All this time, she thought her aunt was just sharp-tongued but soft-hearted. Maybe a little selfish, sure—but still someone who'd raised her and Jesse. She figured that was kindness.
She never imagined Mrs. Wilson had stolen her mother's 40 million inheritance. She'd been too young back then to know anything. And now it made sense—Mrs. Wilson only agreed to take them in because of that money.
Aurora also finally understood why her father had always been so cold to her. That money he gave her mother accounted for two-thirds of his assets.
But her mom got tricked and never spoke up. Maybe her dad assumed she chose not to leave anything for Aurora and Jesse.
A flood of emotions surged through Aurora. She didn't even know how to begin expressing what she felt.
"You've faced the truth now," Everett said more gently, gripping her hand. "So from here on, stand your ground. Stop being so soft."
Aurora blinked back tears.
