Just the Hayes family alone was enough to deal with Hunt Enterprises—there was nothing to fear.Still, Julian spoke up. "So what? Does it mean I can’t hit you because I know who you are?”"Of course!" Joseph snapped. "Our Hunt family is one of the top few in Ravenshore. You think we’d just let you walk all over us? I…" "So, you mean you'd even dare to lay a hand on the elder heiress of the Walton family?" The moment Julian finished, Joseph raised his hand to retort, his mouth working faster than his brain. "Why would I care if she’s the elder… what? Heiress of the Walton family?”Joseph's expression froze. His arm was still mid-air, making him look utterly ridiculous. His gaze shifted from Julian to Tessa, disbelief written all over his face. He stammered, "You're the elder heiress of the Walton family?" "I forgot to introduce myself. I’m Tessa Walton." Tessa lifted her chin slightly, her face full of haughtiness as she stared at Joseph. She enjoyed the stunned look on his
Joseph gave a slight nod and said nothing more, his face clouded with disappointment and frustration. Julian slipped an arm around Tessa’s waist, leaned close to her ear, and said loud enough for others to hear, “Tessa, stay away from people like him next time. He’s not worth your time.” Joseph clenched his fists. He knew exactly who that jab was aimed at and finally snapped. “Julian, that’s enough. You’ve already punched me twice—what more do you want?” Julian didn’t answer. He simply let out a cold scoff. Not wanting to stir things up any further, Joseph turned and left. He could feel the eyes on him, and the proud posture he usually carried was now slightly hunched. He didn’t dare linger, afraid more attention would land on him. Slipping off to a corner, he tried to avoid the stares. But he wasn’t planning to leave just yet. “Damn you, Aurora. I won’t forget this. You really played your cards well.” Staring at the glass in front of him, Joseph grabbed one and down
Hearing the voice, Aurora turned her head and locked eyes with Joseph’s dark, twisted expression. Her face immediately darkened. "Let go of me, you lunatic!" "Let go?" Joseph's grip tightened as he growled through clenched teeth, "You’re not leaving until you give me a damn good explanation!" Aurora winced, her red lips parting in pain. "Who is this? Where did he come from?" Lucy’s heart clenched at the scene. Seeing Aurora being treated like that, she instinctively looked around for help. Joseph barked furiously, "Tell me, have you been playing me all along? Laughing at me behind my back? Am I just a joke to you? Is that what you’ve been getting off on?" Aurora let out a cold laugh, still struggling to wrench her wrist free. "You seem to forget—I'm the star of tonight’s show." "And as for what you are… you’re right. A joke. A pathetic clown jumping around for everyone’s amusement. What more can you do but flail?" "You…!" Driven over the edge, Joseph raised his hand,
When Joseph Hunt brought his first love to the birthday banquet, Aurora Walton knew she had lost.In the corner of the room, she glanced at the messages from her mother, Grace Williamson."Aurora, you lost.”"Three years, and Joseph still doesn’t love you. As agreed, it’s time for you to come back and take responsibility."Out of the corner of her eye, Aurora looked at the girl in Joseph’s arms.This was the first time she had seen Joseph’s first love.She was pure, with a soft and gentle demeanor, quiet and serene. Even in cheap clothing, she stood out effortlessly.So, this was the type Joseph liked.A faint bitterness spread across Aurora’s lips.She suddenly remembered four years ago when a bold socialite flirted with Joseph and confessed her feelings. He lazily flicked his cigarette, his eyes holding a trace of detached amusement as he smirked, "Sorry, lady, I like girls who are quiet and ordinary."At the time, Aurora was secretly in love with Joseph for two years.However, Grac
Aurora didn’t linger in Westbridge for long. She only stayed in the city for Joseph, but now that she had graduated and he had someone else, there was no reason for her to remain. That night, she booked a flight home to Ravenshore. When she stepped off the plane, Megan Quinn was already waiting for her. "This time, are you staying for good?" "I am." For years, Aurora spent most of her time chasing after Joseph, rarely returning to Ravenshore. Her time with Megan had been scarce. But now that the bet was lost, she had no reason to leave again. Megan heard about what happened with Joseph and couldn’t help but sigh. Still, she only smiled and looped her arm through Aurora’s. "Forget the bad luck. Tonight, we celebrate."Aurora returned her smile and didn’t refuse. Megan took her to the most exclusive club in Ravenshore, ordered the finest drinks, and threw her a single-life party. One drink in, and the frustration Aurora had been carrying for years finally started t
