CHAPTER 344: CHAPTER 344: COMPENSATION

Aurora’s voice was soft but distant. "It is nothing." She did not say more, and her silence made the air between them heavy.

Isabella shifted uncomfortably. She had expected Aurora to at least offer polite small talk, but instead, she was met with cold indifference.

Trying to fill the silence, Isabella added quickly,

"I also came to know something interesting. Ms. Dawn seems to be related to Aurora Waters. Is that true?"

Aurora let out a low chuckle, one that carried no amusement. "You truly know how to dig for information in one scoop, Miss Isabella."

A faint blush crept onto Isabella’s cheeks. She waved her hand lightly, trying to appear modest. "It is not like that. I was just curious, nothing more."

Aurora’s eyes gleamed with a sharp edge. "Sometimes curiosity kills the cat."

The words were calm, but they cut deep. Emily, standing beside her, almost shivered. She had never heard Aurora speak so icily before.

Isabella, however, did not show any sign of being offended. In the business world, sharp words were common, and she understood that Aurora clearly disliked her. So she tried to soften the air. "I did not mean any harm to the Waters family. If my words earlier seemed offensive, then I apologize. It was never my intention."

Aurora’s gaze grew colder still. "You should not be apologizing to me. Instead, you should apologize to the Waters family. If you were truly remorseful, you would not have continued provoking them."

The words hit Isabella hard. She gritted her teeth inside but forced a calm expression on her face. She knew exactly what Aurora was referring to. The incident with the Lancaster family. She had secretly tried to suppress the Waters family through them, and though she thought it had been buried, Aurora clearly remembered.

"I do not understand what you mean," Isabella said softly, trying to act innocent.

Aurora gave another soft chuckle. "In business, if someone is too dumb, they are destined to never become successful."

The insult was clear this time, and Isabella’s face froze. Inside, she was furious, but she knew she could not explode here in public. She finally realized the truth. She and Miss Dawn were destined never to have a good relationship.

Just as she was about to leave, another voice entered the conversation.

"Hahaha, forgive her, Ms. Dawn. I apologize for the mistakes my daughter may have committed. Please do not take her words to heart."

Victor Hawthorne walked up, his tall figure commanding attention. His voice was polite, his face smiling, but there was pressure hidden in his tone.

Aurora turned her gaze toward him, her lips curving into a faint smile. "I never expected the Hawthorne family to be here. After all, I never sent out an invitation."

Victor’s smile stiffened. Isabella lowered her eyes in embarrassment. Many people around had heard Aurora’s words, and it was no secret that the Hawthorne family had not been invited.

Victor knew well what this meant. Aurora was already a billionaire now, powerful and connected.

Offending her openly was equal to creating a dangerous competitor.

Though in New York City, he still held strong control, it did not mean he had no enemies elsewhere.

The world of business was ruthless, and Aurora Dawn was not a person to underestimate.

For a moment, Victor regretted his past actions. In recent months, he had done everything he could to sabotage her company.

He wanted to scare her off so she would stop supporting the Waters family.

Yet, instead of failing, she had grown stronger and climbed into the billionaires’ circle.

Now it was too late for regret. He could only try to smooth things over.

Looking at Aurora, Victor spoke carefully. "As long as you do not hold a grudge, Ms. Dawn, I am ready to provide compensation."

Aurora raised her brow, her voice calm but mocking.

"What kind of compensation can tempt me? We are both billionaires. We do not lack fame or connections. Do you think you can buy me with something simple?"

Victor’s eyes glinted, and his smile grew deeper.

"Perhaps not simple. I have recently come across a very particular group of people. I believe you may be interested."

Aurora tilted her head slightly. "And who are they?"

Victor lowered his voice a little, as if speaking of a great secret.

"They claim they can see the future. They have their own headquarters, and they promise a life of great beauty for those who join them."

Aurora’s expression stayed calm, but inside she was on alert. People who claimed to see the future? A hidden headquarters? That was not something ordinary.

She asked quietly, "Do they dabble in technology as well?"

Victor’s eyes widened slightly in surprise. "You know them already?"

Aurora narrowed her eyes but kept her tone casual. "I was only guessing." She gave a soft laugh and shook her head.

"But I am not interested in them. Since you cannot provide compensation, then it would be better if our relationship remains sour."

Victor’s smile wavered. He could not let things end like this.

"Then," he said quickly, "I am ready to give up some properties in New York to the Waters family. As compensation."

Aurora’s eyes paused, her calm mask breaking for the first time. "How many properties?"

Seeing her interest, Victor sighed in relief. "Ten properties in New York."

Aurora’s lips curved into a mocking smile.

"Do you take me for a beggar? If that is your offer, then there is no need to continue."

Victor’s hands tightened into fists. He gritted his teeth but forced another smile.

"Twenty properties in New York. And ten properties in the suburbs."

Aurora’s face remained uninterested, her cold aura making it clear she was not impressed.

Victor clenched his fist tighter, hatred flickering in his eyes as he glanced at Isabella. She had caused this mess. Now he had to pay for it.

Finally, he looked back at Aurora and forced out the words. "Thirty properties in New York. And ten properties in the suburbs."