He turned his head, pressing a fist lightly against his lips, and muttered under his breath, “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

Watching him play dumb, Lucas didn’t bother responding. He could never wake someone who was pretending to sleep–nothing could be more obvious. So why waste the effort? Some things could only be understood when realized on one’s own.

For the rest of the flight, the four of them didn’t say much. After days of tension and emotional strain, the rare chance to relax had each of them quietly resting with their eyes closed. Aurora leaned back and shut her eyes, her thoughts already drifting to what lay ahead at Walton Corporation. She’d lost too much time, and the company’s affairs were a blur to her now. She had no idea what had been going on, and since Tessa had stepped into her role, Aurora was completely in the dark about any decisions that had been made. The thought gave her a headache.

Meanwhile, Megan leaned comfortably against Aurora’s shoulder, carefree as ever. She was happily lost in her dreams. Now that Aurora was awake, she felt her job was done. As for the serious, complicated stuff–she knew full well that was Aurora’s arena, not hers. She was clear about her place in all of this.

None of them knew exactly what lay ahead, but each one of them carried a quiet hope for the road that waited. That sense of uncertainty was what made it all the more interesting. Aurora glanced at Megan resting against her, then at Lucas seated just behind them, and a sense of calm settled deep in her chest. This was the kind of life she longed for. But time was still ahead of them, and keeping this kind of life would take constant effort. Life was short, and people spent their whole lives on the path of striving.

At the same time, Grace arrived at Walton Corporation. Everyone was a little surprised to see the long–absent Chairwoman back again. Each person stood respectfully as she passed, genuinely curious about why she had suddenly returned to the company. Once Grace entered her office, the whispers began.

“Hey, don’t you think this is a bit strange?”

“Yeah, really strange. I thought the chairwoman was sick?”

“You don’t know? It’s actually Miss Walton who’s been ill!”

Chapter 887

25 BONUS

That comment sent a wave of shock through the room. Everyone turned to the speaker, stunned. “Is that true?”

To be honest, many still found it hard to believe. After all, Aurora had always come across as a strong, capable woman. All year round, she never seemed to take a single day off–she was practically always in the office. This was the first time anyone had heard she’d been unwell. Most people assumed her health was unshakable, like she was made of steel, which made this revelation even more startling.

The one who spoke first felt a little triumphant under everyone’s gaze. Clearly, no one else knew, and he did. Once again, he proved he was the fastest when it came to inside information. He leaned in, lowering his voice mysteriously. “Didn’t any of you notice that Miss Walton hasn’t been in the office lately?”

Everyone exchanged glances. Someone asked, “Wasn’t she away on a business trip?”

He waved a hand dismissively. “A business trip? What kind of trip lasts over a month?”