Megan had always found her cousin a little intimidating. The moment she got into the car, she stayed quiet, not daring to say a word. Inside the vehicle, the silence felt oddly heavy. Aurora’s gaze drifted to the leather-wrapped rosary bracelet around Lucas’ wrist. There was something familiar about it, but with the alcohol clouding her mind, she couldn’t quite place it.Still, a hazy memory surfaced as she recalled the first time she had ever met him.Years had passed, yet he remained just as striking, his presence just as commanding. Megan’s house was close by. After dropping her off, Lucas continued driving, now heading to Aurora’s hotel. With just the two of them left in the car, his voice suddenly broke the silence, casual yet unreadable. "Planning to stay in Ravenshore?" "Yeah." Aurora hesitated for a moment before nodding. They weren’t particularly close, so after that brief exchange, the silence quickly returned. The air conditioning was on full blast, and
How did he know about her and Joseph? The thought flashed through Aurora's mind, but she simply smiled and said, "No, Lukey. It's just that you've had your fun too, so let's just leave it at that." She blinked, though a hint of guilt still lingered inside her. Lucas was different. Brilliant, accomplished, and famously unattainable, he was like the cold moon hanging high in the sky. She had committed a sin. Aurora cursed silently in her heart. Lucas flicked the ash off his cigarette. He didn't confirm or deny it—his gaze simply darkened."Whatever," he said coolly. Aurora let out a quiet breath of relief. After getting dressed, she left the hotel and took a cab back to the Walton estate. Just as she got into the car, a short distance away, Judy caught a glimpse of her and froze for a moment. Then, biting her lip, she tugged at Joseph. "Joseph, I think I just saw Miss Walton." "Aurora? What would she be doing here?" Joseph frowned slightly. This was a five-sta
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 a
Hearing the voice, Aurora turned her head and locked eyes with Joseph’s dark, twisted expression. Her face immediately darkened. "Let go of me, you lunatic!" "Let go?" Joseph's grip tightened as he growled through clenched teeth, "You’re not leaving until you give me a damn good explanation!" Aurora winced, her red lips parting in pain. "Who is this? Where did he come from?" Lucy’s heart clenched at the scene. Seeing Aurora being treated like that, she instinctively looked around for help. Joseph barked furiously, "Tell me, have you been playing me all along? Laughing at me behind my back? Am I just a joke to you? Is that what you’ve been getting off on?" Aurora let out a cold laugh, still struggling to wrench her wrist free. "You seem to forget—I'm the star of tonight’s show." "And as for what you are… you’re right. A joke. A pathetic clown jumping around for everyone’s amusement. What more can you do but flail?" "You…!" Driven over the edge, Joseph raised his hand,
Joseph gave a slight nod and said nothing more, his face clouded with disappointment and frustration. Julian slipped an arm around Tessa’s waist, leaned close to her ear, and said loud enough for others to hear, “Tessa, stay away from people like him next time. He’s not worth your time.” Joseph clenched his fists. He knew exactly who that jab was aimed at and finally snapped. “Julian, that’s enough. You’ve already punched me twice—what more do you want?” Julian didn’t answer. He simply let out a cold scoff. Not wanting to stir things up any further, Joseph turned and left. He could feel the eyes on him, and the proud posture he usually carried was now slightly hunched. He didn’t dare linger, afraid more attention would land on him. Slipping off to a corner, he tried to avoid the stares. But he wasn’t planning to leave just yet. “Damn you, Aurora. I won’t forget this. You really played your cards well.” Staring at the glass in front of him, Joseph grabbed one and down
Just the Hayes family alone was enough to deal with Hunt Enterprises—there was nothing to fear.Still, Julian spoke up. "So what? Does it mean I can’t hit you because I know who you are?”"Of course!" Joseph snapped. "Our Hunt family is one of the top few in Ravenshore. You think we’d just let you walk all over us? I…" "So, you mean you'd even dare to lay a hand on the elder heiress of the Walton family?" The moment Julian finished, Joseph raised his hand to retort, his mouth working faster than his brain. "Why would I care if she’s the elder… what? Heiress of the Walton family?”Joseph's expression froze. His arm was still mid-air, making him look utterly ridiculous. His gaze shifted from Julian to Tessa, disbelief written all over his face. He stammered, "You're the elder heiress of the Walton family?" "I forgot to introduce myself. I’m Tessa Walton." Tessa lifted her chin slightly, her face full of haughtiness as she stared at Joseph. She enjoyed the stunned look on his
Joseph changed direction and walked straight toward the figure he had just spotted.Wasn’t that the same woman he’d seen at Walton Corporation’s front desk posing as the younger heiress of the Walton family?In an instant, the anger inside him reignited.If not for this woman, he never would’ve said those things in front of Aurora.Now, every time he faced her, there was an awkwardness he couldn’t shake, especially after spewing all that harsh nonsense and ending up thoroughly humiliated.It was all this woman’s fault. He had to find out who she really was.Joseph stormed forward and saw her nestled against a man. Without hesitation, he yanked Tessa away. "You bitch, who the hell are you?"Tessa had still been stewing over Aurora’s moment of glory, her mind spinning with schemes for what to do next.She was caught off guard when someone suddenly dragged her aside, and before she could even react, she was being showered with verbal abuse.No one would tolerate that calmly.When she got
