Chapter 5

Aurora remained calm. "Don't worry, I’m done with Joseph. But since I’ll be taking over the Walton family, my marriage should at least be stable. I’d rather choose someone I don’t dislike."

Grace had never approved of her being with Joseph.

Part of it was her disdain for Aurora allowing emotions to cloud her judgment.

The other reason was that the Hunt family was a direct competitor to the Waltons.

Though the Hunts weren’t as powerful as the Waltons, they were still considered rivals.

In truth, when it came to marriage, Grace wasn’t overly controlling.

She wasn’t as invested in Aurora’s affairs as she was in Tessa’s.

Her sharp gaze swept over Aurora, assessing her for a moment.

"Fine, you can choose whoever you want to marry, but a bet is a bet. Don’t let me down, Aurora."

Aurora nodded.

Grace had other matters to attend to and turned to head upstairs.

Now, only Tessa and Aurora remained in the living room.

Though they were sisters in name, their relationship had always been lukewarm at best.

Tessa deliberately toyed with the expensive bracelet Grace bought for her at auction, letting out a mocking laugh.

"Aurora, do you really think you can find someone better than Julian? The whole social circle knows you lowered yourself for Joseph. Do you honestly believe anyone would still want to marry you?"

The Walton and Hunt families didn’t run in the same circles.

But in Ravenshore, rumors about Aurora being involved with another man had been spreading like wildfire.

Aurora merely cast Tessa a glance.

She felt nothing for this so-called sister.

In fact, when Julian called off the engagement, she had been relieved.

For some reason, Tessa always harbored resentment toward her.

"Julian?"

Aurora arched a brow and let out a mocking laugh.

"If you like him so much, keep him. But from what I’ve heard, he sleeps around quite a bit. Make sure he gets regular checkups, sister."

"You—"

Tessa's chest rose and fell in anger.

She knew full well the difference between her and Aurora.

Grace was strict with Aurora yet indulgent with her—not out of love, but because she had higher expectations for Aurora.

But why?

Why was Aurora the one who got to inherit the Walton family?

Why not her?

Just because she was adopted?

As she watched Aurora walk away, bitterness and unwillingness filled Tessa’s darkened gaze.

However, Aurora had no time to bother with Tessa’s feelings.

News of her situation had spread, and her friends were eager to introduce potential matches for her.

For three days straight, she met with one man after another, yet none of them piqued her interest.

She was about to leave when a familiar voice called out from nearby.

"Aurora? What a coincidence."

Judy walked toward her, arm linked with Joseph’s.

Her look had completely changed.

She was now draped in high-end designer labels from head to toe, yet she still carried that same gentle, obedient demeanor.

Beside her, Joseph frowned at the sight of Aurora.

She seemed different from before.

Her makeup was flawless, her lips painted a bold red, her dark hair flowing effortlessly.

Her gaze carried a lazy, indifferent air—bold, unrestrained.

Nothing like the woman he once knew.

"What are you doing here?"

Joseph brushed aside his stray thoughts and asked coldly.

This restaurant was exclusive to members.

Someone like Aurora had no place here.

Aurora curled her lips into a playful smirk. "And why wouldn’t I be here?"

"Miss Walton, are you working here?" Judy let out a soft laugh, her tone laced with pity.

"The pay here is good, but I didn’t expect a top university graduate like you to end up as a waitress just for money."

"And what’s wrong with being a waitress?"

Aurora’s gaze swept over Judy’s expensive outfit, each piece worth thousands, before she said casually, "At least I make my own money instead of relying on a man."

Judy’s face paled. She bit her lip, looking pitiful.

But Joseph’s expression darkened with disdain. "So what if I spend money on my woman?

“When we broke up, I even gave you two hundred thousand dollars in compensation, but you insisted on refusing it.

“Aurora Walton, with an attitude like yours, do you even deserve to work here?"

His face was cold as he signaled for the manager.

Beside him, Judy remained silent, watching Aurora with quiet obedience.

Aurora looked at the two of them.

Suddenly, she found it all ridiculous.

If she really were a struggling university graduate, then Joseph’s actions would have ruined her job, making her already difficult life even worse.

And Judy, someone who should have understood this better than anyone, just stood by and watched as Joseph made things harder for her.

So much for that pure, kind-hearted image.

Soon, the manager arrived.

"This waitress has a terrible attitude. I don’t think she’s fit to work here anymore," Joseph said coldly.

But the manager froze, looking startled.

He quickly explained, "There must be a misunderstanding, sir. Miss Walton is one of our elite members, not a waitress."

"What?"

Joseph was stunned. His brows furrowed as disbelief flashed across his face.

How could Aurora afford to be a member here?

She used to hesitate over buying cheap street food, always careful to eat every last bite of a strawberry, including the stem.

How could she suddenly afford an elite membership at a place like this?

She must have schemed, done whatever it took, just to get his attention.

Disgust welled up in his eyes.

"Aurora Walton, what exactly are you trying to do? Clinging to me, hoping to get back together?"

Aurora lifted her gaze, red lips parting as she uttered, "Idiot."