Chapter 120

Though suspicion lingered in her heart, Aurora forced herself to wait patiently. That was when Joseph approached with Judy by his side.

“Still waiting around?” he said with a smug grin.

“You might as well head out. You’re going to end up with nothing anyway.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Aurora frowned. There was something different about Joseph today–something unnervingly smug, as if he was completely sure she wouldn’t win the bid.

But the project wasn’t even under his jurisdiction. Where was all that confidence coming from?

Judy, hearing his words and recalling all the little things leading up to this, finally pieced it together. He must’ve pulled some strings behind the scenes to sabotage Aurora. The two of them going head-to-head was exactly what she wanted. She couldn’t stand Aurora’s smugness either.

Joseph lifted his chin arrogantly. “You don’t need to know what I meant. Just understand that there’s no way you’re getting this project. And don’t say I didn’t warn you. We’ll settle both old and new scores soon enough.”

“What did you do?” Aurora’s voice carried a rare hint of alarm. She thought back to the coordinator’s strange delay… and now with Joseph’s display of confidence–it was hard not to expect the worst.

But Joseph didn’t give her a straight answer. “You crossed me. You should’ve known this day would come.”

With that, he turned and walked off with Judy at his side, his very posture dripping with arrogance.

Watching them go, a knot of unease twisted tighter in Aurora’s chest. She had checked that proposal again and again. Everything had been perfect. So where had it gone wrong?

As she stood there deep in thought, the coordinator returned to the stage, visibly more relaxed, his voice cutting through the room via microphone.

“Thank you for waiting, everyone.”

The moment he spoke, all eyes turned to the A4 sheet in his hands. It was clear–the results were on that sheet. The room fell so silent you could hear a pin drop.

“All right,” the coordinator said with a knowing smile. “I know everyone’s been waiting anxiously, so I won’t keep you in suspense.” His straightforward attitude earned silent approval from the crowd. They had waited long enough. At this point, no one cared for speeches–they just wanted the results.

“The Riverside Resort project has officially been awarded to Walton Corporation! Let’s give them a round of applause!”

As the room broke into applause, the coordinator turned toward Aurora, admiration in his eyes and a subtle trace of respect in his tone. “Miss Walton, congratulations. Here is the confirmation document. Walton Corporation can begin preparing for the follow-up phases of the project.”

For a moment, Aurora’s mind went blank. She hadn’t processed what she’d just heard. The coordinator, patient and composed, called out to her again. That snapped her back.

Rising to her feet, Aurora walked step by step toward the stage, applause ringing in her ears. She had done it. Walton Corporation had secured the project.

But suddenly, Joseph shot up from his seat. “No! That’s impossible! This can’t be happening!”

Chapter 120

Aurora’s steps faltered at his outburst, forcing her to pause. Aurora turned to look at Joseph, her eyes narrowing slightly. “Now I’m really curious, Mr. Hunt, why were you so certain Walton Corporation wouldn’t win this project? Unless, of course, you had some inside knowledge? Were you expecting the bid to conveniently land in your family’s hands?”

Her words landed like a stone thrown into still water–sharp and direct, splashing mud squarely onto the Hunt family.

“What nonsense are you spouting? The Hunt Group has always operated with integrity!” Joseph could feel the weight of every gaze in the room shift to him. A chill crept down his spine. He’d let his emotions get the better of him right in front of everyone.

Chapter 121