Chapter 161

“Yes, our GM’s been busy coordinating with a new project partner. She already left for lunch, probably eating at one of the restaurants nearby.”

The receptionist answered Lucas’ question without holding anything back.

He gave a small nod in thanks and turned to leave.

Glancing at his still silent phone, a flicker of unease crept into his chest.

It appeared that Aurora was still upset.

He stepped out and wandered around the nearby restaurants, checking one after another.

With all the people casting glances his way, he reluctantly pulled on a mask and got back in the car, driving slow laps around the area.

Honestly, he hadn’t expected much – just hoped he might get lucky and run into her.

But then, through a restaurant’s glass window, he caught a glimpse of a familiar smile.

At first, from a distance, he wasn’t sure if it was really her.

After all, she was sitting across from a man and a little girl.

When he rolled the window down for a better look, the uncertainty vanished.

It was Aurora.

Sitting opposite her was a fair-haired man with a young girl by his side.

Just yesterday, she had been furious with him.

Yet today, she was genuinely smiling. Her eyes lit up as she spoke to the child, warmth in every expression.

Lucas’ grip on the steering wheel tightened.

Weren’t they just fighting?

Who was that man?

Was Aurora doing this on purpose, trying to get back at him?

Lucas couldn’t help spinning a full-blown drama in his head.

After all, the man was decent-looking.

And that little girl – what was her connection to them?

“Rora, are you really going to betray me?”

Lucas had no idea how long he’d been sitting in his car, parked along the curb.

It was long enough for Aurora to sense it, like someone was watching them all this time.

Leonard noticed something was off.

He wiped the crumbs from Nora’s mouth and glanced at Aurora. “What’s wrong? You’ve looked a little off since just now.”

“It’s nothing. I’m probably just overthinking.”

Aurora quickly composed herself and didn’t bring up the strange feeling.

Chapter 161

After all, it was just a hunch.

If she was wrong, there was no point in worrying anyone else.

Since she clearly didn’t want to elaborate, Leonard didn’t press further.

“Aurora, I really owe you one.” He looked genuinely apologetic.

“This is the first time Nora’s ever asked to see someone on her own like this. That means a lot – coming from my sister, it’s practically a seal of approval.”

Aurora glanced at Nora, who was quietly focused on her food.

No one would think she was the kind of child Leonard described.

“It’s no trouble at all. If I can help her, then I’m happy to do it,” Aurora smiled lightly.

“We’re friends. If you act this polite, it’ll feel like we’re strangers.”

Leonard’s gratitude deepened. “Then… can I bring Nora to visit you often?”

“Of course,” Aurora replied without hesitation.

They’d be working together more in the future anyway. “We’re not just partners, we’re friends – and besides, Nora’s adorable. I really enjoy her company.”

Unnoticed by the two adults, Nora’s ears flushed pink.

She stole a glance at Aurora, then quietly continued eating her meal without saying a word.

With the three of them together, as long as Nora was settled, she would eat obediently.