Tessa’s smile froze. “What’s the rush? It’s not over yet. I told you to keep watching her. As for the payment, that can wait.”

Seeing her like this, the investigator had no choice but to continue doing the job. He thought it over carefully—Tessa probably wasn’t the type to stiff him. After all, she needed someone like him in her pocket. Cutting him loose now would only backfire.

“Alright, next time it is.”

“Keep a close eye on Aurora Walton. Don’t make any moves for now,” Tessa reminded him again, worried he might slack off.

“Relax. We’ve worked together long enough. I know the drill.”

It was exactly because he understood what kind of person Tessa was that he felt confident she wouldn’t run out on the bill.

“Spit it out,” Lucas said, clearly losing patience. He’d watched Desmond pace back and forth in front of him, sighing more times than he could count. No one knew what had gotten into him today—he kept hesitating like he had something to say but didn’t know how.

Facing Lucas’s stern and composed demeanor, Desmond finally made up his mind. “Sir, it’s… it’s something about your wife.”

Lucas sat up straight. “What about her?” His brows drew together sharply, a wave of tension tightening in his chest. Lately, he’d been so focused on Aurora’s emotional state, he hadn’t checked in on how things were going for her at the company.

In the end, Desmond told him everything, from start to finish. “I haven’t found out the exact reason why those business owners shut Mrs. Carter out,” Desmond said carefully.

Lucas‘ expression darkened even further, his hand slowly tightening around the pen in his grip. He didn’t say a word, but inwardly, he was filled with frustration, blaming himself for not noticing sooner and for letting Aurora face all this on her own.

“Which suppliers were involved?”

“Huh?” Desmond looked at him, puzzled. He hadn’t caught on at first, but when he met Lucas‘ dark, piercing gaze, it immediately clicked.

“I’ve already looked into the companies. The lead seems to be the materials supplier run by that David Warren. Because he took the lead in freezing her out, the others followed suit.”

Lucas tapped his index finger rhythmically against the desk. “What’s his background?”

“I’ll send you his file in a moment, sir,” Desmond replied quickly.

“No need. Just set up a meeting with him under Vanguard Group’s name. Make sure our identity stays hidden.”

Though confused about why Lucas would go out of his way without taking credit, Desmond didn’t question it.

Chapter 214

He nodded. “I’ll take care of it.”

“Good. Have him meet with Walton Corporation and reopen talks. If there were any misunderstandings, clear them up face–to-face.”

Lucas made sure to emphasize subtlety. He knew Aurora was proud and strong- willed. If he handed this to her directly, she would reject it on principle. What she needed wasn’t help but an opportunity. Aurora had everything else—skills, talent, and the drive to succeed. All she needed was that one opportunity. And Lucas was willing to be the one to create it.

Desmond understood what Lucas meant and quietly turned to leave the office. Left alone, Lucas unlocked his phone and stared at his chat with Aurora for a long time. But in the end, he didn’t tap on the screen. He didn’t send her a message. This matter was better left for Desmond to handle. He wouldn’t step in personally.