Chapter 95

Daniel arrived.
He walked straight over to Aurora, his concern clear in his eyes. “Are you all right?” he asked gently.
For once, his first thought wasn’t to comfort Eleanor.
“Dan, thank God you’re here at last!” Fiona burst into tears, finally feeling like there was someone to rely on. “Aurora’s insisting it was Samuel who leaked the formula. But you two are so close-how could he possibly do something like that?”
Daniel frowned. “Leaked the formula?”
The real culprit had already been caught, so why was Samuel’s name being dragged into this?
Aurora pulled out her phone and flicked through the evidence. “It’s all here,” she said, handing it over.
Fiona barely glanced at two photos before pushing the phone away. “These have to be doctored
She never doubted Samuel’s innocence.
Eleanor’s face was draining of color by the second.
She’d thought her plan was flawless, but Aurora had managed to uncover everything—and even called the police.
Casting a quick look at Daniel, Eleanor recalculated her options.
She stepped forward, her voice trembling as she said, “Dan, can I talk to you in private?”
Aurora let out a sharp, mocking laugh. She’d been planning to leave anyway, so she said nothing and walked right out.
Daniel started after her, but Eleanor blocked his path.
Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears. “Dan.”
He let her lead him down the hallway.
Eleanor’s quiet sobs filled the silence. “It’s all my fault. I never should have let this happen.”
“Take your time,” Daniel said, his brow furrowed with impatience.
Eleanor hesitated before speaking. “Samuel saw how down I was, how much I struggled at work. He kept saying Aurora deserved to be taught a lesson. I tried to stop him, but I never imagined he’d actually go through with it.”
Daniel’s face was utterly unreadable. “So it’s true, then?”
She nodded faintly.
A chill settled over Daniel’s features. “Does he have any idea what this has cost me? Or Aurora? She’s his sister, for God’s sake, and he still did this.”
For the first time, Daniel truly understood what Grandma Grace meant when she said the Quinns always played favorites.
It made him furious.
Thinking of Aurora living like this for over twenty years, he felt a sharp pang of pity.
He couldn’t wait to see her.
“Dan, please for my sake, can’t you just let this go?” Eleanor pleaded in a whisper.
If Daniel refused to press charges, there was nothing Aurora’s report could do.
But Daniel wasn’t going to let it slide this time.
He shook his head, voice cold. “He needs to face the consequences.”
With that, he turned and strode away after Aurora, barely noticing Eleanor’s hand clutching his sleeve.
She nearly stumbled as he pulled away, steadied herself, and stared after him in disbelief.
He just left her like that?
Fiona hurried out, anxious for Daniel’s answer.
Eleanor shook her head. “He won’t budge.”
Fiona’s vision swam. “How can that be? He’s always adored you. Didn’t your plea mean anything?”
Adored her?
Bitterness pooled in Eleanor’s chest, her voice trembling. “He cares about Aurora now.”
“What?” Fiona nearly fainted on the spot.
Daniel… and Aurora?
If only she’d known, she wouldn’t have scolded Aurora like that.
Down in the parking lot, Daniel caught up with Aurora. Guilt gnawed at him—if
only he’d dug deeper after discovering Morgan, maybe he could have found the truth sooner.
He’d missed his chance to protect her.
“Aurora.”
She turned, eyes cold. “Are you here to defend him?” she asked flatly.
Daniel took her hand, startled by how cold her fingers were.
“No,” he said, his voice steady. “I promise.”
Aurora was surprised this wasn’t like him at all.
But she was glad. She had enough evidence to bury Samuel.
Eleanor, though, wasn’t entirely innocent. It all depended on how much Samuel loved his little sister.
“Come on. Let me drive you home,” Daniel said, gently reaching for her shoulder. Aurora slipped free, her voice quiet but firm. “Daniel, don’t push your luck.” ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ.net