Chapter 6 The Fake Heiress's Provocation

• Aurora’s POV
• “Sweetheart, let’s calm down and talk this out like adults. There’s no need for physical punishment.”
• I didn’t know if it was hearing the words “adults” or if Mrs. Sharp’s intervention steadied him, but Aides didn’t raise a hand again.
• “You’ve suffered outside all these years,” he muttered. “You just returned and don’t understand how things work here. Have a servant take you to your room so you can freshen up.”
• My mother sighed and said, “Take Miss Aurora to the side room on the second floor. Once everyone is back tonight, we will introduce her to the rest of the family.”
• She spoke as though she pitied me, yet her hand held tightly to Evelyn’s arm and never loosened.
• I nodded, swallowing the faint sting of disappointment inside me.
• Why was I still hoping for anything?
• As the servant led me upstairs, their voices drifted behind me clearly.
• “Evelyn, your father really should discipline her so she won’t bully you later.”
• “Ethan, don’t say that. As long as you still treat me as family, I don’t mind her being around.”
• “Aides, darling, let’s not add Aurora’s name to the family registry yet. We should tell outsiders she’s adopted. I don’t want Evelyn to feel wronged.”
• “That was exactly what I was thinking…”
• I heard everything word for word, yet I felt strangely calm.
• The servant eventually stopped at the far end of the second floor.
• He opened a door to reveal a tiny room, barely two hundred square feet, with a vacuum cleaner still shoved in the corner as if someone forgot to hide it.
• It looked like a storage room that had been cleaned in a hurry.
• I frowned but stepped inside anyways.
• After setting down my bags, I took out a black-and-white photo from my suitcase.
• The woman in the picture had long golden curls, sharp yet delicate features, and a radiant smile.
• I traced the photo gently.
• “Mom, I’m trying my best, alright? Things aren’t starting well, but I’ll do what I can to fit in. Don’t worry.”
• Finding my family had been her last wish and I had never once let her down.
• I was still unpacking when a woman in her twenties entered, carrying snacks and fruit.
• “Miss Aurora, I’m the assistant the madam assigned to you. I’ll be taking care of you from now on.”
• She looked me over, her eyes full of thinly veiled disdain.
• “I used to serve Miss Evelyn, helping her with outfits and styling. But now the madam told me to handle you instead. I heard you lived in a small town before, so you’re probably unfamiliar with luxury brands. Someone will bring you new clothes soon since you can’t keep wearing the things you brought.”
• Her reluctant expression made it clear she wasn’t happy.
• I settled onto the small sofa and asked, “What’s your name?”
• “Duoya,” she answered with her chin lifted arrogantly.
• “How long have you worked for the Sharps?”
• “Five years. Before that, I was in the Paris fashion scene for two years. If the pay wasn’t good here, who would want to do this servant job?”
• “Oh? If you hate it that much, then go back.”
• I kept my tone light yet firm.
• “We don’t need a personal assistant here. Tell your madam to send someone who can actually clean. I’m fussy about hygiene and can’t stand people acting superior in front of me.”
• Duoya’s eyes widened in disbelief.
• “You’re seriously dismissing me?”
• “If you’re loyal to someone else, I’m not interested in taking you. Don’t you agree?”
• I held her gaze.
• “Get out.”
• “Miss Aurora, this is the madam’s order…” she protested.
• “No one’s orders matter here. Don’t make me repeat myself. Leave.”
• Under my cold stare, she unconsciously stepped back, though she tried to maintain her attitude.
• “Fine, but you don’t have the authority to refuse the madam’s arrangements yet. You should hurry and get changed or you’ll be late for dinner.”
• She reached for my clothes.
• Smack.
• I dodged her hand and slapped her across the face without hesitation.
• “Ah—!”
• “Who the hell do you think you are, talking to me like that?”
• “You… you hit me? Aren’t you afraid the head of the family will punish you? I’m Miss Evelyn’s assistant!”
• “You’re just a maid,” I replied calmly. “I hit you, so what? Especially since you don’t know your place and already tried to cause trouble between me and my mother. I just arrived, and you’re bullying me. Tell me, who do you think Father and Mother will believe — you or me?”
• Duoya’s face went pale with panic.
• “Miss Aurora, I… I was just trying to warn you. Please don’t misunderstand.”
• “Duoya, what happened?”
• Evelyn’s voice echoed from the hallway.
• Duoya practically leapt toward her like she had found her savior.
• “Miss Evelyn, please stand up for me. Miss Aurora insulted me for serving you before, refused my service, and even hit me!”
• I crossed my arms and watched their little performance unfold.
• The silent exchange between them was obvious.
• Duoya was sent by Evelyn to provoke me — a test as well as a challenge.
• This family drama was turning into a real headache.