With broad shoulders, a lean waist, and sculpted muscles, his build was unmistakable even beneath the suit.Aurora suddenly remembered Megan’s words: "That body, that face, that build… my cousin is in a league of his own."Now, looking at him, she realized Megan hadn’t exaggerated at all."What are you thinking about?" Lucas set breakfast on the table and took a seat across from her.Aurora snapped out of her thoughts and quickly shook her head. "Nothing.""Drink this," he said, handing her a warm glass of milk. "It’ll get cold soon."She took the glass and sipped, though her mind was elsewhere.Stealing a glance at Lucas, she found herself thinking that this man really was something.As she drank, the warmth slid down her throat, yet her thoughts wandered.This whole situation—suddenly being married, sitting across from a man, sharing breakfast— was a first for her.Even after three years with Joseph, she never spent the night at his place and experienced anything like this.It was s
Aurora took a deep breath, trying to steady her emotions."Yeah… Chuck Mills. He’s the one who fired me."Lucas narrowed his eyes slightly, studying Chuck with a glint of coldness flashing through his gaze.A moment later, the fitting room door opened, and a woman stepped out.Aurora recognized her instantly. She was Linda Falls, her former colleague from the project team.Dressed in a red dress with perfectly done makeup, she looked completely different from the simple, modest style she usually wore at work.The moment Linda saw Chuck, she beamed, slipping her arm through his."What do you think, dear? Do you like it?"Chuck’s gaze raked over her, lingering in all the wrong places."Not bad. Sexy. Let’s go with this one."Aurora froze.Linda… and Chuck?Linda had been her colleague at Walton Corporation, completely unaware of Aurora’s true identity.But now, seeing the way Linda was practically fawning over Chuck, Aurora couldn’t help but feel unsettled.What was their relationship?
Tessa gracefully descended from the stairs."Aurora, you're going a bit too far. Chuck once saved my life. Your hostility towards him puts me in an awkward position." She approached Grace and gently took her arm.Aurora stared at Tessa, utterly speechless. She struggled to suppress her rising anger."Mom, I'll ask you once more: are you planning to deal with Chuck or not?""Aurora, just leave this to me. I'll handle it," Grace answered evasively.Seeing her mother’s vague response, Aurora felt a wave of bitter disappointment. She knew Grace wouldn't do anything—she would always smooth things over, favoring Tessa above all else."Fine. I'll deal with it myself."Aurora turned away, unwilling to waste more words."Aurora," Tessa quickly called out as she saw Aurora leaving, her tone puzzled yet gentle, attempting to ease the tension. "Why are you so worked up?"She walked up to Aurora, trying to calm her down. "Wouldn't it be easier if you just publicly revealed your identity and of
“Aurora, you look pale. Did you realize something?” Megan immediately noticed the change in her friend’s expression.Aurora took a deep breath, suppressing her suspicions for the moment.“It's only a hunch right now. I don't have any proof.”“So what’s your plan?”“I'll cross that bridge when I come to it. But first, I need to make sure Chuck leaves Walton Corporation.”A cold glint flashed in Aurora's eyes. She was not someone who'd let others walk all over her.Just then, the waiter arrived with their dishes, interrupting their conversation.The table was filled with beautifully plated dishes, the rich aroma drifting into the air, but Aurora had completely lost her appetite.She distractedly moved the food around her bowl, her mind continuously replaying images of Tessa and Chuck.Picking up a piece of pork ribs, she chewed mechanically, barely tasting anything.Seeing Aurora's state, Megan tactfully dropped the topic about the company, shifting the conversation to lighter subjects
Lucas simply smiled mysteriously without directly answering her question. Instead, he stepped closer, gently wrapping an arm around her waist.“It’s beautiful. It’ll suit you perfectly.”Aurora felt warmth rush to her cheeks from his sudden display of affection, her heartbeat speeding up involuntarily. She looked up, meeting Lucas’ deep gaze.“Oh, right,” Lucas said, as though suddenly remembering something. He reached into his pocket and took out a delicate little box. “This is for you.”Aurora accepted the box, opening it to find a dazzling diamond necklace sparkling brilliantly under the lights.“This is too much…I can’t accept it!” Aurora exclaimed in surprise, never expecting such an extravagant gift from Lucas.But Lucas only smiled, gently pushing the box back into her hands. “It’s just a small gift. There will be many more in the future, Mrs. Carter.”He paused briefly, and a subtle tenderness flashed through his eyes. “Don’t overthink it and just accept it.”Aurora was abou
Aurora, once plain and uninteresting in Joseph’s eyes, now sparkled like a diamond, so dazzling it nearly blinded him.Even though he despised her, Joseph couldn't deny how stunning she looked tonight. He felt an unexpected itch in his chest—a restless stirring he struggled to suppress.But quickly, that faint attraction turned into annoyance and resentment.She was clearly trying to catch his attention. After all, she'd always been like this.“What is Aurora doing here?” Joseph muttered quietly, his tone laced with disbelief and irritation.Beside him, Judy chimed in with feigned concern, “I wonder whose attention she's trying to catch dressed like that? Honestly…” She let her words trail off, though she couldn't hide the smugness in her expression.The more shameless Aurora appeared, the more Judy’s own image of elegance and gentle dignity stood out in comparison.However, Aurora paid no attention to their whispers. Instead, she confidently mingled with other guests, her every mo
Judy was seething with rage.She originally assumed Aurora would fall into miserable obscurity after leaving Walton Corporation, yet here Aurora was, appearing radiant and dazzling, her every gesture filled with effortless confidence.Judy gripped her wine glass so tightly that her nails almost pierced her palm."Don't tell me she's latched onto some rich guy," Judy remarked sourly, her voice dripping with scorn and jealousy.Joseph gave a dismissive snort. "Her? Other than that pretty face, what else does she have to offer? She's probably nothing more than a high-end social climber who's already been passed around and discarded by those big shots. Anyone with eyes can see right through her.""Exactly," Judy echoed. "Who knows what tricks she pulled to sneak into an event like this."The envy in Judy's eyes was almost tangible.She expected Aurora to be in dire straits after leaving Walton Corporation.Yet here Aurora stood, as elegant and radiant as ever.She had to do something to
