My Versatile Wife

Chapter 9---Forced to Return Home

"You!"

Daniel Wright was furious. "I'm asking you—will you come back or not?"

"Never!"

"Fine! That's your choice. When your grandmother comes after you, don't say I didn't warn you!"

Frustrated by her icy demeanor, Daniel slammed the phone down.

Aurora offered a cold, mocking smile, unfazed. She put the phone away and continued eating her takeout.

Meanwhile, Lucy Wright sat in the dining room. When Daniel stormed in, still fuming, she narrowed her eyes slightly.

"Well? Did you reach her? Is she coming home tonight?"

Daniel snapped, "How could I possibly bring her back? She's growing bolder every day—unless we send a full ceremonial procession to escort her, she won't budge."

Lucy's face darkened.

"c***k!" She slammed her chopsticks onto the table.

Everyone in the dining room flinched. Since the old patriarch's passing, Lucy had ruled the Wright family with an iron hand. Years of authority gave her anger a commanding presence.

Daisy exchanged a glance with Emily.

Emily quickly picked up the soup in front of her and approached the elderly woman, speaking gently, "Grandma, please don't upset yourself. Your health is what matters most."

Daisy added, "That's right. If Aurora doesn't wish to come, there's no need to force her. We can find another way. Don't let it harm your health."

Lucy sneered. "Ridiculous! Does she think she can simply refuse and stay away? I will have her back tonight! I want to see just how far her defiance can stretch!"

She raised her hand and summoned Jack Bennett, the family steward.

"Jack, find out where she is right now. Then send someone to tell her: if she does not return tonight, I will burn every last thing her mother left behind to ashes. Not a single item will remain for her."

Jack's face turned pale. He bowed quickly. "Yes, madam."

...

In the afternoon, Aurora finished her last delivery and was locking up the shop.

Just as she stepped outside, she saw Jack standing there.

Having served the Wright family for over a decade, she naturally recognized him.

Back when Daisy and Emily hadn't yet taken their places in the household, Aurora and Jack had been on cordial terms—never close, but respectful.

Now, seeing him again, she immediately recalled Daniel's call that morning, and her expression turned icy.

"Miss Wright, you're off work."

Jack stepped forward. Aurora held her keys, giving him a cool glance.

"Jack, long time no see."

"Indeed, Miss Wright. You've grown even more radiant. Your mother, if she were still here, would surely be overjoyed."

Aurora's lips curled slightly. "If my mother were still alive, whose side would you be on—hers, or Daisy Wright's?"

Caught off guard, Jack faltered, speechless.

Aurora didn't press further. She gave a light laugh. "Just a jest. Don't be so tense."

Jack nearly broke into a cold sweat, managing only a stiff chuckle.

"Is there something you need, Jack?"

Jack quickly said, "Mrs. Daisy Wright sent me to escort you home."

Aurora's gaze hardened. A mocking smile flickered across her lips. "Didn't Daniel already tell you I refused?"

"He did. But Mrs. Daisy Wright said… if you refuse to return, the belongings your mother left behind will be destroyed."

Though he spoke tactfully, Aurora instantly understood.

Her face darkened. "What does she intend to do?"

Jack looked pained.

After a pause, he pleaded earnestly, "Miss Wright, haven't you suffered enough over the years because of your pride? It's just one dinner. The things your mother left are so few. Don't wait until they're gone to regret it."

Aurora's face was taut, her expression grim.

After a long silence, she slowly unclenched her fists. "I understand."

Seeing her agree, Jack exhaled in relief.

He bowed and opened the car door for her. "Miss Wright, please get in."

Without another word, Aurora climbed into the car.

Twenty minutes later, the car pulled into the Wright Villa.

The Villa stood in Truckwood's most prestigious neighborhood, nestled against hills and beside water, with breathtaking views.

She stepped out, walking inside with a blank expression.

In the living room, Daisy was helping Emily pick out gowns for the birthday banquet in two days.

For Emily, this was a significant occasion. Not only was it her birthday, but also her unofficial engagement to Henry Thompson.

After finalizing the plans at noon, Lucy had ordered them to choose outfits and book the venue immediately.

With only two days left, custom-made dresses were out of the question.

Fortunately, it was just a birthday party. The engagement was only known between her and Henry. Once announced, the public would assume they'd been engaged long ago, so there was no need for anything too extravagant.

They'd spent the entire afternoon and finally selected a few favorite gowns.

Now they just needed to have them delivered tomorrow for final fittings.

As the two happily discussed their plans, a noise came from the entrance.

Looking up, they saw Aurora walking in.

She wore a white shirt, black pencil pants that accentuated her long, slender legs, and a beige trench coat. Her wavy hair fell over her shoulders, giving her an elegant, aloof presence.

Emily looked at her, a faint jealousy stirring inside.

She couldn't stand Aurora's pretentious demeanor.

Here she was, selling intimate lifestyle products, yet dressing like a high-powered professional, with that haughty, cold look—as if she were something noble.

But thinking about her job, Emily felt a flicker of satisfaction.

So what if she acted high and mighty? She could never compare to Emily.

Emily was the true heiress of the Wright family, a rising star in the entertainment industry. And Aurora?

A cast-out daughter, no matter how talented. Her job could vanish overnight.

Then she'd be stuck in that ten-square-meter shop, peddling her intimate lifestyle products all day.

Thinking this, Emily couldn't help but feel triumphant. She straightened her back, a smug smile forming as she stepped forward.

"Sister, you're here!"

Daisy quickly recovered, rushing forward with a forced smile.

"Aurora, you're here! Please, have a seat! Margaret, get Miss Wright a glass of water."

Margaret hurried over with water, though her eyes held a subtle trace of disdain as she looked at Aurora.

Aurora didn't react. She simply said coldly, "What do you want?"

Daisy looked slightly embarrassed.

Seeing this, Emily quickly stepped forward, linking her arm with Aurora's, smiling sweetly.

"Sister, why so hasty? It's been so long since you've come home. Can't we talk after dinner? We haven't had a proper chat in ages. It's still a while before dinner—why don't we go to my room and catch up?"

Aurora looked at her with cold eyes, her voice laced with mockery.

"Catch up on what? On how you seduce men? Sorry, I have no interest in those despicable tricks—and I couldn't learn them even if I wanted to."