Lucas chuckled. “Do you really think anyone else could ever see me like this?”

If Desmond found out, he’d probably rush straight over to tell Aurora the truth.

For Lucas, not driving his team insane at the office was already merciful enough–there was no way anyone there had ever seen him this soft or playful.

To them, he was practically the living embodiment of the Grim Reaper.

“You’re right,” Aurora said after thinking about it. “That would be impossible. A man like you–if anyone in the company saw you acting this cute, your entire image would collapse. Better to stay serious.”

Lucas reached over and pinched her cheek in return, his expression mock-serious.

“Exactly. So, you’d better appreciate what you’ve got. You’re the only one who gets to see this side of me.”

It was the first time he’d ever said something like that, and even as the words left his mouth, he felt awkward about it.

But the moment he looked at Aurora, the discomfort faded, replaced by warmth.

Somehow, with her, everything felt natural. There was nothing he couldn’t say.

“Alright, I’m heading to work. You go do your thing too.”

With that, Aurora opened the car door and stepped out.

Lucas watched her walk into the courtyard before finally turning his car around and heading toward Vanguard Group.

When Aurora arrived at the studio, she immediately switched into work mode.

Passing by Hannah and Henry’s desks, she glanced at their progress and was quite pleased.

Ian greeted her the moment she walked in. “Boss, I’ve already scheduled the meeting with Mr. Lewis. We’ll meet him at the café this afternoon.”

“Good, that works. You’ll come with me,” Aurora replied briskly.

She was also giving Ian a chance to prove himself. In the future, when she wasn’t around, he would be able to handle things on his own.

Ian, of course, understood Aurora’s good intentions and didn’t say much about it.

“Alright, boss. I’ll send over all the data from his side, and this afternoon I’ll go with you.”

Aurora nodded in acknowledgment.

She glanced around but didn’t see Megan anywhere, her brows knitting slightly. “Where’s Megan? She’s not here yet?”

Ian shook his head. “No, I haven’t seen her. I’ve been here since morning, but Miss Quinn hasn’t come in.”

Aurora sighed softly. “Got it. Go ahead with your work. I’ll check on her.”

“Okay, boss.”

With that, Ian returned to his desk, diving back into his tasks. There was still plenty to prepare before the afternoon meeting with Daniel, and time was running tight.

He’d initially assumed Aurora wouldn’t bring him along, but her last-minute change of plans gave him a valuable chance to learn from her.

Aurora headed into her office and tried calling Megan. The phone rang for a long time, but no one picked up.

With no other choice, she sent a message instead:

“Are you still asleep? It’s already work hours, and I’m at the studio, but I haven’t seen you anywhere.”