Chapter 53
Chapter 53:
Thud. Thud. Thud.
Right hook. Jab. Cross.
She was physically exorcising the last of her past. With every punch, she felt lighter. She was not fighting Sterling anymore. She was fighting for herself.
Saturday afternoon. Fifth Avenue, NYC.
The sun was shining, but the air was crisp. Aurora and Yvonne were window shopping. Yvonne dragged Aurora into a high-end boutique. It was the kind of place where the air conditioning smelled like money and the security guards wore suits.
“You need a victory bag,” Yvonne insisted. “You just launched a game. Treat yourself p>
They looked at a limited edition emerald clutch on a glass pedestal.
The door chimes jingled. Isabella White walked in, accompanied by a sycophantic Thorne cousin, Ashley. Isabella spotted Aurora instantly. Her eyes lit up with malice.
“Well, look who it is,” Isabella sneered, walking over. “The trailer trash spending her alimony. Or did you steal a credit card p>
The shop assistants looked uncomfortable. They pretended to fold scarves.
Aurora ignored her. She turned to the clerk. “I’ll take this one p>
Isabella stepped forward. “I want that bag p>
The clerk looked terrified. “I’m sorry, Ms. White. Ms. Vance just claimed it p>
“She can’t afford it,” Isabella laughed. “Ashley, grab it p>
Ashley reached for the bag on the counter. Aurora moved. She intercepted Ashley’s hand, grabbing her wrist. It wasn’t a violent grab, just firm—a combat reflex. She twisted slightly. Ashley yelped. She stumbled back, losing her balance in her high heels, and fell onto a plush ottoman.
“Assault!” Isabella screamed, pointing a manicured finger. “She assaulted me! Call the police p>
The manager rushed over. “Ladies, please p>
The door opened again. Beatrice Thorne entered, leaning on an ivory-handled cane. The room went silent. Beatrice was royalty here. Even Isabella shut up.
“Grandmother!” Isabella whined, trying to ingratiate herself. “Aurora attacked Ashley! She’s violent p>
Beatrice looked at Ashley, who was perfectly fine, sitting on the ottoman. Then she looked at Aurora, who stood calm, hands at her sides. Beatrice walked past Isabella without a word. She stopped in front of Aurora.
“Your posture has improved, Aurora,” Beatrice said warmly.
She turned to Isabella. Her voice was like a whip. “Isabella, stop making a scene. It’s pedestrian. You are embarrassing the family name p>
Isabella’s jaw dropped. A public snub from the Matriarch.
Beatrice turned to the clerk. “Put Ms. Vance’s purchase on my account. As a gift p>
Aurora smiled. She pulled out a sleek black card from her pocket—the corporate card for Pulse Interactive.
“No need, Beatrice,” Aurora said softly. “I can afford it. But thank you for the tea p>
She tapped the card on the reader. Beep. Approved.
Aurora took the bag. She nodded to Beatrice, ignored Isabella, and walked out into the sunshine.