Reborn Heiress: Taking Back What Is Rightfully Hers!-Chapter 697: Get Me Changed!

"Aurora, you’re really such a naïve pushover," Everett said coldly. "When your parents divorced, your mom got 40 million yuan. Your aunt sweet-talked her into ’investing’ it with her, saying she could grow the money... But then your mom died in that car accident. And just like that, your aunt kept it all. You really thought she raised you out of kindness?"

He let out a sharp laugh, full of sarcasm.

"I’ve looked into your aunt and uncle. Your uncle had no idea about this. And you’re still handing her money like an idiot? She lost all your mom’s money gambling in the stock market, and now she’s coming after your income."

Aurora felt like she’d been struck by lightning. She stood frozen, unable to respond.

All this time, she thought her aunt was just sharp-tongued but soft-hearted. Maybe a little selfish, sure—but still someone who’d raised her and Jesse. She figured that was kindness.

She never imagined Mrs. Wilson had stolen her mother’s 40 million inheritance. She’d been too young back then to know anything. And now it made sense—Mrs. Wilson only agreed to take them in because of that money.

Aurora also finally understood why her father had always been so cold to her. That money he gave her mother accounted for two-thirds of his assets.

But her mom got tricked and never spoke up. Maybe her dad assumed she chose not to leave anything for Aurora and Jesse.

A flood of emotions surged through Aurora. She didn’t even know how to begin expressing what she felt.

"You’ve faced the truth now," Everett said more gently, gripping her hand. "So from here on, stand your ground. Stop being so soft."

Aurora blinked back tears.

"I always thought she was just overbearing... I never imagined..."

Forty million.

That was more than enough to raise not just two kids—but a hundred. No wonder Mrs. Wilson had said yes. It was guilt all along.

"Do you want to get that money back?" Everett asked calmly. "Your uncle’s business hasn’t been doing well these past few years, but..."

Forty million wasn’t a big deal to Everett. He could cover that if he needed to.

But doing so would destroy Aurora’s relationship with the Wilson family. It would turn everything completely hostile. And once Mrs. Wilson found out, she’d definitely resent Aurora to the bone.

"There’s no need." Aurora gave a bitter smile.

She remembered her college years—working part-time jobs just to afford tuition and rent.

She wasn’t someone born into a life of luxury.

If she had been, her mom wouldn’t have been conned, and she and Jesse wouldn’t have struggled so much growing up.

It wasn’t until she signed with LXL that things started to turn around. The company gave her 200,000 a month, and she got sponsored clothes and bags. Promotional expenses were covered too.

Only then did her life ease up. Before that? Just thinking about it made her shudder.

"You’re way too kind. But I doubt your aunt will leave you alone so easily," Everett said, eyes flashing coldly.

If Mrs. Wilson had any sense, she’d back off. But some people were just blind—and had no idea they were messing with someone dangerous.

And if that was the case... Everett wouldn’t mind using other methods.

"I just... don’t want to embarrass my uncle," Aurora whispered. "If he finds out, their relationship will get even worse."

Things had already been tense since Kimi got expelled. Her uncle and aunt had been fighting more and more.

Everett rubbed his forehead in frustration.

Aurora was just too soft. If she weren’t, people wouldn’t keep walking all over her.

Just then, Tobias returned with the lip balm. He gave Everett a knowing, teasing look before quietly slipping out.

"Here, put this on," Aurora said, lifting the balm. "It’s really good for cracked lips. It’ll stop the bleeding too."

She twisted the cap open—but Everett’s face darkened.

Lip balm? For a grown man?

"No thanks. It’s just a tiny cut. I’ll live."

He turned his head, dodging her hand, clearly annoyed.

Aurora could tell he was being stubborn, so she gave a light snort.

"No one’s gonna see you in here. Just put it on! Your lips look awful without it."

"Aurora, I’m Everett—the internet’s certified heartthrob!" he scoffed, clearly offended.

"Way better-looking than your ex. Otherwise, why would half the internet be obsessed with me?"

Oh, so now he was fully aware of how famous he was?

Aurora frowned. Just looking at his cracked lips made her uncomfortable.

"Everett, just a couple dabs!"

"Not even half a dab."

"Everett, your lips are so cracked, you can’t even kiss properly!" Aurora blushed but pushed through—it was the only way to get him to agree to the balm.

Everett turned to her, eyes gleaming with surprise and amusement.

"Oh? So that’s what this is about?"

"Who’d want to kiss lips that ugly?"

"...Fine."

He finally gave in—though mostly because he was hoping to squeeze some perks out of the deal.

Aurora leaned down and carefully applied the balm to his lips. After several soft strokes, she could see the moisture return, and finally relaxed a little.

Once she finished, Everett raised an eyebrow.

"Better now, right? Come on, test it out."

Aurora shoved the balm into her pocket and turned away.

"Wait till you’re completely better!"

"You liar," Everett muttered, his face darkening. His glare could’ve frozen the air.

But then he reminded himself: She’s here with me. That’s already enough. Why ask for too much?

Not long ago, even dreaming of being with her felt impossible.

Everett pressed his lips together. The balm actually felt... kind of good.

"Lie down. Sleep with me."

His tone was commanding, sharp as ever.

Aurora blinked.

Now? He wanted to nap with her now?

Was he serious? It was still broad daylight outside—it was barely 5 p.m.!

It wasn’t even dinner yet!

"Just a nap. We’ll eat after," Everett said, reading her mind. His usually cold eyes now brimmed with barely restrained longing.

Fine. Aurora sighed and gave in. If he’d fall asleep faster, all the better.

She lay down beside him—and the moment she did, Everett rolled over and pressed his freshly balmed lips softly to hers.

And just like that, Aurora felt... weird.

Like she was kissing another woman. It was so awkward.

So this was why he didn’t want the lip balm at first.

It really was a strange sensation...

As she lay there on the bed, a doctor came in to switch Everett’s IV. He caught sight of the scene and quickly looked away, barely suppressing a smirk.

Only then did Aurora remember—before Mrs. Wilson had called, Everett had a thermometer in his mouth.

But then the whole inheritance bombshell had happened, and she totally forgot.

"Where’s the thermometer?" she asked, glancing toward the nightstand.

There it was—sitting quietly.

"Did you even keep it in for five minutes?" she asked.

"No idea."

The doctor smiled faintly.

"Well, judging from his color and alertness, looks like the fever’s mostly gone."

Aurora checked the thermometer: 38.7°C. Way down from before. Not bad.

After the doctor left, Everett realized his clothes were soaked through with sweat.

"Aurora—get me changed."