How did he know about her and Joseph?

The thought flashed through Aurora’s mind, but she simply smiled and said, “No, Lukey. It’s just that you’ve had your fun too, so let’s just leave it at that.”

She blinked, though a hint of guilt still lingered inside her.

Lucas was different.

Brilliant, accomplished, and famously unattainable, he was like the cold moon hanging high in the sky.

She had committed a sin.

Aurora cursed silently in her heart.

Lucas flicked the ash off his cigarette.

He didn’t confirm or deny it—his gaze simply darkened.

“Whatever,” he said coolly.

Aurora let out a quiet breath of relief.

After getting dressed, she left the hotel and took a cab back to the Walton estate.

Just as she got into the car, a short distance away, Judy caught a glimpse of her and froze for a moment.

Then, biting her lip, she tugged at Joseph.

“Joseph, I think I just saw Miss Walton.”

“Aurora? What would she be doing here?” Joseph frowned slightly.

This was a five-star hotel, and given Aurora’s background as a struggling student, there was no way she could afford to stay here.

“Maybe she still can’t get over you. I think she heard you came to meet Mr. Carter, so she might have been waiting around on purpose…”

“Ignore her,” Joseph said, his expression darkening.

He had no patience for women who didn’t know their place.

Causing a scene at his birthday party was bad enough, and now she was playing this desperate, clingy act?

Besides, he had treated her well enough.

Otherwise, a woman like Aurora would never have had the chance to be in a relationship with someone like him.

Thinking about what his grandfather had instructed him, Joseph furrowed his brow.

“I should go meet the CEO from Vanguard Group. Grandpa said that no matter what, we must secure this project with the Carters.”

The Hunt family had been on a downward slope for the past two years.

If they could establish a connection with Vanguard Group, there might still be a chance for them to turn things around.

However, Joseph ended up making a trip for nothing.

By the time he arrived, Lucas had already left—not only that, but he didn’t even get the chance to see Lucas’ assistant.

“Joseph, it’s okay.”

Judy consoled him gently. “There’s another business gala in a while. When the time comes, you’ll still have a chance to make a connection there.”

“Yeah.”

Joseph nodded, his gaze dark. “No matter what, I have to get this project with Vanguard Group.”

Meanwhile, Aurora had no idea that Joseph and Judy were making such a scene.

After leaving the hotel, she returned home, where her sister, Tessa, and their mother were both present.

Seeing her, Grace looked at her with a cold expression.

“I warned you before that Joseph is no good, and the Hunt family has never been on good terms with us.

“According to the bet, you lost. Starting tomorrow, you’ll report to Walton Corporation.

“Once you’re married and have familiarized yourself with the business, I’ll transfer you to work directly under me.

“Your sister isn’t in good health. You need to take on more responsibilities for Walton Corporation.”

Aurora knew her mother never changed her mind.

The fact that she had compromised even this much, allowing her to bet on this, was already rare.

Aurora didn’t say anything.

Beside her, Tessa suddenly let out a chuckle and said with an ambiguous tone, “Mom, Aurora just came back, and now Julian has become her future brother-in-law… Who exactly are you planning for her to marry?”

Julian Hayes was the man Grace had once planned for Aurora to marry.

However, he fell for Tessa at first sight and called off the engagement years ago.

Aurora and Tessa had never gotten along.

Tessa was an adopted daughter, but she had always been frail.

Since they were young, Grace had been cold and indifferent toward Aurora, while showing endless care and patience for Tessa.

Now that Tessa brought this up, it was clearly to humiliate Aurora.

Grace glanced at Aurora and spoke in a detached tone. “I’ll have someone arrange a few marriage prospects for you in the next couple of days.”

Tessa’s lips curled slightly.

Grace was always rational and pragmatic.

The husband she would choose for Aurora would undoubtedly be based on benefits, not Aurora’s wishes.

Aurora’s expression remained calm.

“Mom, you once said that when it comes to marriage, I should be the one to choose.”

Grace frowned.