The black-clad reporter finally snapped out of it. He hastily gathered his things and bolted from the scene.

As soon as he left, the crowd broke into applause for Aurora.

Voices rose all around, overlapping one another.

“Who would’ve thought—Miss Walton really has such foresight.”

“That’s right. If not for her today, that man might have gotten away with it. She handled it like a queen.”

“But Miss Walton should still be careful. Who knows if he was sent by a rival on purpose?”

“Exactly. Whoever’s behind this clearly has malicious intent.”

Several people patted their chests in lingering fear.

If Aurora hadn’t exposed him so cleanly, they wouldn’t have known how to deal with it. The man had come in aggressively, yet she had dismantled him with precision.

Hearing the praise, Aurora didn’t simply accept it blindly. Instead, she turned to Daniel with a serious look. “The real thanks goes to Mr. Lewis for arriving just in time. Without that, I might not have been able to expose the reporter so smoothly.”

Daniel looked almost embarrassed.

He quickly waved it off. “Not at all, not at all. In the end, it was your sharp instincts that made the difference. I had little to do with it.”

His gaze shifted to the man standing beside Aurora.

Meeting Lucas’ deep, unreadable eyes made a shiver run down his spine.

Thank goodness he hadn’t said anything foolish. His quick thinking had saved him.

“Mr. Lewis, you’re far too modest,” Aurora said with a smile.

Daniel wiped the sweat from his forehead, unsure how else to respond. It wasn’t modesty—it was self-preservation. For the sake of his career, he had no choice but to flatter Aurora.

Because the true power behind her was watching closely. One wrong word, and he might not walk away unscathed.

With the troublesome reporter gone, the atmosphere lightened, the tension dissolved, and harmony returned to the event.

Aurora addressed the reporters with warmth. “That will conclude today’s opening for the studio. If you’d like to honor us with your presence, we’ll be hosting on the third floor of Day Light Restaurant.”

A ripple of surprised murmurs spread through the crowd.

Chapter 1262

“Day Light Restaurant—that’s a fine-dining place for the wealthy.”

“Exactly. I never thought I’d have the chance to eat there.”

“Seems this little studio has some serious backing. Even the boss herself is so generous—we’re lucky to share in it.”

Their voices weren’t quiet, every word reaching Aurora’s ears.

But she didn’t mind.

After all, her identity as the youngest heiress of Walton Corporation had already been exposed at the banquet before.

Since that was the case, there was no point in keeping up appearances. It was just a title, nothing she cared too much about.

Watching Aurora carry herself with such confidence, Megan was completely enamored. She skipped around her excitedly. “See? Aurora, you really are the wisest of us all!”

“Alright, enough chatter. Let’s go eat.” Aurora chuckled, then turned to Daniel. “Mr. Lewis, would you do us the honor of joining for a meal?”

“This… I’m not sure that would be appropriate.”

Daniel looked a little awkward, and as he said it, his eyes instinctively shifted toward Lucas.