CHAPTER 311: CHAPTER 311: DANGEROUS INTENTIONS?

Olivia leaned over her shoulder and saw it clearly, a handmade chocolate box. She tilted her head and noticed something written on the lid in big letters.

"To Spencer"

Olivia raised her eyebrows. "So that’s who it’s for, huh?"

Aurora still didn’t look up but nodded slightly.

Olivia chuckled to herself as a small memory popped into her mind. It was from years ago, when little Spencer had first come to visit their house.

....................

Many Years Ago...

Little Spencer had never been to Aurora’s house before. He stood near the doorway, his eyes big and full of curiosity as he looked around.

There were picture frames on the walls, a tall bookshelf full of old books, and lots of colorful pillows everywhere.

Before he could ask any questions, little Aurora appeared and grabbed his hand.

"Come on!" she said excitedly. "I’ll show you my room!"

She dragged him down the hallway to the room she shared with her sisters.

She dragged him down the hallway to the room she shared with her sisters.

Once inside, she pointed proudly at the shelves filled with toys and small knick-knacks.

Then she let go of his hand and said seriously, "Since you’re a guest, I’ll give you a chocolate."

Spencer blinked. "You don’t have to."

But Aurora shook her head firmly. "No, no! I saw Mama do it before. Guests get sweets. I have Ferrero Rocher."

At the mention of that fancy chocolate, Spencer’s eyes lit up. He smiled and nodded. "Okay, I’ll have one."

Aurora beamed like she had just won a gold medal and rushed to the kitchen.

She opened the drawers, peeked into cabinets, and searched the fridge...but the Ferrero Rocher box was gone.

Gone!

She checked again and again, but it was still gone.

Her face dropped, and she slowly returned to her room.

Spencer saw her sad face and tilted his head. "No chocolate?"

Aurora sighed. "It’s finished. Someone ate it."

Spencer made a big, sad face and sighed loudly on purpose. "Oh no. I was really looking forward to that."

Aurora panicked and quickly grabbed his hand. "I promise I’ll make you a big chocolate box someday! Just wait, okay?"

Spencer chuckled and nodded. "Alright. I’ll wait."

......................

Back in the present, Olivia looked at Aurora making that very box. Even though Aurora probably didn’t remember that old promise anymore, her hands were moving with care, cutting the ribbons just right and placing the chocolates neatly.

Olivia smiled to herself. ’I wonder how Spencer will react.’

She turned away and headed to her own room. But just as she was walking down the hallway, a door opened, and someone stepped out.

It was Adriana.

She was wearing a red and black strapless dress that hugged her figure perfectly. Her hair was curled, and her lips were painted a deep cherry color. It looked like she had just stepped out of a fashion magazine.

Olivia raised one eyebrow. "Going somewhere fancy?"

Adriana quickly tried to act casual, brushing her hair behind her ear. "Oh, nothing special. Just... a party."

Olivia smirked and nodded. "You don’t have to explain anything to me."

Her tone was light, but her eyes sparkled with amusement. Adriana looked like she wanted to say more, but instead, she just gave a short nod and walked away, her heels clicking down the hallway.

Olivia watched her go with a slight smile.

Things in this house were never boring.

..................

Five days later, just when the Waters family had slipped back into their usual routine, something unusual happened.

That day, the sun was gentle and golden, pouring through the large windows of their cozy home. Aurora, Olivia, Theodore, Lucas, and Adriana had all gathered together for a special siblings’ day.

It had been a while since they all sat together like this, so they decided to make the most of it.

They ordered takeout, threw blankets over the couches, picked a random movie, and lounged around lazily. Laughter filled the room as Lucas kept pausing the film to make silly comments, and Adriana stole popcorn from Theodore’s bowl.

Everything felt warm and peaceful, like the world had finally slowed down for them.

But peace never lasted long in the Waters’ house.

Just as Olivia was stretching her arms and yawning, the doorbell rang.

Lucas groaned. "Ugh, who now?"

Aurora raised an eyebrow, her senses already on alert. "I’ll get it."

She walked over and opened the door. Her eyes narrowed.

Standing outside were Rose Lancaster and her mother, Mrs. Lancaster.

Aurora’s body tensed. Olivia and the others peeked from behind the couch.

"What are they doing here?" Olivia muttered under her breath.

Rose, wearing a flawless beige coat and with her chestnut-colored hair curled neatly, gave a smile. "Olivia," she said sweetly. "Don’t look at me like I’m your enemy."

Olivia scoffed. She stood up and crossed her arms.

"You should really go see a brain doctor," she said bluntly. "Maybe something’s wrong up there. Since when did you stop thinking of us as enemies?"

Rose’s smile twitched. Her cheeks flushed red with anger. But she held it back. Instead, she pulled out two shiny cards from her clutch and waved them gently.

"I’m actually here for Aurora," she said, keeping her voice light and pleasant. "I’m hosting a party, and I’d like her to attend."

She turned to Aurora and smiled again, this time with extra sparkle.

Aurora didn’t even blink. "Not interested," she said flatly. "I don’t want to reduce my IQ by spending time with dumb people."

Rose’s smile cracked. Her voice turned sharp. "You’re going too far."

Aurora tilted her head and nodded. "Yes. I am. So? What will you do about it?"

Before Rose could snap back, Mrs. Lancaster gently stepped forward.

She wore a soft gray dress and had a calm, polished look about her. "Aurora, dear," she said warmly, "you’re being a little too harsh."

She turned to her daughter. "Rose, that’s not how you invite someone. Be polite."

Rose gave her mother a frustrated glance but stayed quiet.