Aurora thought for a moment and said seriously, "He's quite nice, very warm and friendly. But I think he has a younger sister, and her situation is a little... unique." She chose her words carefully and eventually settled on “unique.” She didn’t know the specifics yet, and she hadn't met Leonard’s sister in person. Grace mulled it over. "Alright. Try to learn more about his situation. Leonard is a promising business partner, so keep an eye on that." "Got it." With that, Aurora left the chairman’s office. As soon as she returned to her own office, a message came in from Leonard: "I took my sister to the place you recommended. It’s the first time I’ve seen her eat so much." A faint smile appeared in Aurora’s eyes as she read the message. She replied, "I’m glad she liked it. I know a lot of places that are fun for kids too. We can check some out when there's time." "That sounds perfect. I’m free this afternoon. Are you, Miss Walton?" Leonard replied quickly. Aurora c
No matter what Aurora said, Nora remained quiet and unresponsive, her expression blank. She clutched a bunny plush in her arms and kept herself hidden behind Leonard, entirely in her own world. Even so, Aurora showed no sign of frustration. If anything, her eyes softened with even more sympathy. Leonard couldn't help but speak up. "Aurora, it’s alright. You should go ahead and eat. Don’t worry about my sister. I’ll take care of her. If she wants to eat, she’ll eat." Seeing how patient Aurora was made Leonard feel a little embarrassed. Part of him was surprised. But he couldn’t help but wonder—was Aurora really this kind and compassionate, or was it just a front because of their business partnership? With that thought lingering, he gave her a more thoughtful look. Aurora returned to her seat, a little reluctantly. At first, she’d wanted to get close to Leonard for work reasons, to build a stronger partnership. But now, after seeing what Nora had been through at such a
After the server brought over the extra pudding, she bent down with a patient smile and started chatting with Nora. She gently reminded her not to eat too much at once, saying she could finish this one and come back next time for more. If she liked it, they’d be happy to have her again. In the warm sunlight, the delicate lines of Aurora’s profile seemed to glow, especially when she spoke to Nora—her whole face lit up with a soft, heartfelt smile. Leonard found himself staring, momentarily dazed. His heart skipped a beat without warning. Inside the restaurant, everything else faded into the background. In his eyes, there was only Aurora and his little sister. The warmth in Aurora’s voice, the kindness in her expression—it all made the corners of Leonard’s mouth lift, almost involuntarily. Maybe it was time for Nora to have a little more contact with the outside world. …“Lukey, you’re always working,” Wendy pouted, her full lips forming a perfect little frown, the innoce
Watching the scene unfold, Lucas felt a flicker of dissatisfaction. He was beginning to think it might be time to have a serious conversation with Kenneth about his sister’s entitled behavior. But before he could dwell on it, Wendy switched gears with surprising ease. She held up a shirt with a bright smile. “Lukey, look at this one! I think it’s perfect for you!” She grabbed a matching tie and pair of pants. “And this tie and these trousers—now it’s a full set!” Lucas gave them a once-over, his eyes narrowing slightly. They were exactly his style—simple, sharp, and the kind of clothes he usually wore. Just as he was about to pay, Wendy beat him to it. “I’ve got it. Lukey, this is my gift to you.” For some reason, that warmed him more than he expected. After all, even Aurora had never really bought him anything like this. "Alright," he said, a rare trace of softness in his tone. "Looks like you’ve grown up." Wendy grinned and leaned in playfully. “Of course I have
She couldn’t help wondering—what did his wife look like? What kind of woman was she? The man she’d had her eyes on for so long, the one she grew up with, had been taken by someone else just like that. How could she possibly be willing to accept it? Today, she was determined to meet this so-called wife. After dinner, Lucas offered to drive Wendy back. But she refused. “Lukey, I hardly ever come to Ravenshore, and you’re really going to make me stay in a hotel the whole time?” She sat in the backseat, turning her head toward the window, lips slightly pouting. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to sit in the front. She had tried until Lucas’s reaction made it very clear she shouldn’t. The moment she’d reached for the passenger door, he had snapped, telling her that seat was reserved for his wife. She would never forget how he’d shut her down when she joked, “Not even me? I’m not like those other women. We grew up together!” She’d teased him playfully. “Come on, Lukey, sav
“It’s fine. No need to explain.”Aurora looked at the two of them standing together—the tall, striking man and the delicate, sweet-looking woman beside him.They looked oddly well-matched together.In that moment, it felt like something hollowed out inside her chest.She couldn’t even describe what she was feeling.Wendy stepped forward, her eyes quickly scanning Aurora’s face, a flicker of jealousy passing through her gaze. Then she smiled and said sweetly, “So you’re back, my dear sister-in-law.“Don’t get the wrong idea. There’s nothing between Lukey and me. We’ve known each other since we were kids. He brought me home because I didn’t have anywhere else to go.”Her hand was still linked around Lucas’ arm as she glanced up at him, urging him to speak. “Lukey, go on and explain things to her. She looks really upset.”“Since childhood?”Wendy blinked innocently. “Of course. Didn’t Lukey ever mention me to you?”Aurora raised an eyebrow.That one sentence lit a fire in her chest she c
