"For the project, I already have an answer."

Hearing Daniel’s voice, Tessa felt a rush of excitement.

"So, Mr. Lewis, you’ve decided to work with Walton Corporation?" Her tone carried an obvious note of joy.

But Daniel’s next words poured cold water over her.

"Of course not. After considering everything, I’ve decided your company doesn’t align with my vision for cooperation." He added with a smile, "My suggestion is that you look for a project that suits you better. On my end, it’s really not a fit."

"Why?" Tessa clenched her fists, unable to believe it.

"Mr. Lewis, are you dissatisfied with the terms I offered? If you’re not happy, we can renegotiate. As long as we can work together, everything can be discussed."

Her demands weren’t high. What she needed most was to prove herself in front of her mother and the board. Beyond that, she didn’t care about the profit. Securing this project would show she was no less capable than Aurora. So why was Daniel refusing to work with her?

She had even covered the concessions out of her own private funds. She’d already gone to such lengths–what more could he be dissatisfied with? She simply couldn’t understand.

“Miss Walton, your proposal and the profit margins are indeed tempting. But the fact remains–I cannot work with you." Daniel’s reply was deliberately vague.

Tessa bit back her temper again and again, but finally couldn’t hold it in.

"Mr. Lewis, this isn’t fair. I’ve been completely open with you, hoping we could treat each other with honesty. But now you’re hiding something from me." She gave a bitter smile. "You know I’ve only just taken this director position. For years, my health wasn’t good, and my mother kept me at home."

"It’s only recently that I’ve started stepping out to handle projects, to gain some experience. If I’ve made mistakes, I’d rather you tell me directly." Her words stirred something in Daniel.

But at the end of the day, businessmen cared about one thing above all—profit. If he could tie himself to Lucas, the road ahead would surely be smoother. So, he couldn’t trade long–term profit for short–term gain. Even a fool would know which choice to make.

“Since Miss Walton has spoken so openly, I won’t hide it from you." The moment Daniel said that, Tessa straightened with full attention.

She had to hear for herself–what reason could possibly justify shutting her out? She was certain her terms had been flawless, which meant the problem could only lie with Daniel.

Daniel sighed. “I see your company’s sincerity, but I truly can’t work with you. From the very beginning, the only person I intended to deal with was Aurora. Now that she’s no longer at Walton Corporation, there’s simply no need for cooperation."

At the mention of Aurora’s name, a shadow flickered in Tessa’s eyes. Why was it always her? Why did she never fade from the picture? So, all her efforts still couldn’t measure up to the weight of Aurora’s name?

"Mr. Lewis, surely you must be joking." God knew how much strength it took for Tessa to say those words without losing her temper.