Chapter 121

“It better not be,” Aurora said coolly, arching a brow. “In that case, Mr. Hunt, I suggest you sit down, show a little manners, and enjoy my speech from your seat.”

Joseph stared at her smug expression, his fist curling slowly at his side.

“Bitch, just you wait,” he thought.

Aurora met his glare without flinching.

It wasn’t until Judy tugged gently on Joseph’s sleeve that he finally sat down, though clearly against his will.

Seeing this, the curve of Aurora’s lips widened slightly.

If someone insisted on making a fool of themselves in public, she had no problem playing along.

It cost her nothing.

She turned and walked toward the coordinator, accepting the contract with composed elegance.

“Congratulations, Miss Walton. We look forward to a successful partnership between Vanguard and Walton.”

Aurora nodded. “Naturally.”

She turned back to face the room, eyes sweeping across the banquet hall, including the furious, fuming Joseph.

Her words of gratitude spilled from her lips with effortless grace, her natural poise captivating.

In that moment, even if Joseph refused to admit it, she looked stunning.

That soft, delicate image she used to carry had only restrained her.

She was made for ambition, brilliance, and boldness.

The outcome was sealed.

No matter how angry Joseph was, there was nothing he could do to reverse it now.

Lowering his head, he fired off a furious message to the executives, only to find he’d been blocked.

Grinding his teeth, Joseph hissed, “Useless. Can’t even handle a broke student. You’re no better than Chuck Mills.”

…

On the second floor, Lucas had watched the entire scene unfold.

Desmond, standing beside him, muttered, “Looks like Joseph was the one behind the swapped submission.”

“But didn’t he and Miss Walton have a thing in the past? Using a stunt like this on her is just low.”

If Lucas hadn’t caught it in time, Aurora’s proposal would’ve been buried for sure and would never have the chance to win the project.

When Desmond mentioned they’d “had a thing,” a flicker of displeasure passed through Lucas’s eyes.

“Sounds like you’ve got too much free time lately.”

“Uh… I guess… maybe a little,” Desmond mumbled, confused by the shift in tone.

“Then go make yourself useful. Head to Fortline for a business trip.”

Desmond’s eyes widened in disbelief.

Fortline was all about mining.

If he was being sent there, wasn’t that just a fancy way of saying: go dig rocks?

“Sir… is there any chance you’ll reconsider?”

Lucas didn’t answer. He simply turned and walked away.

With no other choice, Desmond sighed in defeat and started booking his ticket to Fortline, looking like he was headed for exile.

And with that, the project came to a close.

Aurora returned to Walton Corporation with the good news in hand.

The entire company was buzzing with excitement.

Winning this project meant Walton’s Corporation position in Ravenshore had taken a huge leap forward, leaving Hunt Enterprises far behind.

Grace personally stepped out of the chairman’s office and walked straight to Aurora’s department to congratulate her.

2/3

Chapter 121

“You’ve all worked hard lately. Everyone, bonuses will be doubled!”

Joy lit up her face as she made the generous announcement with a wave of her hand.

“Long live Madam Grace!”

“This is amazing! All our hard work finally paid off!”

Grace raised her hand to pause the cheering. “Next comes the project follow-up. You can all take a breather now.

“And don’t worry, when the company thrives, not a single one of you will be left out. You’ll get exactly what you deserve.”

The moment those words landed, every face in the room lit up with anticipation.