Chapter 1216

Daniel saw it as clearly as glass—Joseph wouldn’t have come here at this time if it weren’t about the project.

Luckily, before Joseph arrived, he had already gone to ask Aurora about it.

All he needed to do now was find someone suitable.

But Lucas had made one thing clear: this project could go to anyone, except Joseph.

That was what left him stuck in such a bind.

“This project hasn’t even entered the bidding phase yet. Mr. Hunt, you’ll have to wait for further notice,” Daniel said smoothly, his words polished and watertight.

Joseph nearly laughed out of frustration at his response.

So, all the gifts he’d sent over before—were they just thrown into the sea?

No matter what he did, Daniel still refused to work with him.

Joseph understood perfectly now.

He looked Daniel straight in the eye. “So, all those things I gave you before—are you just planning to turn your back on me?”

“That’s not my intention at all,” Daniel said quickly, waving a hand. “Even if this project doesn’t end up in your hands, our partnership still stands. This isn’t my only project. You could consider the ones to come.”

Daniel spoke with a serious expression. It was a plan he’d thought through carefully. After all, Lucas had instructed him that this project could go to anyone but Joseph.

And Daniel knew this wasn’t the only deal he would have in the future. He could always hand Joseph another one instead of letting them both fight tooth and nail over this single project.

Why let things sour and make everyone lose face?

“So, what you’re really saying is—you intend to hand this project to Aurora?” Joseph’s mask dropped, his tone sharp as he rose to his feet.

His face darkened.

Daniel had known Joseph long enough to read him clearly—this reaction meant he was angry and taking it personally.

Seeing Joseph flare up, Daniel’s own temper rose as well.

“Who I give this project to, I can’t disclose right now. But what I can tell you for certain is this—I will not be working with Walton Corporation.”

“So this project is really aimed at Aurora, isn’t it?” Joseph’s mind worked quickly, and in moments he had pieced together the logic.

At first, Daniel had said the project was meant for Walton Corporation. But after meeting Aurora, he no longer intended to give it to the company.

Which meant the project wasn’t about the corporation at all—it was about her.

Daniel was a little surprised that Joseph caught on so fast.

“That’s exactly right.”

His tone even carried a hint of admiration. “I didn’t expect you to figure it out so quickly, Mr. Hunt. Saves me the trouble of explaining further.”

“Is there someone behind this—someone you’re afraid of?”

Joseph narrowed his eyes, studying Daniel. Something about his reaction didn’t sit right.

The Daniel he knew wasn’t like this. But recently, especially since meeting Aurora, his behavior had shifted.

It was as if he had already decided this project belonged to her.