uncle; he'll be here shortly."

"Thanks so much, Florrie," Evelina responded with a smile.

"Oh, it's the least I can do for you," Florrie replied warmly.

As they continued talking, Florrie unintentionally revealed more. "You know, Mrs. Ady Marsh was apparently worried you might be a rival for my uncle's affections, prompting her to use Aurora's assistant for her schemes. My uncle uncovered all the proof, leaving the Marsh family speechless.Aurora even came by to apologize for her grandmother while you were asleep. I didn't want to disturb you, so l asked her to leave."

Listening in silence, Evelina absorbed the information, her thoughts racing.

Ady had never even seen her face to face. Why was she so intent on smoothing Aurora's way? Evelina remained convinced that it was Aurora who had instructed her assistant to take those actions, not Ady.

"Don't fret, Evelina. My uncle has got your back-"

Florrie's assurance was cut off by the buzz of her phone. She picked up immediately upon seeing Franklin's name flash across the screen. "Hello? Mr.Marsh, what can I do for you?"

She paused to listen, then turned to Evelina, muffling the phone with her hand. "Evelina, it's Aurora's father. He wishes to speak with you. Should I hand over the phone?"

"Let him speak," Evelina responded, her curiosity piqued about the Marsh family's intentions.

Would they demand she keep her distance from Jasper, or were they calling to confront her on behalf of Ady and Aurora?

"Understood." Florrie sympathized with Evelina's inability to see, so she activated the speakerphone and set it beside the latter's pillow.

"Is this Ms. Marsh?" Franklin's tone came through the speaker, surprisingly gentle for someone known as a formidable figure in lreah, sounding instead like a considerate neighbor. Evelina was taken aback, but she kept her composure. "Hello, Mr. Marsh. This is Evelina."

"I deeply regret this whole situation. The incident was a failing on our part, and I am profoundly sorry for the distress it caused you. I assure you, measures will be taken to prevent such incidents in the future."

Florrie was amazed to hear such a heartfet apology coming directly from Franklin, whom she knew to be both stern and calculating despite his usual polite demeanor.

"Ms. Marsh, I would like to make amends for the trouble we've caused you. Please let me know what you need, and I'll endeavor to meet your demands,"Franklin said earnestly.

Evelina felt a flicker of respect for Franklin's approach but remained cautious.

She asked, "And if my request is to take legal action against the perpetrator, would you support that decision,Mr.Marsh?"