Chapter 2

The next morning, I woke up at dawn.

Through the window, I watched Aurora watering the white roses I had planted in the garden below, her movements tender as if they were her own masterpiece.

How ironic. Even my flowers had to become hers.

I took a deep breath and began today's performance.

First priority: figure out exactly how much of what belonged to me they had stolen.

10 AM, Haven Shelter's accounting office. I sat at the desk I had used countless times before, running my hands across its surface, a flicker of coldness flashing in my eyes.

"I'd like to refamiliarize myself with the financial procedures," my voice was gentle and innocent. "The doctor said occupational rehabilitation helps with brain recovery."

Daniel immediately turned from the filing cabinet, his face changing slightly. "Claire, your brain still needs rest. All these complex numbers will give you a headache."

Aurora appeared beside me almost instantly, gently placing her hand on my shoulder. "Exactly, the doctor specifically said not to put pressure on you. Financial stuff is way too complicated."

What an act!

A weak, confused expression crept back onto my face. "Then... could you maybe show me a simplified version? I feel like I should understand what's happening with the shelter, since this place used to..."

"Of course!" Aurora's eyes flashed with panic, quickly masked by a sweet smile. "I'll show you the simplified version."

I watched Aurora skillfully pull out an elegantly bound ledger from the drawer—definitely not the original financial records I remembered.

Every page was pristine, like samples designed for outsiders, with straightforward income and expense data showing no irregularities whatsoever.

"See, our daily expenses are mainly these..." Aurora pointed at the figures, her voice as gentle as if she were talking to a child. "Food, utilities, medical supplies, all perfectly normal."

I deliberately frowned, pretending to think hard. "What about the donations? I remember we received a lot of charitable contributions..."

Daniel and Aurora instantly exchanged a glance—quick as lightning, but not quick enough to escape my notice.

"The donations all went to the children," Daniel's voice was somewhat stiff. "Aurora has managed them well. Every penny was used where it should be."

Rage surged through me, but I forced myself to smile. "I knew Aurora would take good care of everyone."

Since you won't let me see the real books, I'll find out myself.

2 PM, Maplewood First Bank. The lobby bustled with activity. Wearing sunglasses and a hat, I approached customer service manager Mr. Johnson, claiming I needed to "verify personal financial status for memory recovery training."

"Mrs. Wright!" Johnson stood up excitedly. "It's so wonderful to see you recovering so well! You're our town's hero!"

I smiled and sat down. "Thank you. I'd like to check my account status. The doctor said it would help with memory recovery."

"Of course, of course!" Johnson enthusiastically opened his computer. "Your account... wait, there are some large transfer records here..."

My heart leaped to my throat, but I maintained a confused expression. "Transfers?"

"Yes, a $200,000 transfer, and here..." Johnson frowned as he reviewed the records. "All with signatures. Wait, these are Aurora Page's signatures."

What?! I nearly lost control, clenching my fists under the desk.

Aurora hadn't just stolen my husband and daughter—she'd stolen my money too?

"Oh, that's my... um..." I pretended to hesitate. "I can't quite remember."

Johnson had a moment of realization. "Oh right! Ms. Page mentioned before that you authorized her to manage the charitable funds. She said after your accident, you were worried about fund security, so you had her temporarily manage them. Ms. Page is such a kind person—she comes to the bank often to consult about how to better manage these donations."

Kind? She's a demon! My nails were digging into my palms, but I showed a "touched" expression. "Really? Aurora is so thoughtful..."

"Yes! She even established the 'Hero's Wife Fund' to help more families like yours who are victims. The fund now has over $3 million! All from generous donations from the community. Ms. Page says she'll return management to you once you've fully recovered."

Three million?! I felt my blood freeze.

This woman hadn't just stolen everything from me—she was using my reputation to commit fraud!

"Could... could I see the detailed records?" My voice trembled.

"Absolutely!" Johnson enthusiastically printed out a stack of documents. "Look, Ms. Page has handled everything very professionally. Every donation has detailed records..."

I pretended to examine them carefully while secretly photographing every key page with my phone.

Those signatures, those transfer records, those fraudulent fund descriptions—all evidence!

"Mr. Johnson," I looked up, my face full of "grateful" tears. "I really don't know how to thank Aurora. Could you pass along my appreciation?"

"Of course! Ms. Page is coming tomorrow to handle a new charitable project. I'll definitely pass along your thanks!"

Back home, I sat on the sofa organizing the evidence I'd gathered today. With each document I reviewed, my anger grew.

Suddenly, I heard Olivia's clear voice from the kitchen: "Mom, what should we make for dinner?"

Then came Aurora's gentle response: "What would my baby like? Mommy will make it for you."

Then I heard the words that broke my heart: "What about Claire? When will she really get better? I want her to be able to eat with us too."

"Don't worry, Claire will get better slowly. But for now, you have me, and that's enough, right?"

My hands were shaking as I rummaged through the drawer.

Then I found that document—Daniel and Aurora's cohabitation agreement from two years ago. In black and white: Aurora Page, as Daniel Wright's domestic partner...

Ding dong!

The doorbell saved me from my impending breakdown. I took a deep breath and went to answer it.

A tall man in his thirties stood outside, wearing a well-tailored suit.

"Hello, I'm Thomas Hayes," his voice was warm but firm. "I came to thank the hero who saved my life."

"Thomas?" Daniel emerged from the kitchen, wariness written all over his face. "How did you know Claire was back? Do you two... still keep in touch?"

Thomas smiled and shook his head. "Not at all. I saw the news that Mrs. Wright had recovered, so I came to express gratitude on behalf of all the children she saved."

Aurora also came out, looking somewhat tense. "Claire isn't really supposed to have too many visitors. The doctor said..."

"I understand," Thomas nodded, his gaze falling on me. "Mrs. Wright, I just wanted to say that true heroes are never forgotten. I hope you recover fully."

As he shook my hand, he quietly slipped a small note into my palm.

"Thank you, Thomas." My voice trembled.

Olivia timidly hid behind Aurora, whispering, "Mommy, who is this man?"

"Someone who came to thank Claire," Aurora gently stroked my daughter's head. "But Claire needs quiet right now, doesn't she, sweetheart?"

My heart felt like it had been stabbed, but I maintained my smile.

Thomas looked at all of us, understanding flickering in his eyes. "I won't disturb you further. Mrs. Wright, if you need help, remember—you're not alone."

After Thomas left, I watched Aurora tightly grip Olivia's hand, the gesture like a declaration of ownership.

"Mommy, why does Claire know so many people?" Olivia looked up at Aurora.

"Because she used to be a good person," Aurora's answer chilled my heart. "But now she's sick, and we need to protect ourselves, okay?"

I pretended not to hear and returned to my room. Opening Thomas's note: [They're isolating you. Watch out for your daughter—she's their biggest weapon.]

Just then my phone buzzed with a bank notification: [Someone is attempting to transfer funds from your account...]

Looking at the message, I suddenly realized an even more terrifying truth—Aurora hadn't just stolen my money.

She had stolen my daughter's heart.