Only then could they lead the company to a higher level.And for that, cooperation between the two of them was essential.After closing the door, Ian stood there beaming with satisfaction.This was long overdue—those two needed quality time alone.Some things were best addressed face-to-face, with real conversation and honest communication.Keeping everything bottled up did no good for either side.That was why Ian had taken it upon himself to create this opportunity for Aurora.When she was pushed into the room, Aurora was momentarily dazed.Once she realized what happened, she quickly stepped forward and saw Grace seated behind the large leather chair, bent over the desk with her glasses resting low on her nose, held by a thin chain.Grace’s brows were tightly knit as she focused on the documents in front of her.Aurora watched silently, her heart aching.Her mother had only just recovered, yet she was already pushing herself to return to work.And all of it was because of her.If sh
Before Aurora could say much to Lucas, the office door was knocked on again.Her brows furrowed slightly. “Come in.”Ian pushed the door open, looking a bit embarrassed. “Um, sorry to interrupt, Miss Aurora. Madam Grace just found out you’re back and asked to see you.”At those words, Aurora’s heart sank.She had known all along that not going to see her mother the moment she returned wasn’t the right thing to do.But with Tessa in the picture—and everything she had done—Aurora truly didn’t know how to face her mother.In fact, she could probably guess what her mother wanted to say.Lucas saw her go quiet and understood her hesitation immediately.He reached up and gently ruffled her hair.“It’s alright. Don’t worry,” he said with a soft smile. “Every hurdle can be crossed. And besides, she’s your mother. Whatever it is, just talk it out.”Aurora looked up and met his eyes—warm, tender, filled with love.That look was enough to drown her in affection.If she wasn’t careful, she’d fall
Over the past month, if Aurora hadn’t woken up in time, would Walton Corporation have been swallowed up by Hunt Enterprises?And now Joseph even dared to set his sights on their joint project with Vanguard Group?What a ridiculous fantasy.“Aurora, don’t rush. We’ll need to take this step by step,”Lucas said as he placed a hand on her shoulder, signaling her to stay calm.If she acted impulsively now, it would be falling right into Joseph’s trap.That much was obvious.Aurora took a deep breath. She understood what Lucas meant.She gently patted the back of his hand to show that she got it.At this point, she wasn’t foolish.If she still couldn’t see through Joseph’s intentions, then Walton Corporation would be nothing but a joke.Ian lowered his gaze, avoiding the couple’s exchange.From the look of it, Aurora hadn’t lost much weight.It seemed her husband had taken excellent care of her.That gave the employees peace of mind.At first, seeing Aurora and Lucas together, everyone thou
Aurora was just about out of patience when Ian finally blurted everything out.“Actually, it’s mainly Hunt Enterprises. They’ve been competing with us for several projects lately.”Aurora’s expression froze the moment she heard that.She had expected some outside interference but it turned out to be an old acquaintance.“You’re sure it’s Joseph? You didn’t mistake someone else for him?”Aurora knew him well. With how timid he was, how could he possibly make a move against Walton Corporation?Setting aside whether he was capable or not, he definitely didn’t have the nerve.That was why she was so surprised.Deep down, she wondered if Ian had gotten it wrong.After all, they couldn’t jump to conclusions. If this escalated, it would become a matter between two corporations.Lucas, meanwhile, had fallen into deep thought.If something really was going on with Walton Corporation, then why hadn’t his assistant informed him?Before leaving, he had clearly told Desmond to keep a close eye on
It was as if he didn’t want to show his vulnerable side to someone familiar.Lucas could empathize, but he still felt a bit annoyed.Was this subordinate being a little too dramatic?Aurora, however, didn’t see it that way. She only felt a twinge of sympathy.After all, Ian had been with her for a long time.He’d always worked under her and was one of her most capable aides.Now, seeing him like this so suddenly, she didn’t even know how to deal with a man crying.“Alright, it’s only been a month. Are you really going to get all sentimental with me right now?”Aurora teased with a smile, “What happened to your manliness?”Then she gave his shoulder a light punch, offering encouragement.That little gesture made Ian break into a smile, because the familiar feeling was back.“No, I’m just being overly emotional.”He quickly wiped away his tears and looked at Aurora with a smile in his eyes. “Miss Aurora, I’m really happy you’re back.“The employees and I all missed you these past few we
There was no need for them to rush things.Time would give the best answer.Meanwhile, Ian arrived at the door of Aurora’s office.He stared at the closed door and suddenly hesitated.In that moment, he didn’t know how to face Aurora.He wasn’t sure what to say once he saw her.The past month had drained him completely.He knew he hadn’t done everything perfectly.And now, he had to report all of it to Aurora in detail.Ian paced back and forth outside the door, nervous and unsure.He didn’t know how to explain everything that had happened over the past month.But avoiding it wasn’t an option.Taking a deep breath, Ian finally raised his hand and knocked on the door.Aurora heard the knock and called out, “Come in.”Ian’s heart trembled.That familiar voice—he hadn’t heard it in nearly a month.Only he knew how much he had missed it.Over the past month, he had endured far too much pressure.But now, with Aurora back, he could finally breathe a little easier.He could also give the oth