Chapter 152

No matter what Aurora said, Nora remained quiet and unresponsive, her expression blank. She clutched a bunny plush in her arms and kept herself hidden behind Leonard, entirely in her own world.

Even so, Aurora showed no sign of frustration. If anything, her eyes softened with even more sympathy.

Leonard couldn’t help but speak up. “Aurora, it’s alright. You should go ahead and eat. Don’t worry about my sister. I’ll take care of her. If she wants to eat, she’ll eat.”

Seeing how patient Aurora was made Leonard feel a little embarrassed. Part of him was surprised. But he couldn’t help but wonder – was Aurora really this kind and compassionate, or was it just a front because of their business partnership?

With that thought lingering, he gave her a more thoughtful look. Aurora returned to her seat, a little reluctantly. At first, she’d wanted to get close to Leonard for work reasons, to build a stronger partnership. But now, after seeing what Nora had been through at such a young age, her compassion was real.

She and Leonard had arranged to discuss the revised design drafts today. With Nora settled, Aurora sat quietly, occasionally lifting her spoon. The pudding in front of her slowly disappeared, bite by bite. “Seems like the pudding here really is made for kids,” she said with a soft smile, her gaze full of warmth as she looked at Nora.

Leonard gave a small hum of agreement, a quiet breath of relief escaping him. “Didn’t you say there was a draft you wanted me to revise? Let me take a look.”

Aurora pulled the draft from her bag and handed it to him. Leonard reminded Nora to keep eating, then turned his attention to the papers in Aurora’s hand.

“It’s a design for a resort project just outside the city. Take a look and see if there’s anything you’d improve.” She walked him through the concept and where she felt it needed polishing. When she finished, Aurora looked at him and asked, “Do you think this draft has potential?”

Leonard gave a confident smile, but didn’t answer her question directly. “Give me three days.”

Aurora caught the determined look in his eyes and couldn’t help but feel reassured. She was an ambitious woman by nature and naturally gravitated toward those who shared that drive and capability. “I’ll be waiting for good news.”

As the two wrapped up their discussion, Aurora noticed from the corner of her eye that Nora was tilting her head, quietly watching them. When their eyes met – those grape-like eyes full of quiet curiosity – Aurora felt her heart melt. She walked over to Nora and asked softly, “Nora, did you like the pudding? Want another one?”

She had already braced herself for no response, but to her surprise the little girl gave a small nod. Aurora turned to Leonard in astonishment, only to see he was just as stunned as she was.

“Leonard, does this mean Nora can still communicate with us?”

Leonard looked baffled. “She’s had this condition for two years, and this is the first time she’s responded to someone she just met.”

His gaze toward Aurora grew warmer, even intense. If he’d had any doubts before, they were now mostly gone. Children had a way of sensing things. His sister could still tell the difference between warmth and pretense. That meant Aurora was being sincere.

Aurora, thrilled by Nora’s response, immediately waved over a waiter and asked for another helping of pudding.