Lucas simply smiled mysteriously without directly answering her question.

Instead, he stepped closer, gently wrapping an arm around her waist.

“It’s beautiful. It’ll suit you perfectly.”

Aurora felt warmth rush to her checks from his sudden disy of affection, her heartbeat speeding up involuntarily.

She looked up, meeting Lucas‘ deep gaze.

“Oh, right,” Lucas said, as though suddenly remembering something.

He reached into his pocket and took out a delicate little box. b“/bThis is for you.”

Aurora epted the box, opening it to find a dazzling diamond ne sparkling brilliantly under the lights.

“This is too much…I can’t ept it!” Aurora eximed in surprise, never expecting such an extravagant gift from Lucas.

But Lucas only smiled, gently pushing the box back into her hands. b“/bIt’s just a small gift. There will be many more in the future, Mrs. Carter.”

He paused briefly, and a subtle tenderness shed through his eyes. “Don’t overthink it and just ept it.”

Aurora was about to protest again when Lucas took hold of her handb. /b

The warmth from his palm seeped through her skin, sending a gentle tremor through her heart.

Lowering her gaze, she finally epted the ne quietly.

As the box clicked shut, warmth filled her chest, as though something inside her had quietly shifted.

Two dayster, the grand ballroom of Carter Hotel was buzzing with activity as Vanguard Group’s business banquetmenced right on schedule.

The city’s elite gathered under glittering chandeliers, champagne sses clinking,ughter mingling effortlessly with refined conversation.

Joseph entered in a tailored suit with Judy elegantly holding onto his arm.

Her champagne–colored gown and meticulously styled makeup radiated grace and sophistication, immediately capturing the crowd’s attention.

“What a perfect couple Mr. Hunt and Miss Moore make!”

“Indeed. Miss Moore is so gentle and poised–a perfect match for Mr. Hunt!”

Thepliments poured in, and though Judy kept her smile polite and modest, a subtle gleam of triumph shone in her eyes.

She tightened her grip on Joseph’s armb, /bsubtly marking her territory.

Meanwhile, upstairs in one of the hotel’s luxurious suites, Aurora stood before a mirrorb, /bmaking her final preparations.

The exquisite pale–blue gown perfectly entuated her delicate curves, while the diamond ne gifted by brilliantly at her corbone, further enhancing her elegance.

s sparkled

Megan circled Aurora, nodding appreciatively. “Absolutely stunning! I clearly have impable taste–this stylist worked magic. My girl is going to steal the show tonight!”

Aurora looked at her reflection, the blue dressplementing her porcin skin wlessly.

With the ne glittering and her makeup exquisitely done, she was captivatingly beautiful.

Sheughed softly. “Stop ttering me and help me put on my earrings.”

“Yes, ma’am!” Meganughed yfully as she helped Aurora put on her earrings.

25 bBONUS /b

“Oh, by the way, guess who I just saw downstairs? That scumbag seph Hunt, along with his precious Judy Moore. She’s dressed like a peacock, obviously terrified people won’t know they’re together.”

Aurora’s expression didn’t waver, her tone as casual as if discussing the weather. “I’m not surprised. Joseph wouldn’t miss out on the Vanguard project.”

“That’s it? That’s your reaction?” Megan stared at her incredulously.

“Come on! You’re so stunning tonight, you’re going to blow everyone away. That jerk dumped you before. When he sees you shining like this, he’s going to regret it!”

Aurora let out a softugh. “Regret? Knowing Joseph, he’ll just think I dressed up intentionally to catch his attention.”

She knew Joseph all too well–arrogant and self–obsessed.

The moment he saw her, he’d probably assume she was deliberately trying to get close to him again.

“True, the guy’s an absolute narcissist.” Megan rolled her eyes.

“But speaking of that, he still doesn’t know you’re one of the Walton family heiresses, does he? Just wait until he finds out your real identity. I bet his jaw will hit the floor!”

“We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it,” Aurora said lightly, picking up her clutch.

“It’s about time. Let’s head down.”

In the ballroom, under glittering lights, guests mingled gracefully, the elegant music masking the subtle undercurrent of tension.

Joseph was at the center, sharing smiles and casual conversation with several business associates.

Judy stood obediently by Joseph’s side, asionally adding ament or two, ying the role of a supportive partner to perfection.

“Mr. Hunt, I heard Walton Corporation is also bidding for the Vanguard project this time. Looks like you’ll have some fiercepetition,” remarked a man in a navy–blue suitb, /bsipping his wine with a meaningful smile.

Joseph let out a contemptuousugh. “Walton Corporation? They’re probably just here for show.”

As soon as his words fell, a subtlemotion stirred near the ballroom entrance.

Aurora walked in gracefully, her pale–blue gown shimmering softly under the lights, the diamond ne dazzling at her throat.

She looked like a princess stepping straight out of a fairy tale, instantly capturing every eye in the room.

The moment she entered, it was as though a stone had been cast into a still pond, causing ripples throughout the hall.

Camera shes flickered, and whispers rose like a wave.

Many men’s gazes lingered shamelessly on Aurora, utterly captivated by her striking beauty.

“Wow, who’s that girl? She’s stunning!”

“I haven’t seen her before. Maybe she’s some rising actress?”

In the corner of the ballroomb, /bJudy’s eyesnded on Aurora immediately.

She narrowed her eyes, scrutinizing the neer carefully something about her oddly familiar.

Joseph followed Judy’s gaze, his expression instantly shifting.

Shock froze him in ce, disbelief shing across his dark eyes.

Aurora? What was she doing here?!

And dressed like that?