“I’ll always be by your side. Whether you need me or not, I’ll be there supporting you, no matter what decisions you make.”

Hearing that, Aurora was deeply moved. She turned her head and forced a smile at Lucas. “I’m fine, you don’t need to worry. These are small things, nothing I can’t handle. I’m used to it. Besides, the most important thing right now is that the banquet goes smoothly. This is a matter of face for Walton Corporation.”

Seeing her like this, Lucas couldn’t help but laugh softly. Of course, the girl he had chosen was truly different. No matter how wronged she felt, she always separated business from personal matters, putting work first with remarkable self-control.

Before he could say anything more, a familiar female voice rang out. “Aurora, I finally found you.”

Both Aurora and Lucas looked over to see Megan rushing toward them, her face full of excitement. Aurora’s lips twitched as she took in the sight of her best friend in a delicate evening dress. It was strange to see. “It’s rare to see you in a gown. I’m not quite used to it.”

Megan circled around Aurora with a tsk of admiration. “And you’re one to talk! Look at you in that sky-blue gown–you’ve completely dazzled me. I never thought I’d see you like this. Who’s your stylist? Tell me right now, I need her number.” Clinging to Aurora’s arm, Megan gave it a playful shake, coaxing her to hand over the stylist’s contact.

Aurora sighed helplessly and nodded. “Don’t worry, I’ll give it to you.”

“Did you come alone?” she asked, glancing around. By all rights, Megan’s parents should have been there too.

Megan shook her head. “Of course not. I came with my parents. I was looking for you and my cousin when we arrived, but I didn’t expect you two to show up later than me.” As she spoke, Megan stole a glance at Lucas’ expression–only to find his face dark, his eyes locked intently on something else. Megan followed his gaze and realized he was staring fixedly at her hand, which at that moment was still clutching Aurora’s arm.

Startled, she let go immediately and stepped aside, putting a full step of distance between herself and Aurora. Damn it–why was she so spineless? Aurora was her best friend, yet one look from her cousin was enough to make her retreat.

Aurora frowned slightly at Megan’s sudden change. “What’s wrong? Why are you standing so far away all of a sudden?”

Megan let out an awkward laugh. “Nothing, I just thought it’s a little warm in here. Better if we stand apart.”

Aurora blinked in confusion. “But we’re indoors. The temperature’s controlled, and it’s already autumn…”

As soon as the words left her mouth, Megan felt her cheeks burn. How could she come up with such a terrible excuse? Still, seeing her cousin’s expression ease, she knew she had no choice but to stick with it. “Nothing, really. Maybe it’s just this dress–it feels uncomfortable. Definitely not as good as my usual casual clothes.” Glancing down at the puffy sleeves of her gown, Megan rolled her eyes. The more she looked at it, the more it annoyed her.