Chapter 111

On the other end, Hank returned to his office with his head down and dialed Tessa’s number to report in. “Miss Walton, the task you assigned me has been taken care of.”

“You did well,” Tessa replied, her voice filled with satisfaction.

After work, Hank grabbed his car keys and brought Aurora to Grand Light Restaurant.

Once they entered the private room, two potbellied men were already waiting inside.

“Mr. Watson, Mr. Lowe, it’s been a while. I hope you’ve both been well,” Hank greeted them with a smile as he approached.

The two men remained seated, looking aloof as they raised their glasses toward him.

“We’ve heard that Mr. Smith’s been busy with Vanguard’s project lately. We get it–it’s understandable,” one of them said.

Hank chuckled and waved it off, then gave Aurora a look, motioning for her to take a seat.

“Not at all. If anything, I’ve been neglectful. I should’ve kept in touch with both of you more often.”

Each person at the table had their own agenda.

But on the surface, it was all flattery and polite small talk–just the usual games of the business world.

Aurora sat to the left of Peter Lowe, playing the role of the decorative guest.

Catching her from the corner of his eye, the manager seized the moment to bring her into the conversation. “Let me introduce someone to you.”

“This is Aurora Walton from our company. She’s the lead on the Vanguard project.”

At that, both men turned their attention to her.

The moment they laid eyes on Aurora, their gazes met, and a glint of interest sparked in both their eyes.

In that brief exchange, they seemed to understand each other without a word.

“Mr. Smith, that’s not fair. With someone so talented and beautiful working for you, how is this the first time we’re hearing about her?”

“Exactly. You’ll have to drink as a penalty for keeping her a secret,” the other added.

Back and forth they went, putting Hank on the spot.

He knew exactly what kind of men they were–the kind who made deals over drinks.

Finally, with a smile, he said, “Since both of you insist, then I’ll gladly accept.”

With that, Hank tilted his head back and downed the drink in one go.

Seeing how readily he complied, the two executives smacked their lips in disappointment, feeling it wasn’t much fun.

Their attention soon turned to Aurora.

“Didn’t expect someone as young as you to already be handling a project with Vanguard Group."

“Exactly. You’re way more capable than most of the people under me.”

Their eyes lingered on Aurora’s delicate face, glowing with a rosy hue.

It had been a long time since they’d seen someone this stunning.

Aurora lowered her head slightly, avoiding their scrutinizing gazes.

She replied calmly, “I truly appreciate your kind words. It’s our duty to do our job well. That’s what being an employee is all about.”

Her words were perfectly measured, leaving no room for criticism.

“If you’re this impressive at work, I wonder how well you hold your liquor?”

David Warren and Peter exchanged a glance and made a subtle hand gesture under the table.

Hank caught it immediately.

So, they were planning to get Aurora drunk tonight.

Hank quickly found an excuse and got up. “Excuse me, everyone. I’ll step away for a moment to use the restroom.”

Aurora glanced over.

She had wanted to catch Hank’s eye for a signal, something to ease her nerves.

But unexpectedly, he avoided her gaze completely, not even daring to look at her. That made Aurora even more suspicious.

Before she could think further, Peter spoke up smoothly, “Go ahead, Mr. Smith. We’ve got things handled here, don’t worry.”

“Yeah, we’re really hitting it off with Miss Walton tonight. No one’s leaving sober!”

The two of them echoed each other, effectively cutting off any way for Aurora to respond.

Chapter 112