Chapter 106

After a restful night, Aurora woke up to the familiar scent of breakfast the next morning. Lucas had already prepared everything, just like always.

After what happened yesterday, something had shifted between them.

Things felt easier now.

She could finally sit across from him without overthinking or letting her mind spiral into strange places.

Everyone had secrets–things they’d rather keep hidden.

There was no need to dig too deep.

They were adults, after all.

Everyone needed a little privacy.

“This fried egg’s perfect today,” Aurora said casually, offering a rare compliment.

Lucas paused, surprised, then looked up to find her smiling at him.

His lips curved slightly. “If you like it, I’ll make it the same way next time.”

“Sounds good.”

Their dynamic had improved so much–it was easier now, more natural than before.

After breakfast, Aurora grabbed her keys and headed out to work.

Lucas had wanted to drive her, but when he saw her already holding the keys, he didn’t push it.

He’d always known that Aurora wasn’t the type to be caged.

She was wild and free, meant to soar, not be tethered.

That was exactly why he never tried to hold her back.

He’d rather let her face the world on her own terms–stumble, grow, and thrive–than shield her from it.

At the office, Aurora greeted the receptionist with a polite nod as she passed.

The moment the elevator doors closed behind her, the receptionist turned to her colleague, eyes gleaming with barely contained excitement.

“Okay, but seriously, no wonder he was so panicked yesterday. With a face like that? I’d freak out too.”

“I’m telling you, those two look like a perfect match. The looks, the vibe–total power couple energy.”

“Don’t even get me started. I’m already obsessed,” the receptionist gushed.

Aurora, of course, had no idea the front desk was still buzzing with gossip.

She made her way to her desk and got straight to work.

Barely a few minutes had passed when Lucy slid over, leaning in with a conspiratorial gleam in her eye. “Aurora, something happened yesterday. Did you hear about it?”

“What is it?” Aurora glanced up while her computer booted, mildly curious about whatever had Lucy whispering like that.

“It’s about Linda Falls,” Lucy said, visibly indignant.

“Talk about karma. With all the shady things she’s done, someone finally had enough.”

“What happened to her?” Aurora asked, though a part of her already had a guess.

“Word is, she got picked up by the cops yesterday. She’s being held for a while. And Chuck Mills, too! Turns out they really were in a relationship.”

Aurora’s eyes flickered, but she said nothing.

She knew all of it.

In fact, she hadn’t just known; she’d been right in the middle of it.

But looking at Lucy’s animated expression, she decided not to say anything.

There was no need to shock her.

She just offered a calm response. “Well, if they were taken in, then they must have done something. Let’s just leave it to the police to sort out.”

“And anyway, she’s already been fired. She has nothing to do with Walton Corp anymore.”

Lucy paused, then nodded. “Yeah… you’re right.”

With that, she went back to her desk, busying herself again.

Aurora let out a quiet breath.

What she said to Lucy was also meant for herself.

There was no point dwelling on the past. It was time to look forward.

People like Linda and Chuck didn’t deserve another second of her energy.

Turning her attention back to her screen, Aurora reviewed the proposal she’d prepared for the leadership presentation.

This was just the internal version that hadn’t been sent over to Vanguard Group yet.