บท 10: 10. You Little Rascal.
The warm water had flushed a healthy glow onto her flawless face, her usual cool demeanor softened by the rosy hue.
Her eyes, a mesmerizing shade of ice blue that mirrored her mother's, held a depth that hinted at the secrets she kept locked away.
Tossing the damp towel onto a nearby chair, she casually deposited the Serpent's Eye in a carved wooden box, its ornateness a stark contrast to the casual drawer of the side table where it would reside until needed.
The gentle creak of the door announced her mother's arrival.
Daisy, a woman in her fifties who defied her age with her youthful demeanor, possessed the same striking blue eyes as Aurora.
Fine lines etched around her eyes, the only tell-tale sign of her years, crinkled with amusement as she entered the room.
"Here you go, sleepyhead," Daisy said, handing Aurora a steaming glass of milk. "So, tell me all about this grand gala."
Aurora took a grateful sip of the warm milk.
"It was good, Mom," she replied, her voice a soothing murmur.
Raising her eyes to meet her mother's knowing gaze, a playful smile tugged at the corner of her lips.
"Now, you scoot off to bed before Dad comes in here grumbling about me keeping his favorite girl up all night."
Daisy feigned mock anger, tapping Aurora's nose with a gentle finger.
"You little rascal, always keeping me on my toes."
With a loving smile, she leaned down and kissed Aurora's forehead.
"Good night, little dove. Sweet dreams."
As Daisy left the room, her footsteps fading down the hallway, Aurora was left alone with the night.
________________________________________
Next Day.
The first rays of dawn crept through Aurora's window, pulling her from sleep.
She got dressed in sporty clothes with her hair in a high ponytail, she stretched and grabbed her phone.
Three messages blinked from a contact named Sloth.
"Great God, someone's looking for the Divine Doctor,"
"They have posted it on the forum. The price is three million."
"Are you taking the task?"
Aurora's eyes narrowed, a calculating glint replacing the sleepiness.
"Not taking," she sent the reply and shoved the phone into her pocket. It was time for her morning exercise.
Florence Villa resided in a wealthy neighborhood, a haven for the wealthy elite. Grand mansions stood separated by neatly cut lawns, their paths lined with vibrant flowers and towering trees.
Aurora, sporting a pair of headphones, jogged along the scenic route, her youthful energy radiating. Despite the exertion, her breathing remained steady, a proof of her regular training. After a hour, she returned home.
Inside, her father, Rowan Florence, sat in the living room engrossed in the financial section of the newspaper.
"Good morning, Dad," she greeted, earning a warm smile and a reply, "Good morning, little dove."
Despite his age edging into the fifties, Rowan carried himself with the grace of a man in his thirties. Years of wielding power had etched a certain presence into his features. He'd recently passed the reins of the Florence Group to his eldest son, Michael Florence, promoting him to CEO.
Now, he visits the company occasionally.
A rustle from the stairs drew Aurora's attention.
Her second brother, Xavier, was making his way downstairs.
"Good morning, second brother," she chirped.
Xavier Florence, a brilliant young scientist who'd begun working for the nation's research institute at the tender age of sixteen, wore casual clothes and replied cheerful, "Good morning, dove."
The nickname is a reminder of her childhood beauty, a term of endearment shared by everyone in the house.
"Not going to the institute today?" Aurora inquired, knowing Xavier's dedication to his work.
Xavier simply replied, "I took a leave today."
The familiar voice of her mother came in from the kitchen. "He's always buried in his research, barely visits home. I had to practically force him to take leave today!"
Xavier, replied helplessly. "Mom, I call you every day! It's just that the work at the Institute was crucial this month, that's why I couldn't come home."
His mother, emerged from the kitchen and with a playful snort, countered, "Well, your 'crucial' work is finished now, isn't it? So you'll be staying home for a few extra days."
Faced with his mother's affectionate but firm decree, Xavier could only manage a resigned, "Yes, Mother."
Aurora, unable to contain herself, burst into a light laugh at the exchange. She teased Xavier while showing her toungue to him.
Xavier, shot her a withering glare. Seizing the opportunity mischievously , Aurora turned to her father with a mock pout.
"Dad, brother's glaring at me!"
Her father, the mediator, chimed in with a lighthearted scolding directed at Xavier,
"why are you glaring at my little dove? It's not her fault you haven't been home. Come more often if you don't want to be scolded ".
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