He didn’t look like an ordinary man at all with that overwhelming presence. With that thought, Julian decided he needed to do a thorough investigation once he got back.
Meanwhile, Tessa told Grace she wasn’t feeling well. Grace quickly waved her off, urging her to leave the venue. After all, they’d already been humiliated—she couldn’t risk Tessa fainting here and adding to the embarrassment. If that happened, the Waltons would become the laughingstock of all Ravenshore.
Once Tessa left, even Grace could no longer maintain her composed smile. “Everyone, I’m sorry for the commotion earlier. Please enjoy the rest of the evening—the drinks and snacks are still available. We hope you all continue to have a good time.”
With those words, Grace slipped backstage and handed the rest over to the emcee. She was eager to check Walton Corporation’s stock performance. She prayed tonight’s fiasco wouldn’t affect it too severely. But as soon as she opened the market app, she saw the stock had dropped by two points. At that moment, she didn’t know whether to feel relieved or furious. Thankfully, the loss was still within a recoverable range. It was fine.
Grace took a deep breath, trying to maintain her composure. As for the emcee, faced with the mess in front of him, he felt it was all a bit much to handle. Under the crowd’s wary stares, he had no choice but to power through the remaining program. Although the guests had clearly lost their enthusiasm, Walton Corporation had been on a sharp rise lately. None of them wanted to risk offending such a powerful company over tonight’s drama. People were selfish—gossip was entertaining, but profits still came first. The rest of the banquet continued, albeit awkwardly. Fortunately, no one caused any more trouble, and the banquet wrapped up without further incident.
After this, no one dared to joke about Aurora and Julian again.
People had come to realize they were worlds apart. And if anyone ever dared to mention them together, it only drew scoffs and laughter—"Please, as if Aurora would ever stoop that low.”
What happened afterward at the banquet? Aurora neither knew nor cared enough to find out. She didn’t see the need. As long as she lived her life well, that was enough. After everything she’d been through, she finally understood that.
She glanced at Lucas in the driver’s seat. His jawline was sharp, his features well-defined. She couldn’t help but recall how he had stood up for her at the banquet. The image lingered in her mind.
“How did you know to come to the banquet?” she asked. “Did someone tell you?”
“If I hadn’t come, were you just going to let them bully you like that?” The thought alone annoyed Lucas. Wasn’t this the same woman who always had an attitude around him? Why did she fold so easily in front of others?
“I didn’t. I just didn’t want to explain everything to my mother,” Aurora murmured, lowering her head. Her mother’s words at the banquet still echoed in her mind.
Lucas frowned, clearly displeased. “So, you won’t explain it to your mom—but what about everyone else? Rora, whatever you do, I want you to put yourself first. Alright?”
When he said that, there was a softness in his eyes, almost like he was trying to win her over.
Aurora hesitated for a moment, then nodded. “Don’t worry. I know my limits. Of course I’ll take care of myself.”
It was the first time in years that someone had said something like that to her. So, she held it close to her heart and, for once, didn’t want to push Lucas away.