Aurora Dourada: Retorno By Ricardo Almeida

Shannon was left dumbfounded.

‘Purity and innocence?’ Shannon wondered, her disbelief deepening. These terms seemed better suited for Gregory’s mother, the woman

he adored.

The more she pondered, the more it grated on her nerves.

“But now, it seems you don’t need my protection anymore. Even in my absence, you’d find ways to pursue your desires and go to great lengths to seek revenge against those you despise.”

Gregory’s expression grew stern, and his brows furrowed. “However, consider this your last warning. I expect you to behave yourself from now on, refrain from causing trouble to innocent individuals, and stop bringing any more trouble to me or the Salvador family. Otherwise, I’ll have no choice but to send you abroad for a quieter life, away from

the conflicts and disputes of Savrow.”

Upon hearing Gregory’s intention to send her away, Shannon was overwhelmed with a mix of shock and anger. Her entire body started trembling with fear.

“Gregory… What do you mean by that? Are you trying to say that you’re over me? Are you planning to abandon me after a few words of slander by Bella? Or is it because you have illicit intentions toward Wyatt’s wife? Is that why you’re taking this out on me? Is that why you’re trying every means to get rid of me? So that you can welcome

a new woman into your life?!”

“What nonsense are you spewing now?!” Gregory’s brows furrowed in anger, his voice hoarse.

“Well… I got that right, didn’t I? You’re feeling guilty, aren’t you?”

Shannon’s back stiffened, her neck tensed, and her eyes tinged with red as she glared at the man. “Back when Celeste was still on the TS Channel, there were rumors about your ambiguous relationship with her! There were even talks of you privately favoring her with resources and showing intentions to keep her!”

Gregory’s eyes narrowed, his fists clenching in silence.

“Celeste is your ideal partner, while I’m just the fallback option, right?”

These words, long suppressed within Shannon’s heart, felt like a thorn finally extracted, unleashing a surge of both anger and relief.

“If Celeste hadn’t ruined her reputation with drug abuse, she would’ve been the one to marry into the Salvador family, not me. I wouldn’t even stand a chance, would I?”

“Are you done talking?” Gregory questioned her sharply, his tone icy. Veins bulged on his forehead.

“Well, since you’re so fond of Celeste and so eager to defend her, why didn’t you step in when she faced that humiliating incident on stage during the anniversary celebration? You were present in the audience. Why didn’t you rush to her aid like Wyatt? Why didn’t you marry her?!”

“You didn’t because you were afraid You were afraid of being tainted by such a scandalous woman. You were worried she would tarnish your reputation as the Salvador family’s CEO! Since you ignored her back then, what’s the point of pretending to be righteous and

compassionate now?”

Gregory bellowed, “Shannon, shut up!”

Shannon smirked with disdain, her gaze filled with contempt. “Your son longs for another man’s daughter, and you yearn for that man’s wife. The Thompson family must be something extraordinary.”

Gregory, enraged and humiliated, lashed out and slapped Shannon.

Shannon felt her eardrums throb with pain. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she seethed with hatred.

Gregory recoiled. His fingers trembled as he clenched them tightly.

This marked the first instance in Gregory’s life where he resorted to violence against a woman, contradicting the values instilled in him by his upbringing. Yet Shannon’s actions had left him with no choice.

“You… You actually laid your hands on me! How dare you?!” Content protected by Nôv/el(D)rama.Org.

Shannon erupted into tears, sprung up from the bed, and ran barefoot

toward the balcony.

“What’s the point of living anymore? I might as well be dead!”

Gregory’s eyes widened in alarm. “Someone get in here now! Hurry!”

Gregory’s secretary and bodyguard who were stationed outside the ward, rushed in at once. Upon seeing that Shannon was about to jump off the balcony, they immediately grabbed her arms from both sides as if they were apprehending a criminal.

Shannon wept hysterically, tears streaming down her face, looking utterly wretched.

“Have two maids take turns to watch over Shannon, and the both of you shall remain stationed at the door around the clock. If anything happens to Shannon, I will hold the both of you responsible,” Gregory

ordered sternly.