Chapter 277 Envy

Chapter 277 Envy

Aurora Ross's POV:

I froze for a moment.

After the gem was stolen, Eder's people must have thoroughly investigated.

And Eleven was the prime suspect.

On this point, I trusted Eder wouldn't lie.

But why did Eleven come near here every night?

My thoughts were a mess, but I kept a calm exterior.

[Without evidence, we can't conclude that she did it.]

Eder's smile was faint. "Do you think I have the patience to play her self-defense game? Aurora, you know I never settle for substitutes."

[I will find the stolen gem.]

Eder was silent.

I pressed my lips together, then my gaze became resolute.

[Making everyone pay or sacrificing the innocent won't help at all.]

[Excessive violence will only have the opposite effect.]

Eder looked at me and asked, "What if you can't find it?"

"Do you have a better method?"

Eder didn't hesitate. "If cutting off their hands doesn't make them confess, then cut off their family's hands. Someone will admit it."

He looked at me mockingly. "Fear is the best tool to control people."

"Have you considered that if the real culprit isn't found, they might take the blame to protect their family?"

That would only make things worse.

Eder narrowed his eyes slightly.

I sighed.

[Let me try first. If I can't find it, you can cut off their hands then.]

[In the meantime, I'll work on designing a replacement gem.]

Either way, he wouldn't lose out.

Eder glanced at me, then turned and left.

I breathed a sigh of relief.

He didn't say anything, which meant he agreed.

As I was leaving, Harry kept thanking me, making me a bit embarrassed.

[Until we find the culprit, Eleven's safety can't be guaranteed. I'll do my best.]

The rodyguard spoke, "Ms. Ross."

Nearby, a bodyguard dressed in black suddenly spoke.

Harry and I both looked over.

The rodyguard continued, "The master has ordered us to fully cooperate with you."

The bodyguard bowed. "From this moment on, you can command anyone in the estate. No one can defy your search."

Harry and I exchanged a glance, both seeing the surprise in each other's eyes.

The bodyguard added, "However."

"If you ultimately don't find the gem, you will pay the price for your promise."

...

This matter with Eder delayed me for a long time. By the time I followed the doctor's advice to see him, he had been waiting in his office for a while.

The doctor said, "You mean your throat hurts more after speaking?"

I nodded.

That knife-like pain still bothered me.

The doctor's expression grew more serious, making me uneasy. "Is there a problem?"

"It's nothing, but we need to keep observing. Until we get results, you should avoid speaking."

Leaving the doctor's office, I instinctively glanced into a room as I passed by.

Then, I met Nora's gaze inside.

Why didn't she close the door or draw the curtain?

I raised my hand and silently greeted her.

She smiled back, but it was a bit forced.

Meeting her shouldn't be this awkward, but it's Alex's fault.

I kindly asked Alex to visit her and thank her.

I didn't consider Alex's sharp tongue.

I didn't expect him to be so ruthless.

Besides thanking her, he also harshly "rejected" her.

I didn't plan to know what they talked about. Since I trusted Alex enough to send him, it showed my trust in him.

But Alex still grabbed my chin and forcefully repeated everything to me.

Overall, it wasn't pleasant.

I even wondered if Nora thought I sent Alex to "reject" her.

The atmosphere was tense.

I withdrew my hand, pretending not to notice the unique tension, ready to leave when she called out.

"Ms. Ross."

I tilted my head, looking at her in confusion.

"Can you keep me company for a chat?" she asked, leaning against the bed with a gentle smile.

"Recovering is really boring."

My gaze fell on her bandaged arm, and I finally sat beside her.

"I haven't seen you lately. What have you been busy with?" she asked.

"Practicing calligraphy with Eder," I replied.

"Mr. Eder Phillips?" She seemed surprised.

I nodded. "Forced to."

She smiled, but her eyes dimmed a bit. "It seems Mr. Eder Phillips likes you. His work is always popular, and people can't buy it, but he's willing to teach you..."

"No, you're overthinking it."

"I didn't expect so much to happen while I was hospitalized. Your relationship with Mr. Eder Phillips has gotten so good. I'm really envious of you."

I didn't think it was anything worth envying. But seeing her reaction, I felt these words shouldn't be said.

I frowned. I really disliked this atmosphere where a casual word might hurt her.

"If my words make you uncomfortable, you don't have to smile."

Nora's smile stiffened, then she looked a bit helpless.

I sighed, about to say something, when a stranger's voice came from the door.

"You're just here to see our lady upset, aren't you?"

I turned to look. It was an unfamiliar face, about forty, dressed decently but not extravagantly, glaring at me without any kindness.

"Ida, you can't talk like that!" Nora scolded.

"Am I wrong? She's flaunting her status as a homewrecker right in your face, and you still want to respect her?" Ida retorted.

Nora signaled Ida to shut up, then looked at me awkwardly.

"Sorry, after my family heard about my injury, they worried I wouldn't adapt here, so they sent my caretaker..."

"I'm not interested in these matters," I interrupted bluntly.

"Ms. Verandia, I have no feelings for your servant, so I have no obligation to tolerate her rudeness."

"I only know that as a master, you should manage your servants well."

"Otherwise, I'll see her behavior as your directive."

"After all, she doesn't know me. Everything she knows about me comes from you."