Rebirth: A Second chance at life
Chapter 110: Maxwell Throwing Tantrums...Again?

Chapter 110: Maxwell Throwing Tantrums...Again?

Aurora was in the middle of her morning workout by the garden.

The soft thuds of her feet against the mat, the sharp whistle of the wind slicing around her kicks, and the calm sound of waves crashing below created a rhythm she had come to cherish.

Her garden wasn’t just a space for flowers and peace—it was her battlefield, her therapy.

Her hair was tied back in a high ponytail. Her black workout top clung to her skin, her breathing steady after finishing another set of movements.

She was about to start her next sequence when she heard it.

Footsteps.

She paused, her eyes narrowing slightly. She had trained herself to recognize movement—even the way someone walked could give them away.

These steps weren’t unfamiliar. They were confident, even, but careful. A bit hesitant.

She turned.

There, walking toward her from the stone pathway, was Sebastian Harper.

Impeccably dressed, as always—his white shirt was open at the collar, sleeves rolled just enough to appear effortless, and dark trousers tailored to perfection.

The sunlight caught his features, casting a warm glow across his sharp jawline and clear skin.

Aurora felt a blush rise to her cheeks but quickly composed herself, refusing to slip further into daydreams.

His dark hair was brushed back, his expression calm, but his eyes looked... distracted. He wasn’t alone.

Holding his hand was Jenny.

As soon as Jenny saw Aurora, her face broke into a bright smile. "Sister Aurora!" she cried out.

She let go of Sebastian’s hand and ran across the grass with small, quick steps.

Aurora blinked, surprised. Before she could react, the girl hugged her leg tightly.

Aurora was used to being feared or respected—not hugged. But Jenny’s warmth, her tiny arms wrapped around her, brought a rare softness to Aurora’s face.

She slowly bent down and returned the hug gently.

"Hey, Jenny," she said in a quiet, kind tone. "Good morning. Did you sleep well?"

Jenny looked up and nodded with excitement. "Mhm! I had a dream I was fighting monsters with you! I kicked one so high it flew into the sky!"

Aurora chuckled softly. "You’re getting stronger every day."

She stood and took Jenny’s hand. "Let’s take a little walk, shall we?"

Then her eyes moved to Sebastian, who was now standing just a few feet away.

"Good morning, Mr. Harper," she said, her expression neutral again. "I’ll be taking Jenny for a short walk. The morning air is good for her healing. We’ll be back for breakfast soon."

Sebastian nodded slightly, but instead of turning back, he hesitated.

"Would it be alright if I joined you?" he asked.

Aurora looked at him for a second, as if considering. "If you’d like," she said after a pause.

The three of them began walking slowly down the garden path, the wind tugging at their clothes.

Aurora’s garden overlooked the cliffs—stone railings stood like guards at the edge, offering a breathtaking view of the wide blue ocean stretching to the horizon.

The sun shimmered over the waves, lighting up the world below.

Jenny skipped ahead, humming a tune and occasionally pretending to swat at imaginary bugs or duel invisible villains.

Sebastian walked silently beside Aurora, stealing occasional glances at her.

She walked with ease, focused on Jenny, but her posture was naturally graceful. She didn’t try to impress anyone. She didn’t need to.

He couldn’t stop thinking about her.

He hadn’t slept at all last night. He had tossed and turned for hours, his mind spinning with everything he had seen and learned about her.

Her strength. Her calm. Her terrifying precision in combat. The way she stood without fear.

She was nothing like the women he was used to.

Growing up as the heir to Harper Corporation, he’d seen his fair share of manipulation and attention-seekers.

Women had tried everything to catch his attention—flirting, charm, expensive perfumes, and perfectly rehearsed smiles.

Some even dared to throw themselves at him, thinking their beauty or status would sway him.

They were wrong.

He didn’t entertain shallow games. He had no time for fake emotions or desperate attention. He saw through lies instantly and crushed any advance without mercy.

His rejections weren’t polite—they were brutal. He made it clear, without mincing words, that he wasn’t interested.

Some left with tears in their eyes, some with their pride shattered. But none ever tried again.

He had a reputation—cold, ruthless, untouchable. His mere presence demanded silence. One glance from him could freeze someone in place.

He was the kind of man who didn’t need to raise his voice to control a room.

