Chuck immediately laughed. "You mean..."Joseph lifted his chin at him, narrowing his eyes like a cold, venomous snake. "You don’t need me to teach you what to do, do you?""Got it." Chuck nodded.After finalizing their plan, Joseph sent Chuck away. Right now, his top priority was securing the Vanguard Group project. Even if he didn’t want to admit it, he had to face reality. His biggest competitor now was Walton Corporation. He needed to find out what proposal Walton Corporation had prepared. Ring, ring, ring! Joseph picked up his phone. A friend was calling, offering to introduce him to the second daughter of the Walton family’s matriarch. "Aren’t you trying to win the Vanguard Group project? I heard she’s involved. She’s a hopeless romantic, and you’re a master at the game. Getting her to fall for you should be easy, right?" "Alright, I won’t forget your share once it’s done." "But you better prepare a gift women like, Joseph." "Heh, of course." Joseph glanced
Joseph’s gaze dropped lower, his eyes gleaming with sleazy intent as he continued, “But… if you play your cards right, I might just keep you on the side as my mistress. You’d make more with me than clinging to that useless pretty boy.”Aurora stared straight into his eyes, watching as his expression twisted into something grotesque. Disgust churned in her stomach.He was after the Walton younger heiress?Her brows furrowed.Didn’t Megan say this was just a casual gathering?Was this some kind of setup to introduce her to Joseph?Funny how she, the so-called heiress, was the last to know."The Walton younger heiress?" Aurora let out a cold laugh."That’s right—the younger Walton heiress!" Joseph smirked triumphantly. "Looking at you, all rough around the edges, I doubt you’ve ever had the chance to be in her league. She’s a true socialite. Our circle isn’t the kind of place some gold-digging nobody like you can just waltz into."Seeing the change in her expression, Joseph chuckled. "W
For a moment, all eyes in the room were on Aurora. The crowd, made up mostly of trust-fund kids and socialites, wore amused expressions, as if waiting for a spectacle. “She wouldn’t actually be begging for a second chance in a place like this, would she?” someone mocked. Aurora frowned. She wasn’t surprised that these spoiled elites didn’t recognize her as a Walton, considering she rarely showed up at these events. But twisting the situation into her chasing after Joseph? That was crossing the line. A sharp-eyed socialite with cat-like eyes covered her mouth and giggled. “Exactly! I don’t even know how someone like her managed to squeeze into our circle. Joseph, don’t tell me you still have feelings for her?” Joseph scoffed. “She’s just some countryside bumpkin. I was simply generous enough to look after her back then.” “Bumpkin is right! Look at that outfit—so plain, so clueless. She’s clearly never seen real money before. Joseph, what were you even thinking?” someone el
Lucas let out a slow, mocking chuckle, his smirk deepening at the mention of Walton’s heiress.His gaze shifted to Aurora, who instinctively shrank back.“I don’t care who you are,” he said leisurely, his voice calm but laced with menace. “Say one more word about my wife, and I’ll make sure there’s nowhere left for you to run.”He paused before adding, “And from what I know, you were the one my wife dumped. Makes me wonder—are you this bitter because you couldn’t have her, so now you’re desperate to ruin her?”“You...!”The cold glint in Lucas’s sharp eyes was laced with unmistakable fury, as if dipped in ice. The moment Joseph met his gaze, his body locked up, his throat going dry.He couldn’t even find the words to argue back.How the hell does a pretty boy have this kind of presence?Everything about him—his composed demeanor, the refined air around him—was completely out of place for someone who should’ve been nothing more than a kept man.Was he really just some nobody?Aurora su
Out of the corner of her eye, Aurora caught a glimpse of a familiar fabric.It was Joseph.He still hadn’t left?The moment he realized she had spotted him, the hatred in his eyes deepened. Without hesitation, he stormed out from the shadows, planting himself in front of them.Aurora's lips curled into a smirk. “Well, well, if it isn’t Joseph, the same guy who slunk away in shame just moments ago.”“You bitch, don’t get cocky!” Joseph snarled, his gaze flashing with fury before flicking to Lucas.Standing face-to-face with him again, he could still feel the suffocating pressure radiating from the man.Joseph clenched his jaw, forcing himself to suppress the unease creeping in. He gritted his teeth and sneered, “So what? You found yourself a kept pretty boy, and now you actually think you can go up against the Hunt family?”His expression twisted with malicious delight. “As long as you’re in Ravenshore, you’d better be prepared. We’ll see who gets the last laugh.”Aurora’s gaze turned
Lucas’ touch was gentle, his fingers carefully running the towel through Aurora’s soft hair as if he were handling something rare and precious. His deep voice murmured beside her, pulling her from her thoughts. When she opened her eyes, she found herself staring straight into his dark, gentle gaze. They were so close. Her heart skipped a beat. For a brief moment, her defenses lowered, and the words she had been holding back finally reached the tip of her tongue. She was just about to ask about the woman who had always lingered in the shadows between them. But before she could speak, the sharp ring of a phone shattered the delicate atmosphere. Lucas’ lips pressed into a thin line, irritation flickering in his gaze at the unwelcome interruption. Aurora sat up, pulling the towel from his hands and rubbing at her damp hair absentmindedly. Her tone was neutral. “You should answer that.” Lucas exhaled silently, clearly reluctant, but when he glanced at the screen and saw
Aurora, still lost in thought, headed to the bathroom to freshen up. As she turned around, she suddenly found herself staring into a pair of warm, gentle eyes.It was Lucas.Her heart skipped a beat.Noticing the bit of foam still clinging to the corner of her lips, his gaze softened with quiet amusement. He stepped toward her, closing the distance between them.Aurora blinked in confusion, feeling a slow heat creep up her ears. “What is it?”Lucas didn’t answer. Instead, he simply reached out and wiped the foam off her lips with a feather-light touch. “You missed a spot.”She exhaled, finally realizing what he was doing.“Oh god,” she scolded herself internally, get a grip."Come eat when you're ready. I made breakfast."His deep voice carried a casual warmth, but the sight of him in an apron…Aurora quickly turned back to the sink, twisting the faucet handle and splashing cold water onto her face.She had to get it together.Lucas, watching her reaction, smirked slightly, finding
Aurora had no intention of acknowledging Joseph.Trash was trash. Give it attention, and it might start thinking you actually cared.She moved to walk past him without a second glance, planning to leave Walton Corporation altogether.But Joseph spotted her. His gaze flickered, and the humiliation from last night’s banquet came rushing back.Rage ignited in his chest.He strode forward, blocking her path, his eyes sweeping over her with open hostility.“Well, well,” he sneered. “Looks like landing yourself a sugar daddy really changed things, huh? “You almost had me fooled with that whole pure and untouchable act. Does your little pretty boy know you’re like this?”Aurora curled her fingers into a fist, resisting the urge to land a punch on him right then and there. For the sake of Walton Corporation’s reputation, she held back.“A filthy mind sees filth everywhere,” she said coldly. “If you’ve got nothing better to do, then get lost.”Joseph let out a mocking laugh. “You really think
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