Julian noticed something was off with Tessa. He stepped forward and held her up. "Tessa, are you alright?""Your face is so pale. Are you feeling unwell? Should I take you home?"Tessa shook her head slightly, unwilling to leave."I'm fine. Today is my sister’s big day. How could I miss it?"The last few words were spoken through gritted teeth.Tessa couldn’t accept that she had failed to sabotage Aurora and having to watch her shine on stage.“Aurora Walton, we still have a long road ahead. I refuse to believe you can dodge every blow,” she thought,Julian wrapped an arm around Tessa’s shoulders, gently comforting her and staying close by her side.He looked at Aurora standing on the stage. She was stunning—so dazzling it stirred something deep inside him again.But ever since that incident at the Walton villa, his family had given him strict orders to get along with Tessa.He hadn’t really gone out since then.Today was the first time he left the house, using the business event as a
"After careful consideration, I’ve decided to step down from my position as General Manager of Walton Corporation and pass it on to my second daughter, Aurora."Aurora simply stood on stage, quietly fulfilling her role as the pretty face.It wasn’t until Grace brought her up that she stepped forward to speak.Just as Grace finished speaking, she handed the microphone over to Aurora.Aurora took it naturally and gave a soft smile. "Thank you, Madam Grace."Grace patted her on the shoulder and said disapprovingly, "No need to call me so formally at a cocktail party. What’s with all this formality?"Aurora merely smiled, a hint of a dimple flickering at the corner of her lips."Understood, Mother."The crisp way she addressed her as “Mother” stunned everyone present.Even those colleagues who had worked with her before, initially confused, were soon left in shock.No one knew that the daughter of the Chairwoman was working in the same department as them.It was such an honor.They could on
With all eyes on her, Grace stepped proudly onto the stage.“Everyone, may I have your attention.”The crowd immediately quieted, curious to hear what she had to say.She turned her head toward Aurora, who was gracefully approaching, and extended her hand.Aurora understood the gesture and smiled—a soft, melting smile, like the first snow of winter giving way to spring. Then she gently placed her hand in Grace’s.Grace turned back to the guests and spoke with composure and pride.“Tonight’s business cocktail party was held for more than just celebration. I have two important announcements to make.”“First, I’d like to officially introduce the young woman standing beside me. This is the younger heiress of the Walton family and of Walton Corporation—Aurora Walton!”A collective gasp echoed across the hall.Some who already knew the truth reacted calmly, even remarking that the resemblance between Grace and Aurora was unmistakable.But those who hadn’t known were visibly stunned.“What?S
Grace gave Aurora a subtle look, gesturing for her to change into the gown that had just been gifted.Her current dress was soaked, and continuing to wear it was simply inappropriate for the occasion.Aurora agreed—she couldn’t go on like this. After offering a quick word of thanks, she followed the attendant to change.This time, Tessa didn’t follow.Her freshly manicured nails dug deep into her palm.But the pain in her hand couldn’t compare to the ache twisting in her chest.She had seriously underestimated her darling sister.So, Aurora had managed to climb into the good graces of the man behind Vanguard Group?All this time, she'd kept a low profile, hiding behind work and humility, only to come out with a move like this?“Fine. Let’s see who has the last laugh,” she thought.Grace, meanwhile, was feeling nothing but satisfaction. The timing of the CEO’s gift delivery couldn’t have been better—it was even more impactful than if he’d come in person.Now, everyone clustered around
At those words, the smile on Tessa's face completely cracked.Even Aurora herself was caught off guard.She didn’t have any real connection with the CEO of Vanguard Group—why would he be sending her anything?“Could there be a mistake?” she asked aloud, unable to stop herself.After all, she was just a low-level employee. She barely knew the man.Tessa’s eyes lit up with hope—maybe the gifts were meant for her? Maybe they had simply mistaken the two of them.But the bodyguard shook his head with unwavering certainty. “No mistake. The president gave clear instructions—these gifts are for Miss Aurora Walton.”Tessa nearly shattered her molars, her eyes burning with jealousy so intense it was practically visible.Around them, guests turned toward Aurora, their gazes filled with admiration and envy.Even her coworkers stood stunned, completely thrown off.The bodyguard looked to Aurora, his tone respectful. “Miss Walton, these are from our president. Please feel free to inspect them.”“The