Chapter 307: On the Importance of Speaking Skills
Alexander, who had been sprayed in the face, calmly wiped it off with his hand.
"What are you two doing?" Alexander voiced.
Did he say something funny?
Dean and Aurora exchanged glances. Dean said, "What a coincidence. My ex-wife's name is Nicole too. Maybe it's just the same name."
Alexander asked, "How many ex-wives do you have? Wasn't your ex-wife Wendy?"
"Nicole is the one Dean married after my mom died," Aurora explained, wiping her mouth with a napkin. "Alexander, if you have a photo, show it to us. It can't be that much of a coincidence."
If Nicole was really Alexander's sister, her aunt, then wouldn't Emily be her cousin?
Alexander replied, "I don't have a photo right now. I'll look for one later. By the way, where is this Nicole you're talking about?"
"She's in jail," Aurora answered. "She kidnapped Loren and was caught red-handed. I turned her in."
Alexander was stunned.
If this Nicole was really his sister, it would be a real headache.
Talk about twisted fate. Both Nicole and Sandra ended up in jail for kidnapping Loren.
Aurora also found this fate too strange and patted Alexander on the back to comfort Alexander. "Alexander, I don't think someone like Nicole could be your sister."
"Let's not talk about this now," Alexander said, seizing the moment. "Aurora, about Sandra..."
"Stop right there," Aurora interrupted Alexander. "I told you before, Sandra's case is off-limits. I gave her chances, but she kept provoking me. Does she think I'm a saint?"
If she hadn't found Loren in time, Loren would have ended up in a shredder. How could she possibly forgive vicious Sandra?
Alexander sighed. "Then let the law take its course. How many years will Sandra have to serve?"
"Kidnapping and attempted murder, at least ten years." Aurora replied.
"How could this child be so stubborn?" Alexander said, slapping his thigh in frustration. That was his own daughter; how could he be indifferent?
Jennifer had just passed away not long ago, and now Sandra was in trouble. A series of blows had turned Alexander's hair much grayer.
"Don't play the sympathy card with me," Aurora uttered, holding her water cup. "Following the legal process is already my greatest leniency. Otherwise, I would have sent her to the shredder right then."
Alexander fell silent, glaring at Aurora. After a long pause, he spoke, "How did you become so hard-hearted?"
This made Aurora's face turn cold. She sneered, "I have you to thank for that. You raised two wonderful daughters. I think we're done with this meal."
"Aurora," Alexander realized he had spoken too harshly and quickly explained, "I was just anxious and misspoke."
"You didn't misspeak. I've always been cold-hearted," Aurora said, standing up. "If anyone dares to mess my son, I will not let them off lightly."
With that, Aurora walked out. Alexander wanted to go after her but felt too embarrassed, so he signaled Dean to go.
Dean stood up and followed her out.
Alexander hadn't spent much time with Aurora and didn't know her well. But Dean had watched over by Dean as she grew up, so he understood her a bit better.
Aurora wasn't cold-hearted; she just didn't make endless concessions.
If she were truly heartless, Dean wouldn't be enjoying his retirement so freely.
But no matter how soft-hearted someone is, they can't avoid fighting back. After all, even the gentlest person will push back when cornered.
"Aurora," Dean spoke with a smile, "I've had too much to drink. Can you give me a ride?"
"If you're drunk, take a cab or call a driver," Aurora suggested, her tone sharp. She knew Dean was here to plead for Sandra.
"No one drives as comfortably as my daughter," Dean opened the car door and got in without waiting for Aurora's consent.
Aurora sighed. "Dean, you're getting more shameless."
Dean laughed heartily. "I learned this trick from you."
Aurora opened the car door and got in, really giving Dean a ride home.
The whole way, Dean didn't say a word, observing Aurora's expression. As they neared their destination, he finally asked, "Is John treating you well? Are the kids behaving?"
Aurora kept her eyes on the road. "Everything's fine. We found schools for Loren and Summer, and they're both attending normally."
"Those two kids are smart. You and John will enjoy a good life. Trey and Jax are also blessed. It's all good," Dean commented with a smile. "I'm really grateful that those two kids are doing well. Aurora, thank you for forgiving me."
Aurora knew what Dean was getting at when he brought up the kids.
If she could forgive Dean for abandoning the kids, why couldn't she forgive Sandra?
"Dean, I realize you've gotten a lot smarter. If you had been half as smart when Nicole was around, you wouldn't have been fooled by her for so many years."
"Really?" Dean said, scratching his head and smiling. "Maybe it's because I'm older and see things more clearly."
The car arrived at the White family's house. Aurora parked and looked at Dean. "These two cases may seem similar, but they're different in nature. If Sandra gets out, she won't stop. I can't be so forgiving as to let a criminal go. If something happens in the future, I would regret it deeply."
"I get it," Dean nodded. "Even animals protect their young, let alone humans. But Aurora, when you talk to your dad, try not to be too harsh. He's just trying to protect his daughter, just like you protect Loren and Summer."
Aurora stared at Dean. "I see you're quite the smooth talker today."
Alexander's words made her angry, while Dean's words made her feel comfortable.
Dean smiled. "Don't forget, I was once a big shot in the business world. Effective communication is basic."
Aurora retorted, "You were quite a character, almost bankrupting yourself and having to marry off your daughter to get investments. That's rare."
Dean was stunned.
"I'm going back to sleep. Drive carefully." Dean exhorted, getting out of the car, storming into the house.
Seeing Dean's angry look, Aurora suddenly felt much better.
Aurora turned the car around and decided to go to the Meadowbrook villa to see John.
At a red light, Aurora was about to start when someone suddenly dashed out.
Aurora instinctively hit the brakes. The car stopped, and the person who dashed out was also startled. He looked anxious, clearly in a hurry, and didn't even look at Aurora. He just apologized quickly, "Sorry."
Aurora steadied herself and recognized the person who dashed out. She exclaimed, "Jack."