Aurora remained silent, resting her right hand against her chin as she lazily observed Linda.Every now and then, she lifted her gaze, exuding the air of a relaxed Persian cat—elegant yet indifferent.Linda carefully studied Aurora’s expression. Seeing her so calm and composed, she couldn’t help but clench her fists.“Fine, Aurora Walton, enjoy your arrogance while you can. In a moment, you won’t be able to say a word. “Let’s see what you amount to once this proposal is mine in front of the manager,” Linda thought.With an air of confidence, Linda strode onto the stage, her chin lifted high.Aurora found it utterly amusing.As soon as Linda plugged her USB drive into the computer and projected the proposal onto the screen, a glint of realization flashed in Aurora’s eyes.Just as expected.So, Linda really did steal her proposal.Aurora showed no obvious reaction—she merely raised an eyebrow, a faint, unreadable smile playing at her lips.It was as if she hadn’t even noticed Linda’s p
"Because you are not even qualified for this proposal." Aurora slowly stood up, her delicate face indifferent. She watched as Linda jumped around, as if watching a clown performing at a circus. Linda clenched her fists, her expression filled with indignation. "What do you mean by that?" Her face suddenly twisted with rage. "You must be jealous of my proposal, that's why you're saying this. Aurora, you’re so petty." At first, Linda was a little afraid when she saw Aurora stand up. But the next second, she suddenly remembered that she had already transferred Aurora’s documents. And she had spoken first. No matter how angry Aurora was, what difference would it make? Whoever presented the proposal first owned it. The project manager also turned to look at Aurora, his eyes darkening slightly as he considered the situation. "Aurora, you mean to say..." "Mr. Gardener!" Linda couldn't help but shriek, interrupting him. "Aurora is slandering a colleague! Why are you still g
After flinging Linda aside, Aurora gracefully took out a wet wipe and carefully wiped her fingers, one by one. That action only infuriated Linda even more. Once she recovered, she charged forward, ready to confront Aurora. "Aurora, you bitch! How dare you! I won’t let this go!" Her mind was consumed by rage. At this moment, she had completely forgotten that she was the one who stole someone else's work in the first place. But just as she was about to pounce, Ben stepped forward and grabbed her, speaking with righteous conviction. "Alright, Linda, we’re all colleagues. There’s no need to make things so embarrassing. Besides, maybe Aurora had a reason for doing this." The moment he said that, many people sensed something was off. Aurora, however, simply stated, "Of course I have my reasons. Linda’s proposal was plagiarized from the start." "Bullshit!" Having her secret exposed was like having the last shred of her dignity ripped away. Her voice grew louder. "You have t
Linda couldn't help but sneer. "Ha, just an empty bluff. I'd love to see what you can actually show us!" Aurora ignored her and continued opening the PowerPoint presentation. A brand-new proposal appeared on the screen. Not only was it more refined than Linda’s, but it was also meticulously detailed—right down to the fact that the celebrities had already been contacted. Aurora’s cool voice rang out steadily, "What Linda stole was just my initial draft.""But this—this is my final version. The hot spring resort can't just focus on luxury; we also need to consider accessibility for most families. That’s why my final proposal is broader in scope and far more feasible."As for the brand collaboration, I’m already in negotiations and have made substantial progress with them." As soon as she finished speaking, the room erupted into applause. Everyone stood up and clapped for her, their appreciation genuine. The applause was even louder than when Linda had presented her so-calle
"Please, Miss Walton, forgive me! I was wrong—I swear, it won’t happen again!" "Oh? There will be a next time?" Aurora narrowed her sharp eyes slightly, her expression unmoved by Linda’s desperate pleas. She was no saint. If she hadn’t been prepared, she might not have been able to turn the situation around today. And what if the person Linda had tried to replace wasn’t her, but some inexperienced intern? That person’s career might have been completely ruined. At that thought, a cold light flashed in Aurora’s eyes. Linda frantically shook her head. "No, no, Miss Walton! This was the only time, I swear! I’ll never do it again!" Tears and snot streamed down her face as she sobbed. But not a single person in the room spoke up for her. Clearly, she wasn’t well-liked to begin with. Lucy, on the other hand, felt incredibly satisfied. She had been itching to speak up earlier, but Aurora had held her back. Now, she realized Aurora had been saving this as her final mov
Linda was thrown out of the company—right at the front entrance. A group of security guards shoved her outside. The receptionists craned their necks to watch the commotion, eager to find out what had happened. After all, this was the first time they had ever seen something like this. The next second, the guards tossed Linda’s belongings onto her, the items scattering messily around her. "You can scram now. And don’t bother showing up near the company again." With that, the security guard clapped his hands together and walked away with a smug air. Everything had been carried out exactly as the manager had instructed. Mission accomplished. In all his years on the job, this was the most disgraceful way he had ever seen someone leave a company. Linda sat there, humiliated, her gaze falling on the two receptionists at the door, who were looking at her with amusement and curiosity. She bit her lower lip hard, clenched her fists, and swore silently to remember this humili
It was a perfect timing.Joseph had been urging Chuck to find an opportunity to deal with Aurora, and he was struggling to come up with an excuse. Now, Linda had practically handed him one. After comforting the still-sniffling Linda, Chuck stepped aside to call Joseph. Watching him, Linda’s eyes darkened. She always knew that Chuck’s arrogance at the company wasn’t just because of his connection to the Walton family—he also had Joseph backing him. As long as they got Joseph involved, Aurora wouldn’t stand a chance! On the other end of the call, Joseph glanced at Chuck’s name on his phone, irritation flashing across his face. Seeing the caller ID reminded him of how he had been trying to track down Walton younger heiress, but to no avail. Ever since that brief encounter at the front desk, there had been no further news. And that only fueled his frustration. When he finally answered, his tone was full of disdain. "Useless. Why the hell are you calling me?""I told you
Aurora scanned her surroundings, quickly realizing she had been kidnapped. She ran through the list of people she had offended—it wasn’t a long one. She could count them on one hand. When Chuck appeared, Aurora’s gaze remained calm, as if she had expected this all along. Her expression barely changed, looking at him the same way one would at a pathetic clown. Chuck noticed the way she looked at him and grabbed her chin in irritation, his voice dark. "What’s with that look? Are you trying to threaten me? Hmm? Say something." Aurora let out a cold snort from her chest, then glanced downward, signaling with her eyes that her mouth was still gagged. At that moment, Linda stepped forward and ripped the cloth from her mouth, her face full of smug satisfaction. "What’s wrong? Where’s that arrogance you had back in the conference room?" She even patted Aurora’s cheek, a mocking smile on her lips. Aurora spat to the side. "What, you think kidnapping me will get you back into Wal
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