Wendy caught the sharp glint in Lucas’ eyes and finally realized that he was genuinely angry. She clicked her tongue and said casually, “Alright then. You two talk it out. Just don’t fight because of me.” The chill in Aurora’s gaze deepened. She gave a cold scoff and turned to leave, ready to walk out and give them all the space they needed. But Lucas didn’t let go. His hand remained firmly locked around her wrist. Aurora struggled, but his grip didn’t budge. Her voice turned icy. “Let go. Go be with her. Don’t touch me.” A vein pulsed at Lucas’s temple, his jaw tight as he stared at her lips moving—every word cutting deeper than the last. He wanted to shut her up right now. And behind them, Wendy stood with her back turned, the corners of her mouth lifting slowly into a smug smile. “Oh, my dear sister-in-law, this is only the beginning. You’ll get used to it, won’t you? Watching your man slip right through your fingers.”The thought made her giddy. Her steps grew l
Lucas watched Aurora’s retreating figure but didn’t follow. He knew what she needed right now wasn’t more pressure, but space to cool down. If he pushed too hard, it would only make things worse. His fists clenched tightly at his sides. Only when the guest room door slammed shut with a loud bang did he snap out of his daze. Letting out a long, heavy sigh, he turned and headed toward the master bedroom. Meanwhile, in the guest room, Aurora sat in silence, unable to shake the frustration tightening in her chest. She had told herself from the very beginning to never believe a man’s promises. She and Lucas had always been about mutual benefit, and nothing more. And yet, something had started to shift. Something she hadn’t accounted for. Things were slipping out of her control, veering in a direction she didn’t expect and wanted.She raised a hand to her chest, fingers pressing lightly against her heart. That steady thrum felt more and more unmanageable. Why had she go
All it did was make Aurora feel like her past self had been unbelievably naive.But Joseph kept going, oblivious to her discomfort. "Those were our best memories. I still remember the first time you blushed, the way you looked in that white dress—so sweet and shy. “You were always so gentle and soft when you were with me… it was such a beautiful time."As he spoke, he watched her face closely, searching for some flicker of emotion.But to Aurora, hearing those words from him made her skin crawl.The more he went on, the more irritated she became. Her expression turned colder by the second.She reached for her phone, ready to call a ride. Staying here any longer felt like a direct assault on her intelligence.Joseph noticed the gesture. That was when it hit him—she hadn’t been listening to a single word he said.And in that moment, he felt like a complete fool.He had poured out his heart, and yet this woman—this ungrateful bitch—could still be so heartless.His eyes darkened. He
Aurora’s anger ignited the second those words left his mouth.Without hesitation, she slapped Joseph hard across the face, her voice sharp and cold. "What the hell is wrong with you?"This is still Walton Corporation, and you think you can throw a fit right here? Whether I talk or not is none of your damn business. Try worrying about yourself."The slap caught Joseph completely off guard. Before he could react, Aurora had already snatched her phone back.He clutched his cheek, momentarily stunned, not even sure where to look.Rage overtook him. "You bitch! You actually hit me!"Aurora raised her chin defiantly. "So, what if I did? You brought it on yourself."Joseph couldn’t stand the smugness in her expression. Grinding his teeth, he snapped, "You think you can just cut me off like that? It’s not gonna be that easy!"Aurora, we were together for three years. Don’t forget, I’ve seen everything. You're not afraid I’ll send it all out?"His threat made Aurora pause, eyes narrowing as s
After all, this was a choice, and a gamble, Aurora had made for herself.Even if she lost the bet, she knew she'd have to deal with the consequences on her own.She pulled out her phone, opened the ride-hailing app, and was just about to book a car when a voice laced with fury and bitterness cut through the air."Aurora Walton, you’re doing this on purpose, aren’t you?"The sudden sound startled her. She hadn’t even noticed someone standing nearby.Steadying herself, Aurora looked up, only to be met with Joseph’s face, dark and twisted with resentment."Well, look who’s changed careers," she said dryly, unable to resist the jab.Joseph blinked, caught off guard. "What’s that supposed to mean?""Nothing much. Just surprised to find a clown performing right outside my office," Aurora said casually. "Now move. Stop blocking my way."At that, Joseph’s expression twisted. The fresh style he’d worked so hard on couldn’t hide the rage contorting his face. "What the hell does that mean? I ca
