Chapter 272
Rumors of Death
Scarlett happily scooped the robot cat into her arms, rubbing its little head.
“Well done!”
The robot stretched lazily, front paws resting on her lap.
“Of course,” it bragged.
And right after showing off, it yawned… then promptly fell asleep.
Jasper, sitting nearby, withdrew his gaze.
“Probably out of power.”
At the Lane family estate, Aurora returned to find the atmosphere heavy.
Everyone was gathered in the living room. The tension made her nervous too.
The youngest, Axel, finally broke under the weight of silence.
“Her car went off a cliff, and we’ve already sent people to search. Why are we just sitting here waiting?”
Aurora quickly put on a mask of panic. “What do you mean, off a cliff? What happened?”
Axel pressed his lips together and explained.
Aurora swayed, her face twisting with grief.
“Impossible! Scarlett just came home. She hasn’t even had time to enjoy her family yet. How could this happen?”
Axel rolled his eyes.
“Serves her right, if you ask me. Ever since she came back, the house hasn’t had a day of peace. If Dad hadn’t forbidden me, I would’ve kicked her out long ago. Honestly, this just saves us the trouble.”
He didn’t actually wish Scarlett dead–he just thought she didn’t belong. She wasn’t a true Jandale native. He wanted the Lane family life untouched, the way it was before.
To him, this outcome felt like a relief.
Chapter 272 Rumors of Death:
Of course, he wasn’t stupid. He kept his voice low. Say such things too loudly, and he’d be torn apart by the main branch before Scarlett’s fate was even confirmed.
“Don’t panic.”
Aurora stepped forward, speaking gently.
“The search team isn’t back yet. There may still be hope. Scarlett is blessed–she’ll be alright.”
She scanned the room, but the old madam wasn’t there. Likely out handling the aftermath.
That was fine. Aurora was sure her plan had worked. The old madam would be pleased.
If she managed to enter the main branch–even just in name–her resources would skyrocket. Everything the old woman had hinted at would come true.
“I think we should send helicopters out. We can’t just wait here,” she suggested.
Owen sat on the black sofa, his face like stone, a storm of cold fury radiating from him.
Aurora hesitated, but pressed on.
“Still… with this accident, the media will find out sooner or later. Scarlett was in charge of a major project. It may collapse. We should prepare in advance. I know you’re grieving, but if you don’t mind my foolishness, I can watch over it for now. Don’t worry, I won’t take anything for myself. I’ve lived in the Lane family all these years. I owe too much. This is my way of repaying it.”
Her words were calm, measured. To an outsider, it would sound like selfless loyalty.
After all, grief would paralyze the main branch. Who would have the energy to focus on the project?
If they delayed too long, the Kramer family might side with the Fletchers again. All their efforts would be wasted.
Scarlett might be gone, but the project couldn’t die with her.
Aurora’s words seemed to offer a lifeline.
Axel looked at her in admiration.
“You’re so selfless. That’s not an easy thing to take on.”
He hated business. He thought such projects were far too heavy a burden.
Aurora dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief.
Chapter 272 Rumors of Death
“I only want to share the weight. Even just a little. That would be enough for me.”
Sophia stepped aside when Aurora reached toward her.
“We don’t need your kindness,” she said coldly.
“Scarlett’s affairs will be handled by me.”
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Aurora had expected resistance. She didn’t argue. She only retreated to a corner, her expression sorrowful, while her mind kept track of the time.
Soon.
She lifted her head again. The timing was perfect.
From outside came noise.
At the gates of the estate, Grace had arrived with a group of people to stir trouble.
She didn’t care that the Lane family was cloaked in mourning. She only cared about herself.
“Ha! I heard Scarlett’s dead? Perfect! That bitch dared to scheme against me. Serves her right! I told you–she’d die miserably. What’s that they’re saying? Not even bones left? Good. Couldn’t be more satisfying!”
The butler Samson immediately stepped forward, his voice sharp with outrage.