Chapter 24
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 movement graceful and assured. She radiated charm, effortlessly becoming the focal point of the entire room. Joseph watched Aurora laugh and chat comfortably, feeling as if he’d been stabbed in the chest. Clenching his jaw, he sat with a dark expression. She was just some penniless girl he’d dumped. Was she trying to humiliate him here, in front of everyone? He knew exactly what she was after. But what was with this seductive act of hers tonight?
Not far away, Megan caught sight of Joseph’s furious expression and almost laughed out loud. Megan leaned close to Aurora, lowering her voice mischievously. “Hey babe, those two creeps can’t stop staring at you. Should we go say hi and blind them with your radiance?”
Aurora cast an indifferent glance toward Joseph and Judy, who sat uneasily in the corner. A faint, playful smile curled her lips. “Why waste time on them?” Her gaze swept across the room, finally landing on several influential businessmen engaged in conversation—key partners of Vanguard Group and her main targets for tonight. With a charming smile, Aurora gracefully lifted her champagne glass and approached them. “Mr. Warren, it’s been a while. You’re looking quite well. I suppose the new project is progressing smoothly?”
Aurora greeted an older gentleman with graying hair warmly yet respectfully. David Warren seemed momentarily surprised by Aurora’s presence but quickly smiled in recognition. “Miss Walton? It really has been a long time! I didn’t expect to see you here tonight. You’ve grown even more beautiful.”
“You’re too kind, Mr. Warren,” Aurora replied modestly, lightly clinking glasses with him. “I hear you’ve recently been exploring hot spring developments. I happen to have some experience in that area myself—perhaps I could learn a few things from you sometime?”
Aurora’s confidence, grace, and professionalism swiftly won over the group. Soon, she was surrounded by influential figures eagerly discussing industry trends and business insights. In the corner, Joseph’s expression grew increasingly stormy as he watched Aurora charm the entire room with effortless ease. How had this woman become so dazzling overnight, easily dominating conversations with people he struggled to approach? She was just someone he’d discarded—when had she become so irresistibly magnetic? An uncomfortable itch clawed at his chest, his eyes fixated bitterly on the small, enticing patch of exposed skin above Aurora’s gown. Frustration and jealousy surged through him. How did she manage it? Had she found herself some wealthy man to latch onto?