"Judy, I know things have been tough on you lately. Go ahead and pick out whatever you want."With a grand gesture, Joseph handed her a bank card. "You know the PIN. If it’s not enough, just let me know."Judy was momentarily stunned by the gesture, caught off guard by the sudden generosity."Joseph, you’re so good to me."He pulled her into his arms. "You’re my woman. If I don’t treat you well, who else should I treat well? Go to the mall this afternoon. Don’t come back until you’ve spent it all."Judy leaned into him, looking blissfully content. She could only hope all her previous doubts were just in her head.After sending her off, Joseph got himself styled up and prepared to head to Walton Corporation to see Aurora.The more he thought about things, the more stifled he felt.That spiteful woman—Aurora had kept things from him for three whole years. It had to be intentional.There hadn’t been a shred of trust between them—that was what made being with her so exhausting, and what
The two of them were laughing and chatting, and in Lucas’ eyes, they looked exactly like a family.A flush of red crept into the corners of his eyes as he forced himself to suppress the emotions surging in his chest.He told himself over and over to stay calm and trust Aurora.But watching the scene through the glass, he felt like he was on the verge of losing it.The image of a handsome man, a beautiful woman, and an adorable little girl was the perfect picture of a family. No matter how he looked at it, that’s exactly what it seemed to be.Jealousy churned inside him, bubbling to the surface with every breath he took.In the end, he could only turn and leave.Even though anger simmered beneath his skin, he was still standing near Walton Corporation. He reminded himself that Aurora would give him an explanation.“What if he was only a working partner?” he reasoned, trying to hold on to that thought.…Meanwhile, Joseph paced anxiously in his apartment.He dragged a hand through his
"Yes, our GM’s been busy coordinating with a new project partner. She already left for lunch, probably eating at one of the restaurants nearby."The receptionist answered Lucas’ question without holding anything back.He gave a small nod in thanks and turned to leave.Glancing at his still-silent phone, a flicker of unease crept into his chest.It appeared that Aurora was still upset.He stepped out and wandered around the nearby restaurants, checking one after another. With all the people casting glances his way, he reluctantly pulled on a mask and got back in the car, driving slow laps around the area.Honestly, he hadn’t expected much—just hoped he might get lucky and run into her.But then, through a restaurant’s glass window, he caught a glimpse of a familiar smile.At first, from a distance, he wasn’t sure if it was really her. After all, she was sitting across from a man and a little girl.When he rolled the window down for a better look, the uncertainty vanished.It was Auror
But Lucas wasn’t falling for her tricks anymore. His face remained cold as he said, "Stay a couple more days if you want, but once you're done having your fun, go back.""You’re kicking me out?"Wendy stared at him in disbelief, her face full of shock. They had known each other since childhood—was that bond really worth nothing now?Lucas stayed unmoved, firm in his stance.No matter how much Wendy pouted or begged this time, he didn’t say another word.In the end, the whole scene ended in frustration, with Wendy stewing in her own anger.Lucas had no appetite left either. Grabbing his coat, he headed out the door.Ever since Wendy arrived, he’d realized he needed to reevaluate his relationship with Aurora. He couldn’t keep treating it so casually.Wendy watched his retreating figure, her fists slowly clenching, eyes wide with fury.She had no idea what kind of spell Aurora had cast. Even after acting that smug, Lucas still indulged her.He even cooked for her.Wendy had never see
When Aurora got up, she saw Wendy sitting at the dining table, her eyes sparkling as she looked at Lucas."Wow, Lukey, I didn’t expect to taste your cooking again today. I’ve missed it so much!"Wendy exclaimed dramatically, "You have no idea, the stuff overseas is practically inedible. None of it tastes right. Home is still the best. And especially Lukey’s cooking."But Lucas remained expressionless. "Don’t touch anything. Wait till your sister-in-law gets up."Wendy pouted but, under his gaze, reluctantly put down the piece of fried egg.From the corner of her eye, she saw Aurora.The woman didn’t say a word. She just stood there quietly, like an outsider watching it all unfold.Wendy then walked over to her and, feigning intimacy, hooked her arm through Aurora’s. "My dear sis-in-law, look at all the delicious food Lukey made. Don’t stay upset anymore."If you ask me, you really are lucky. Lukey’s looks and background are both top-tier, and he even knows how to cook. Isn’t that the
Lucas watched Aurora’s retreating figure but didn’t follow. He knew what she needed right now wasn’t more pressure, but space to cool down. If he pushed too hard, it would only make things worse. His fists clenched tightly at his sides. Only when the guest room door slammed shut with a loud bang did he snap out of his daze. Letting out a long, heavy sigh, he turned and headed toward the master bedroom. Meanwhile, in the guest room, Aurora sat in silence, unable to shake the frustration tightening in her chest. She had told herself from the very beginning to never believe a man’s promises. She and Lucas had always been about mutual benefit, and nothing more. And yet, something had started to shift. Something she hadn’t accounted for. Things were slipping out of her control, veering in a direction she didn’t expect and wanted.She raised a hand to her chest, fingers pressing lightly against her heart. That steady thrum felt more and more unmanageable. Why had she go