Chapter 87
Chapter 87:
Elias turned. He smoothed his jacket. “It is a formal consultation. Regarding her health p>
“Uh-huh,” Leo grinned. “Does this consultation involve a certain doctor with pretty eyes p>
“Get out,” Elias said.
“You look nervous,” Leo said, dodging a shoe tree Elias threw at him. “It’s cute p>
Elias slammed the closet doors shut. He looked at his reflection. He was nervous. His palms were sweating. He checked his watch. He was two minutes behind schedule.
Back on the street, Aurora took a step toward Heather, her fists clenching.
“Is there a problem here?” Aurora asked, her voice cutting through the tension like a blade.
Heather looked at Aurora, taking in the expensive coat and the undeniable air of authority. She looked back at Jones, then at the keys on the ground.
“No,” Heather stammered. She snatched her keys from the pavement, her face burning. “Just… a misunderstanding p>
She fled, her friends scurrying after her.
Aurora took the bags from her grandfather’s hands. “Are you okay p>
Arthur straightened his jacket. He looked at the retreating girl, then at his granddaughter. “I am fine, Rory. Just a mosquito p>
Aurora smiled, fierce and proud. “Jones, bring the car around. Let’s go to dinner p>
The sleek black SUV with tinted windows pulled up to the curb. Jones opened the door.
“To the Manor, Miss Vance p>
“To the Manor,” Aurora said.
The iron gates of Thorne Manor swung open silently. The driveway was lined with ancient oaks that formed a tunnel of shadows. As the car pulled up to the main entrance, the massive wooden doors opened.
Find the magic on gⱯlnσν𝓮𝓁s․𝒸𝗼𝗺
Grandma Beatrice Thorne stood on the porch, wrapped in a cashmere shawl. Beside her stood Elias.
He looked… devastating. The blue tie brought out the icy clarity of his eyes, but there was a warmth in them today that melted the frost. He stood with his hands clasped behind his back, his posture rigid, but his gaze was locked on the car door.
Aurora stepped out. The evening wind caught a stray lock of her hair. She brushed it back, and Elias’s breath hitched. It was a microscopic sound, but Leo, standing in the doorway, heard it and smirked.
“Aurora!” Beatrice cried, bypassing all social protocol to pull Aurora into a hug. “You came! I was afraid Elias would bore you away with his medical talk p>
Aurora stiffened for a second, then relaxed. She was not used to this—this unreserved warmth. “Thank you for having us, Mrs. Thorne p>
“Call me Beatrice. And this must be Arthur.” She turned to Grandpa Vance, taking his hand with the same warmth. “Welcome p>
They moved into the living room. It was a space of intimidating luxury—Persian rugs, oil paintings, a fireplace large enough to roast an ox. Unlike the chaotic warmth of the Vance apartment, this room was pristine. Almost sterile. Not a speck of dust, not a single item out of place.
Aurora moved toward the fireplace to warm her hands. As she did, she brushed against a small, sharp edge of the metal firescreen.