“An ordinary employee?” Aurora laughed lightly, her eyes shimmering with subtle contempt.“Joseph, perhaps you’ve misunderstood what ‘ordinary’ means? Even if I were serving drinks here, I'd still be a hundred times better than some spoiled heir who relies solely on his family’s shadow, only capable of dragging down the family business.”Joseph’s face turned livid. He pointed a trembling finger at Aurora. “You... you... how dare you!” Never in his life had he been humiliated like this.“How dare I?” Aurora didn’t retreat. Instead, she stepped closer, her gaze piercing him like a blade.“Who was it that once vowed to love me forever, only to rush into the arms of his first love the moment he turned around? “Who wrote that laughable breakup list just to get rid of me? Joseph Hunt, tell me, who's really out of line here?”The guests around them began whispering among themselves, their curious eyes drawn to the scene.Joseph’s face burned as if he had been slapped hard several times.
Early the next morning, Aurora strode confidently into Walton Corporation's headquarters, refreshed and ready.Today, dressed in a sharp, tailored white suit, she looked stunning and radiated an air of fierce determination. Being forced out meant nothing—Aurora would never suffer humiliation quietly.Her high heels clicked firmly on the marble floor, each step echoing through the lobby, announcing her presence. Without hesitation, she headed straight for Chuck’s office. No one dared block her path, not even the receptionist at the front desk.With a loud bang, Aurora flung the office door open, startling Chuck, who sat casually sipping his coffee with his legs crossed.Seeing Aurora, a brief flicker of shock crossed Chuck’s face before settling into a disdainful smirk.“Oh? If it isn't Walton Corporation’s former employee. What brings you back here?” he sneered mockingly, his eyes filled with contempt.Ignoring his insults, Aurora marched straight to his desk, slamming down a thick
Lucas just smiled without answering, instead placing a tender barbecue rib onto Aurora’s plate.“Try this one. It’s delicious too.”Aurora stared at the food on her plate, her heart filled with mixed emotions.She'd been with Joseph for three years, yet he never even knew what foods she liked.And Lucas, whom she'd married impulsively, was already this attentive to her preferences.The stark contrast stirred a bittersweet feeling in her heart, leaving her both touched and a little sad.She recalled dining out with Joseph in the past. He always chose dishes that suited his own taste, never once asking what she wanted.One time, she'd mustered the courage to say she wanted something spicy, only for Joseph to frown and respond, “Why eat spicy food? It’s bad for your skin.”Thinking back now, Aurora could only scoff inwardly. Bad for her skin?Yet here was Lucas, carefully placing all her favorite dishes in front of her.Being treated this considerately felt unfamiliar yet wonderfully co
Aurora glanced nervously at Lucas, who returned a look as if urging her not to run away, but to confront the situation directly.Gathering her courage, she reluctantly lowered the window and stared at Joseph in confusion. “Joseph, do you need something?”Joseph’s eyes fell upon Lucas in the car, momentarily stunned, then his expression twisted into something even uglier. He scrutinized Lucas up and down, but due to the poor lighting in the parking lot, he could only make out the man’s vague profile.Joseph turned to Aurora, his tone dripping with mockery. “Aurora Walton, you’ve already found yourself a new sugar daddy so soon? No wonder you dared speak to me like that at the banquet. Turns out you’ve latched onto someone wealthy!”Judy quickly echoed, “Aurora, even if you’re a broke student desperate for money, at least find yourself someone decent. This guy doesn’t look like much.”Aurora felt anger surge to her head instantly. She gave Joseph and Judy a freezing glare, her voice ic
Inside the banquet hall, Aurora elegantly raised her champagne glass, chatting amiably with a prominent business tycoon.She appeared utterly unaffected by the earlier incident, still radiant and captivating.“You're remarkably accomplished, Miss Walton—achieving so much at such a young age. Truly impressive,” the tycoon praised sincerely, his gaze filled with admiration.Aurora smiled modestly, raising her glass in acknowledgment. “You flatter me. I’m merely doing what needs to be done.”She took a small sip of champagne, the golden liquid swirling gently within the crystal glass, reflecting the subtle smile at the corners of her eyes. Yet, the warmth in her smile never reached her eyes, only highlighting their profound, midnight depth.Unfortunately, the elusive CEO of Vanguard Group had not made an appearance tonight after all.A scheduling conflict? What a waste of an evening.As the banquet neared its end, the air grew heavy with the mingled sweetness of champagne and perfume.Au
“An ordinary employee?” Aurora laughed lightly, her eyes shimmering with subtle contempt.“Joseph, perhaps you’ve misunderstood what ‘ordinary’ means? Even if I were serving drinks here, I'd still be a hundred times better than some spoiled heir who relies solely on his family’s shadow, only capable of dragging down the family business.”Joseph’s face turned livid. He pointed a trembling finger at Aurora. “You... you... how dare you!” Never in his life had he been humiliated like this.“How dare I?” Aurora didn’t retreat. Instead, she stepped closer, her gaze piercing him like a blade.“Who was it that once vowed to love me forever, only to rush into the arms of his first love the moment he turned around? “Who wrote that laughable breakup list just to get rid of me? Joseph Hunt, tell me, who's really out of line here?”The guests around them began whispering among themselves, their curious eyes drawn to the scene.Joseph’s face burned as if he had been slapped hard several times.
