Chapter 127

With that thought, Lucas’ gaze swept toward Tessa, who instantly felt a chill crawl down her spine. Meeting his eyes, she unexpectedly flinched.

And when she realized she had, Tessa nearly laughed out loud.

She was a proud heiress of the Walton family.

How could she possibly feel intimidated by some nobody?

Straightening her back, she was just about to speak when a new wave of commotion erupted outside.

“What? The CEO of Vanguard Group is here?”

“Seriously? I need to go see for myself!”

The crowd buzzed with excitement, and even Tessa’s heart skipped a beat.

Sure, Julian was already impressive–but who didn’t crave more power?

Who didn’t want the best?

Self-preservation was human nature.

Of course she wanted the best option available.

She craned her neck with the rest of the crowd, eyes fixed on the entrance.

Even Aurora felt a twinge of surprise.

She murmured, “Didn’t expect the CEO to show up in person. He never makes public appearances.”

Lucas glanced at her, watching her lost in thought.

He didn’t interrupt, just kept the faintest smile on his lips.

Even Grace couldn’t hide her excitement.

If the man behind Vanguard Group had truly come in person, Walton Corporation’s standing in Ravenshore would skyrocket overnight.

The road ahead would be smoother, the climb even steeper.

And those former partners of hers? They’d be green with envy.

She moved forward to greet him herself.

Lucas raised an eyebrow. “Not curious? Aren’t you going to take a look?”

Aurora shook her head. “If he’s really coming, he’ll be meeting with my mother, not me.”

In everyone else’s eyes, she was still just a background figure.

Lucas wrapped an arm around Aurora’s waist, saying nothing more, though the smile in his eyes never faded.

Meanwhile, Joseph pushed his way toward the commotion outside. He hadn’t forgotten the reason he came tonight–his goal was to get close to the younger heiress of the Walton family.

But if he could somehow connect with the elusive CEO of Vanguard Group? His father would think even more highly of him.

That thought alone made Joseph’s eyes flush with excitement as he shoved his way through the crowd.

Before he could figure out what was happening, someone shoved him aside. “Move, make way - it’s not the CEO himself, it’s the gifts he sent.”

Joseph was stunned.

The man didn’t show up, but sent gifts?

Before he could process it, the crowd surged forward, pushing him along with it.

Everyone lined the sides of the banquet hall, watching in awe as a group of staff from Vanguard Group began bringing in gift after gift, one trip at a time.

Grace stood frozen, stunned and confused, unsure who the gifts were meant for.

But she quickly came to her senses.

No matter who they were for, they were being brought into her company’s banquet.

That alone was a tremendous show of respect.

She didn’t need to say a word – just having these gifts at her event was enough for everyone to associate Walton Corporation with Vanguard Group.

From now on, no one would question their relationship.

Ten bodyguards walked in, dressed in all black, wearing sunglasses, each one carrying something, lined up at the center of the hall.

Gasps echoed from the guests.

No wonder the CEO of Vanguard Group had such a reputation – this was extravagance on full display.

Every gesture was bold and striking.

One of the bodyguards stepped forward and spoke to Grace.

“Madam Grace, these are gifts from the head of Vanguard Group. He sends his regards and wishes a prosperous partnership between the two families.”

“Wonderful, wonderful. Please thank your boss for me!” Grace beamed, the fine lines at the corners of her eyes smoothing with her smile.

Anyone with eyes could see that after tonight, Walton Corporation’s standing in Ravenshore would leap to a whole new level.

And just when everyone thought the surprise had ended, the bodyguard added calmly, “These gifts are for Miss Aurora Walton.”