Chapter 83

Aurora didn’t say anything else.

With so many people watching, there was no need to continue the conversation.

“Alright, get back to work. I have things to do as well.”

She lifted the documents in her hand as a gesture, reminding him of her purpose here.

Lucas studied her, taking in the sharpness of her gaze—different from her usual carefree demeanor. There was a seriousness to her now.

“Alright. Good luck.” Then, as if casually, he added, “With how dedicated you are, Rora, you’ll succeed in anything you do.”

Aurora met his deep gaze, sensing something layered beneath his words. But she couldn’t quite place it.

Her mind briefly flickered back to the Lucas surname.

Her lashes lowered slightly, masking her thoughts.

Forget it.

Even if Lucas’s family was well-off, at most, he was probably just part of a distant branch.

That legendary, top-tier Carter family—the one that controlled Vanguard Group—was far beyond the reach of someone like her.

With that thought, the tension in her chest eased: She had just been overthinking.

“Alright, I will.”

Having cleared her mind, she looked at Lucas with less wariness before stepping past him and into the conference room.

Inside the meeting room, Aurora handed over the preliminary proposal framework to Vanguard’s project director.

His initial reaction was indifferent.

“Alright, I’ll take it from here. Just wait for further notice.”

But a few moments later, someone leaned in and whispered something in his ear.

His demeanor changed instantly.

He stood up and looked at Aurora, his tone noticeably more enthusiastic.

“Miss Walton, could you briefly walk me through your proposal’s development strategy? That way, I can provide a more detailed report to my superiors.”

Aurora arched a brow, instantly understanding.

Everyone in the business world was sharp, especially at a company like Vanguard.

A shift like this only meant one thing: Someone had just tipped him off.

Aurora didn’t know exactly what had changed, but she didn’t let it shake her.

Under the watchful eyes of the room, she remained composed, speaking with clarity and confidence.

There were many reactions—some curious, some admiring, and some laced with envy.

But Aurora never faltered.

She presented her proposal calmly, neither arrogant nor meek.

The director scribbled furiously, jotting down notes as she spoke.

When she finished, he let out an appreciative hum.

“Well, that was impressive.”

“Miss Walton, your ideas are bold and innovative. I like that. I’ll make sure to relay everything to my superiors.”

Aurora kept her excitement in check and gave a polite nod. “I appreciate that.”

She didn’t indulge in excessive words or boastful claims.

After all, these people were her competitors.

She knew better than to show all her cards too soon.

As soon as she stepped out of the conference room, a small crowd gathered around her.

“Miss Walton, that proposal was incredible! How did you even think to combine modern architecture with natural geomancy?”

“Yeah! That director is usually so tough on everyone.”

“I can’t believe he actually asked you to explain your proposal.”

“With that kind of response, I’d say Walton Corporation has a great shot at winning this.”

Despite the praise, Aurora remained humble.

She turned to face them, her sharp yet elegant features carrying a polite smile.

“The final decision hasn’t been made yet; everyone still has a fair chance.”

“Besides, this is just the initial stage. There’s still a long process ahead. Let’s not jump to conclusions too soon.”