Chapter 8

It was an unrestrained kiss—deep and intense.

She gasped softly, but he captured her breath entirely, feeding it back into her lips.

Instinctively, she clutched the hem of his shirt.

Only when her legs grew weak did Lucas finally stop.

He gazed down at her, his voice low and husky. "Did you really think you could just walk away after sleeping with me? Mrs. Carter, your skills are still lacking."

Aurora was never one to back down.

The corners of her red lips lifted slightly before she suddenly pressed a kiss to his Adam’s apple.

Feeling his body tense for a brief moment, she pulled back half a step, her lazy smile carrying a hint of provocation. "Mr. Carter, you're not that impressive either."

Lucas' gaze darkened slightly, but Aurora knew when to stop.

After exchanging contact information with Lucas, she moved into his home.

The house was in a prime location.

Before moving in, she mentioned registering the marriage to her mother, though she hadn't brought up Lucas.

Grace was a little surprised at how quickly Aurora had gotten married, but she merely responded indifferently, "The Walton family doesn’t believe in divorce. You made your own choice, so you should be clear about it.

“Now that you're married, focus on the company."

Aurora couldn't quite describe how she felt.

Grace had always been like this—so long as nothing directly went against her wishes, she rarely interfered with Aurora’s decisions.

There was a fleeting moment of disappointment that Aurora couldn’t quite grasp.

She simply smiled and said, "Alright."

Just before hanging up, Grace added, "Bring him home sometime so I can take a look."

That afternoon, Aurora reported to Walton Corporation for her first day.

Grace hadn’t concealed Aurora’s identity.

Her intent had always been for Aurora to quickly familiarize herself with the company’s operations.

As a result, the managers treated Aurora with the utmost respect.

"Miss Walton, this is the project we’re aiming for this month. Vanguard Group is planning to develop a wellness hot spring resort.

“Aside from Walton Corporation, several other companies are bidding for it. If we can secure this project, it will be highly beneficial for us."

Aurora took the file the manager handed her and skimmed through the details.

Vanguard Group was the industry leader.

A few years ago, they underwent asset restructuring and seemed to have changed ownership.

In recent years, they made bold moves, and without exception, their profit margins were among the highest in the field.

People often said that even the leftovers from Vanguard Group were worth more than what most companies could dream of in a lifetime.

Even Grace mentioned how crucial this project was.

Her gaze swept over the list of competing companies, and as expected, she spotted the name Hunt Enterprises.

Her brow arched slightly with an unreadable expression.

So, the Hunt family was after this project too.

"Send me the full project details, along with Vanguard Group’s information."

The manager nodded, then added, "After the restructuring, Vanguard Group's new owner has remained a mystery.

“However, they are hosting a business gala soon, and their boss is expected to attend."

Aurora glanced at the notes and committed the key details to memory.

If they wanted to win Vanguard Group’s project, this business gala would likely be the perfect opportunity.

Meanwhile, at the Hunt estate.

Harold Hunt, the head of the Hunt family, handed Joseph a file with the competitors' profiles.

“Take a look. These are the companies we're up against for this project. Walton Corporation will be our main competitor.

“I heard the Walton matriarch’s younger daughter is personally involved in the bidding. No matter what, you must secure this project.”

Walton matriarch’s younger daughter?

Joseph frowned slightly.

He had never heard of this woman before, but in the end, she was just that—a woman.

There was no way he would lose to a woman.

"Don’t worry, I won’t let you down."

"And another thing," Mr. Hunt continued, frowning. "Settle things with Judy as soon as possible. I heard that college girl you were keeping around didn’t take the breakup too well?

"At a time like this, drama is one thing, but don’t let it turn into a mess."

"Rest assured, I’ll take care of it."

Joseph thought of Aurora and felt a wave of impatience.

Women like her, who had never seen the world, were always restless—clinging and refusing to let go.

His eyes narrowed as an idea crossed his mind.

He called his assistant and instructed, "Do something for me."

Aurora worked late into the night at the company.

Real estate was a cutthroat industry, and as a newbie, she had to work twice as hard to catch up.

Just as she was finishing up, a message popped up.

It was from Joseph.

"Aurora, a breakup should be clean. Return all the gifts I gave you."

He attached a list of items.

Everything from necklaces to slippers—he even included the ten dollars deal from a fast-food promo.

When she didn’t respond, he sent another message:

"I’m giving you three days. Since you think so highly of yourself, you wouldn’t want me to look down on you!"