Judy was seething with rage.She originally assumed Aurora would fall into miserable obscurity after leaving Walton Corporation, yet here Aurora was, appearing radiant and dazzling, her every gesture filled with effortless confidence.Judy gripped her wine glass so tightly that her nails almost pierced her palm."Don't tell me she's latched onto some rich guy," Judy remarked sourly, her voice dripping with scorn and jealousy.Joseph gave a dismissive snort. "Her? Other than that pretty face, what else does she have to offer? She's probably nothing more than a high-end social climber who's already been passed around and discarded by those big shots. Anyone with eyes can see right through her.""Exactly," Judy echoed. "Who knows what tricks she pulled to sneak into an event like this."The envy in Judy's eyes was almost tangible.She expected Aurora to be in dire straits after leaving Walton Corporation.Yet here Aurora stood, as elegant and radiant as ever.She had to do something to
Aurora, once plain and uninteresting in Joseph’s eyes, now sparkled like a diamond, so dazzling it nearly blinded him.Even though he despised her, Joseph couldn't deny how stunning she looked tonight. He felt an unexpected itch in his chest—a restless stirring he struggled to suppress.But quickly, that faint attraction turned into annoyance and resentment.She was clearly trying to catch his attention. After all, she'd always been like this.“What is Aurora doing here?” Joseph muttered quietly, his tone laced with disbelief and irritation.Beside him, Judy chimed in with feigned concern, “I wonder whose attention she's trying to catch dressed like that? Honestly…” She let her words trail off, though she couldn't hide the smugness in her expression.The more shameless Aurora appeared, the more Judy’s own image of elegance and gentle dignity stood out in comparison.However, Aurora paid no attention to their whispers. Instead, she confidently mingled with other guests, her every mo
Lucas simply smiled mysteriously without directly answering her question. Instead, he stepped closer, gently wrapping an arm around her waist.“It’s beautiful. It’ll suit you perfectly.”Aurora felt warmth rush to her cheeks from his sudden display of affection, her heartbeat speeding up involuntarily. She looked up, meeting Lucas’ deep gaze.“Oh, right,” Lucas said, as though suddenly remembering something. He reached into his pocket and took out a delicate little box. “This is for you.”Aurora accepted the box, opening it to find a dazzling diamond necklace sparkling brilliantly under the lights.“This is too much…I can’t accept it!” Aurora exclaimed in surprise, never expecting such an extravagant gift from Lucas.But Lucas only smiled, gently pushing the box back into her hands. “It’s just a small gift. There will be many more in the future, Mrs. Carter.”He paused briefly, and a subtle tenderness flashed through his eyes. “Don’t overthink it and just accept it.”Aurora was abou
“Aurora, you look pale. Did you realize something?” Megan immediately noticed the change in her friend’s expression.Aurora took a deep breath, suppressing her suspicions for the moment.“It's only a hunch right now. I don't have any proof.”“So what’s your plan?”“I'll cross that bridge when I come to it. But first, I need to make sure Chuck leaves Walton Corporation.”A cold glint flashed in Aurora's eyes. She was not someone who'd let others walk all over her.Just then, the waiter arrived with their dishes, interrupting their conversation.The table was filled with beautifully plated dishes, the rich aroma drifting into the air, but Aurora had completely lost her appetite.She distractedly moved the food around her bowl, her mind continuously replaying images of Tessa and Chuck.Picking up a piece of pork ribs, she chewed mechanically, barely tasting anything.Seeing Aurora's state, Megan tactfully dropped the topic about the company, shifting the conversation to lighter subjects