“You’ve been following it too?” Aurora asked, a little surprised.

She hadn’t expected everyone to be so aware of the online chaos—everyone but her, apparently.

If it weren’t for Megan sending her those posts, she probably still wouldn’t have known what was going on.

Ian nodded earnestly. “Of course. Ever since your variety show announcement went live, I’ve been keeping an eye on the updates.”

He even pulled up the official poster on his phone. “Look, I saved it. I’ve got to say, you look incredible in this shot, completely flawless from every angle.”

Aurora’s cheeks flushed slightly at the compliment. “Don’t start saying things like that during work hours.”

Ian shook his head in mock disapproval. “How is that nonsense? I’m just being honest. I mean, even standing next to all those celebrities, you still stand out. The moment I saw the poster, my eyes went straight to you.”

Aurora felt even more embarrassed. “They’re professionals, Ian. I’m not in the same category. I’m only there to talk about architecture and culture.”

Her tone grew more serious as she added, “You don’t need to keep saying things like that. Everyone has their own kind of beauty. We’re all unique in our own ways.”

Ian looked at her with genuine admiration.

He knew he’d been right about her all along.

Her humility and composure weren’t something he often saw.

No matter how many people praised her, Aurora always stayed grounded and moved at her own pace, never losing herself in the noise.

“I agree, all that really matters is doing our job well,” Ian quietly added.

He understood what Aurora was trying to say, though he’d always assumed that no woman disliked being called beautiful.

Complimenting her had seemed harmless enough, but Aurora was different.

She truly believed every woman had her own kind of beauty, like flowers blooming in their own season.

Most women would have brushed off such talk or even enjoyed it, but Aurora stood apart.

Her confidence didn’t rely on validation, and that realization moved Ian more than he expected.

“Boss, do you want me to look into who’s behind all this online mess?”

His tone hardened, a flicker of anger flashing in his eyes.

Aurora was one of the kindest people he knew. Why should she be dragged through the mud by strangers hiding behind screens?

People these days picked up a keyboard and acted like they ruled the world, throwing judgment around without knowing anything.

Aurora shook her head. “No need. Just let it run its course.”

“Won’t that affect your appearance on the show?” Ian couldn’t hide his concern.

He knew how much effort she’d poured into this project; giving up now would be a real loss.

“Don’t worry, it won’t,” Aurora said with an easy smile.

“The director’s a good man. He knows all of this was done on purpose to target me, and he’s not about to fall for their trap.”