To him, emotions were a weakness, and relationships were distractions. He had never desired anyone. Not once.

Until now.

Aurora had caught his attention the first time they met. She wasn’t delicate. She wasn’t fake. She was intelligent and blunt.

And underneath all that strength, there was something else... something hard to name. Quiet pain? A hidden vulnerability?

He remembered the file Liam had given him.

Her background.

Her family.

Her ex-husband.

His hands tightened into fists in his pockets as he recalled the cruelty she had endured. It made his blood boil.

Sebastian cleared his throat, breaking the silence.

"You have a beautiful garden," he said casually.

Aurora glanced at him. "One of my favorite places," she replied. "I like the ocean."

As soon as the words left her mouth, she frowned slightly. Why did she say that? That was more personal than she intended to share. She didn’t need to explain herself to him.

Sebastian noticed the change. "It’s calming," he said simply. "I can see why you’d like it."

Aurora nodded but didn’t respond. She quickened her pace just a bit, brushing her fingers through Jenny’s hair.

Why did I tell him that? she thought, irritated with herself. Why does it feel like I’m letting him in?

They reached a flat stone overlook built at the edge of the cliff. A wide bench stood there, facing the sea. Jenny climbed onto it with excitement.

"Look! I can see everything! I’m taller than everyone now!" she said, balancing carefully.

Aurora smiled and reached out to steady her. "Be careful. If you fall, I’ll have to swim all the way down to rescue you."

Jenny giggled. "You can swim?"

"I can do many things," Aurora said with a wink.

Sebastian watched the way she spoke to the child—with such ease, even warmth. It was a side of her he hadn’t seen before.

To him, she was cold and guarded. From the moment they met, her tone had been strictly professional—not arrogant, but distant. Detached. As if she had built an invisible wall between them that he wasn’t allowed to cross.

His chest tightened with something he couldn’t explain. Annoyance? Jealousy? He wasn’t sure.

His gaze shifted to Jenny. The little troublemaker. How was it so easy for her to break through Aurora’s walls?

He narrowed his eyes slightly, sending an unintentional glare toward the girl.

Why does she get to see that side of her?

"Let’s go back," Aurora said quietly.

She had work waiting. Today, she needed to visit her base villa. Jack had retrieved the phone, and Professor Maxwell had finally found a lead.

But now the professor was being difficult—throwing tantrums and insisting on meeting her in person. Aurora had no choice but to handle it herself.

As they walked, Aurora glanced down at the girl beside her. "What do you want for breakfast, Jenny?"

Jenny’s eyes lit up as she held up her fingers and started listing, "Red sauce pasta, poached egg, garlic toast, and... strawberry milk!"

Aurora chuckled softly and ruffled her hair. "Alright, I’ll make it for you."

From behind, Sebastian’s voice cut in. "Ms. Smith, I can handle the breakfast."

He looked straight at Jenny. "You don’t have to trouble her with all that. Apologize."

Jenny blinked, then mumbled, "But... Ms. Smith always makes it for me."

Aurora looked at Sebastian calmly. "It’s really not a problem, Mr. Harper. I enjoy cooking for her. It’s no trouble at all."

Jenny smiled up at Aurora sweetly—then glanced at Sebastian with a blank, teasing stare. Poker face on.

Sebastian narrowed his eyes. This little troublemaker...

How does she always get whatever she wants from Aurora? It annoyed him more than it should.

I really need to set some boundaries with her, he thought with a huff.

On the other side of the city, Veronica slowly woke from a deep sleep.

She stretched with a satisfied sigh, feeling unusually ecstatic. Last night, Alexander had prepared everything for her—dinner, wine, even a quiet evening where he let her stay in his room.

He even cuddled me to sleep, she thought, smiling to herself. He loves me. He definitely does.

The thought sent a wave of triumph through her chest.

She turned to the side of the bed, running her fingers along the sheets. He let me stay in his room... me, not her.

Veronica smirked.

"Well, well, Aurora..." she whispered. "Look at me now. I’ve taken your man."

She stood and walked to the mirror, brushing her hair with slow, confident strokes.

And after you’re gone... her eyes gleamed in the reflection, your entire fortune will be mine, too.

She couldn’t hide the glee spreading across her face.

Alexander must be after her now. He must be getting ready to finish her off.

Veronica’s smile widened. This time, she won’t escape my clutches.