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
Aurora noticed the curious glances from the front desk and lowered her voice."I'm warning you—this is Walton Corporation," she said, her tone sharp and deliberate."If you’re serious about chasing after the Walton younger heiress, maybe try not humiliating yourself in her company building."With that, she shoved Joseph away, her expression filled with undisguised disgust like she was looking at something rotting on the sidewalk.As if to make it even clearer, she pulled a tissue from her bag and wiped the spot on her hand where he had touched her.Joseph’s chest heaved with suppressed anger.But recalling what Aurora had just said, he swallowed his frustration and held back."You just wait," he spat. "Once I meet the Walton younger heiress, I’ll make sure she gets rid of you."Aurora let out a low, mocking chuckle. "I wish you the best of luck."With that, she turned on her heel, the sharp clicks of her high heels echoing across the floor as she walked away.Joseph stood frozen for se
"You’re looking for the Walton younger… what business do you have with me?"Tessa's tone was casual, almost uninterested.Joseph, however, was thrilled.See? No woman could resist his charm. Not even the renowned Walton younger heiress.He flashed a confident smile. "I heard that Miss Walton is not only breathtakingly beautiful but also elegant and incredibly capable. With such a reputation, how could I not want to get to know you?"As he spoke, he even threw in a flirtatious wink.Tessa barely resisted the urge to shudder.Her entire body tensed with revulsion."Just here to make friends?" she asked, her voice laced with mock curiosity.Joseph’s expression turned suggestive. "Well, we could take things further. Spend some more time together, get to know each other better."Tessa’s sharp eyes narrowed slightly.Talking to this clown for even one more second is going to kill my brain cells.And to think that he had spent all this time running around trying to find Aurora?What did that
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
With that thought, Lucas’ gaze swept toward Tessa, who instantly felt a chill crawl down her spine.Meeting his eyes, she unexpectedly flinched.And when she realized she had, Tessa nearly laughed out loud.She was a proud heiress of the Walton family.How could she possibly feel intimidated by some nobody?Straightening her back, she was just about to speak when a new wave of commotion erupted outside."What? The CEO of Vanguard Group is here?""Seriously? I need to go see for myself!"The crowd buzzed with excitement, and even Tessa’s heart skipped a beat.Sure, Julian was already impressive—but who didn’t crave more power? Who didn’t want the best?Self-preservation was human nature. Of course she wanted the best option available.She craned her neck with the rest of the crowd, eyes fixed on the entrance.Even Aurora felt a twinge of surprise.She murmured, "Didn’t expect the CEO to show up in person. He never makes public appearances."Lucas glanced at her, watching her lost in th
But Tessa wasn’t about to let Aurora off the hook so easily, not when her plan had just fallen apart.She quickly caught up, still clinging to her act of concern as she reached for the zipper at the back of Aurora’s dress. "Sister, let me help you. I’ll come with you. This hall is huge. It’s better if we look out for each other."As she spoke, she naturally moved in closer, her right hand inching forward.Aurora saw right through her. She sidestepped without hesitation, irritation flickering in her eyes. "I said I’ve got it. I don’t need help."She’d already arranged for someone to wait in the dressing room. The moment she put the dress on, something had felt off.So, she played along, just to confirm her suspicion that it was her dear sister who’d tampered with it.Judging by Tessa’s urgency, she had guessed right.Meanwhile, the dance continued behind them, but the subtle tugging between the two had already begun to draw attention.Aurora noticed the curious stares and didn’t want t
Aurora gave a slight nod and stepped into the room to meet with Grace.Grace's eyes lit up at the sight of her—Aurora looked absolutely radiant. Her delicate features, touched up just right, gave her an almost ethereal beauty. Grace felt a deep sense of satisfaction."Don’t be nervous tonight. You need to perform well during the opening dance."Aurora nodded. She understood how important the opening dance was—it was the first step in putting her in the public eye."By the way, has Lucas arrived yet?"Aurora recalled the message Lucas had sent her and explained, "Almost. He’s on the way. He just texted me.""Good. You know how we do things in the Walton family. It wouldn’t make sense to have you officially step in without that."Aurora nodded again, fully understanding. Then the two of them walked together toward the banquet hall.By the time they stepped out, most of the guests had already arrived.Grace felt a wave of pride and joy in her heart. These people all knew Walton Corpor
Hearing that the Chairwoman was looking for Aurora, Joseph stood frozen on the spot, completely caught off guard.His eyes widened, mouth slightly agape, and his voice shot up in pitch, making him look rather ridiculous. "You’re the second heiress of the Walton family?"Aurora raised an eyebrow and nodded without hesitation. "What, are you shocked?"It was almost laughable. After three years together, he still had no idea who she really was.The hall manager also looked at Joseph in surprise, wondering why this man was making such a fuss.Joseph’s overly loud voice had drawn attention, and soon the area became a small spectacle.Thinking back to those three years with Aurora, Joseph remembered how plain her clothes had been, how she lived in a rented place until he couldn’t stand it anymore and let her move in with him.How could someone like that possibly be the rumored second heiress of the Walton family?When he finally processed everything, his expression shifted from shock to disd
As soon as those words were spoken, a wave of murmurs spread through the crowd."Is that true?"Someone voiced their doubt. "Exactly. The CEO of Vanguard Group never attends events like this. No one has even seen what he really looks like.""That’s just what I heard. Who knows if it’s true or not.""If he really shows up at this party, Walton Corporation’s status will be on a whole different level."Everyone nodded in agreement.Who in Ravenshore hadn’t heard of his decisive methods?Not to mention his standing in the city—he was a force above the elite families.Upstairs on the second floor, Tessa watched the scene below. Her beautiful features twisted slightly with frustration. She knew all too well what the purpose of this event was.But why?They were both heiresses of the Walton family, so why was Grace so biased?The resentment in Tessa’s heart was about to overflow.She turned and saw a row of rooms on the second floor. When her eyes landed on the one labeled “Dressing Room,”
Aurora stood to the side with a constant smile on her face. This time, she could finally breathe a sigh of relief.She had passed Grace’s test. What came next was the real challenge.Once the excitement died down, Grace looked at Aurora with a smile in her eyes. “Aurora, come to my office.”Aurora was a little surprised but simply replied, “Okay,” and followed her mother out.“The Chairwoman’s definitely going to reward her with something.”“I think there’s a good chance she’ll get promoted.”“You’re probably right. We’ve all seen what Aurora’s capable of.”“Exactly. Aurora’s ideas played a huge role in securing this project!”No one in the department thought otherwise. Everyone genuinely felt happy for her.As Aurora followed Grace into the office, she understood that her mother was about to honor the bet.But ever since what had happened last time, there was still a thorn in her heart.“Madam Grace, what do you need from me?” Aurora shut the door behind her and looked calmly at Grace