CHAPTER 42

—Aurora's Pov—

Seated with a cup of coffee in hand, I couldn't help but think about the recent encounter with the stranger. It was getting dark and the absence of any feedback from either Diego or George continued to weigh heavily on my mind.

Xavier's laughter filled the corner of the room as a maid playfully interacted with him. Outside the house, a light fog had settled in, and the cold air seeped through the window.

A crackling fire blazed in the fireplace, consuming the logs as it danced and flickered in response. My worry had consumed me, and I found myself losing track of time, my thoughts consumed by Hawthorne.

I instinctively touched my neck, picturing the necklace he had gifted me, now missing after my escape from the mansion.

“Miss Aurora?” My butler's voice jolted me from my thoughts as he approached, drawing my attention back to the present.

I arched a brow, waiting for my butler to deliver his message. He leaned in, his hands concealed behind his impeccably tailor