She had already mentioned this to Ian yesterday.

Now that there were new employees, Ian’s position naturally had to be different from theirs. To highlight his special role, she simply promoted him to manager. Ian was deeply grateful toward Aurora. He had never expected that after leaving Walton Corporation, he could still receive such treatment. He thought he would just take on an ordinary role. But now, in this new studio, he had actually been made a manager.

More than anything, though, he understood Aurora’s reasoning. After all, the studio didn’t have many capable people to rely on. Not wanting to waste Aurora’s goodwill, he accepted the position.

The two new employees agreed, then packed up and left the studio. Soon, only Lucas and Aurora remained inside, with Megan still peeking in nervously at the door. Aurora rubbed her brow and called out, “All right, how much longer are you planning to stand there?”

Hearing this, Megan shuffled awkwardly into the courtyard, embarrassment written all over her face. Aurora wasn’t surprised. The two of them had been lingering at the door for so long—it was obvious they’d already coordinated things between themselves. Now that everything was out in the open, this was the perfect chance. With all three present, it was best to settle things clearly.

Lucas held out a bouquet of ice-blue roses, tiny lights twinkling on it like a dream. He offered it to Aurora, his gaze gentle. “Aurora, I picked these especially for you. I hope you’ll like them.”

Aurora looked at the roses, and for a moment, her eyes lit with surprise. She had thought someone like Lucas would naturally choose red roses, loud and showy, the kind that expressed passion boldly. But she hadn’t expected him to choose ice-blue roses.

Seeing the bouquet, Aurora parted her lips slightly, unsure how to respond. Lucas, ever perceptive, said gently, “Aurora, it’s all right. If you like them, take them. I just wanted you to see how sincere I am in apologizing.”

Hearing that, Aurora accepted the flowers without any burden on her heart. She curved her lips at him. “Thank you. You have good taste in flowers.”

Lucas felt a rush of joy. “As long as you like them, that’s all that matters.” Inwardly, he couldn’t help thinking that Desmond had been right after all. It seemed his methods really worked. If this could win Aurora’s forgiveness, then later, not just a raise—he wouldn’t mind giving Desmond a promotion too. If Desmond found out, he’d probably be over the moon.

Meanwhile, Megan, watching Lucas hand Aurora a bouquet she actually liked, grew frantic. She hadn’t expected Lucas to be so cunning. He’d come to apologize in person, and with flowers no less. She was only finding out now. Thinking back, she realized everything made sense. No wonder Lucas had suddenly called her yesterday with that strange, out-of-the-blue question. Looking at it now, the signs had been there all along—he’d been planning this.