Chapter 11

“That won’t be necessary,” Aurora said coolly. “He doesn’t like those kinds of events.”

And she meant it.

Lucas always seemed distant and unattainable, refined yet indifferent; he truly wasn’t suited for such social gatherings.

Tessa’s smile deepened. Of course, she’d heard about Aurora’s sudden marriage. But the fact that it was handled so discreetly only made her more convinced that Aurora’s husband wasn’t worth showing off.

“What a shame,” Tessa said, feigning regret. “Your brother-in-law was hoping to meet him.”

Aurora turned to Grace, her tone calm. “You once said I got married because of the Walton family’s traditions. In your eyes, it doesn’t matter who my husband is, so I’d rather not let Walton family affairs interfere with him.”

Grace frowned slightly but remained indifferent. “Your sister was just being considerate. If you don’t want to, that’s fine. There will be opportunities in the future.”

Aurora’s expression remained unreadable. She truly didn’t want the Walton family’s issues to involve Lucas. Her mother raised her with a singular purpose – to shoulder responsibilities meant for her sister. In her life, she had rebelled spectacularly only twice. Once, for Joseph. And once, for Lucas. She could bear the weight of the Walton family’s expectations, but Lucas didn’t have to.

Just as that thought settled, she stepped out of the conference room, only for her phone to ring. It was Joseph.

His voice was laced with scorn. “Aurora, where’s the stuff I gave you? Don’t tell me you’re planning to keep it? You really are pathetic.”

Aurora actually laughed at the absurdity of it. Thinking about those cheap, mass-produced gifts, and the fact that she once treasured them like they were priceless, made her want to go back in time and slap some sense into her lovesick self.

She let out a cold chuckle. “I can return them. But some things should be settled in person.”

Joseph’s eyes flickered with mockery. “Settle in person? Let’s be real – you just want an excuse to see me.” Still, to cut things off cleanly, Joseph responded indifferently, “Fine. Two o’clock at Clearwater Restaurant. Let’s settle everything once and for all.”

At exactly two o’clock, Aurora stepped into Clearwater Restaurant. Joseph was already there, sitting side by side with Judy. His gaze landed on Aurora, and for a brief second, he was caught off guard.

She was dressed in a simple, well-tailored business suit, nothing extravagant. But with her striking features and flawless makeup, she carried an effortless elegance. Her slender figure had a newfound grace, poised and self-assured. There was a calm, effortless beauty to her now – one that commanded attention.

The last time they met at a restaurant, he had been convinced she was clinging to him, and the thought filled him with nothing but irritation. Yet now, just after their break up, it felt as if she had become an entirely different person. Was it because Judy was back that she didn’t even feel the need to pretend anymore?

Joseph let out a cold scoff. At the end of the day, it was just another trick to seduce him.

“Where’s my stuff?” he asked impatiently.

Before Aurora could respond, Judy cut in first. “Joseph, why don’t you just let it go? Miss Walton’s had it rough. Sure, she spent quite a bit of your money and had you buy her jewelry and accessories, but her family’s struggling, and she was with you for a long time. It wouldn’t be right to ask for everything back now, don’t you think?”

Her voice was deliberately loud enough for the people around them to hear. And with just a few words, she painted Aurora as a woman who had used a wealthy heir for money, manipulated him into buying her expensive gifts, and was now playing the victim while he simply tried to reclaim what was his.

The nearby diners turned to watch, judgmental stares landing on Aurora.

Meanwhile, Joseph squeezed Judy’s hand, his voice gentle and indulgent. “Judy, you’re too kind.” Then, he turned to Aurora, his tone laced with impatience. “I know life hasn’t been easy for you, but a woman should have dignity and self-respect. I can’t stand those who rely on men to get by. Besides, a breakup should mean a clean break. Don’t you think?”

Aurora’s red lips curled into a slow smirk. She raised a brow, a lazy, amused glint in her eyes. “You’re absolutely right. A clean break is always best.”

“Then where’s my stuff?” Joseph demanded coldly. “Hurry up and return everything.”

“No rush.” Aurora’s voice was calm, almost indifferent. “If we’re settling accounts, shouldn’t you pay me first, Mr. Hunt?”

Joseph frowned. “Pay you? For what?”

Without a word, Aurora reached into her bag and pulled out a neatly prepared list.