Balancing adults and children—that’s what real living is about. Just getting back to the essence of life.”

Aurora’s eyes lit up. “You’re absolutely right!”

Leonard didn’t say much in response. He knew exactly what kind of design Aurora liked.

This concept was grounded in everyday life—something close, something real.

That was why he was confident.

He knew Aurora would love this design.

“Alright, I’ll show this to the chairman.”

Her gaze toward Leonard was filled with appreciation.

This was real talent, and someone the Walton Corporation couldn’t afford to lose.

Her mother was right. They couldn’t let him go work elsewhere.

The two of them went on to discuss more ideas around the project.

The deeper the conversation went, the more Aurora admired Leonard.

And Leonard felt the same—refreshed, even exhilarated.

It had been a long time since he’d met someone who clicked with him so well.

Not to mention, people who could keep up with his thought process were rare to begin with.

But Aurora was completely different. Talking to her made him feel like his mind had opened up.

When Aurora saw the time, she stood up. “It’s getting late. How about I take you two out for lunch?”

“Won’t that be a bother? Are you sure you’re not too busy?” Leonard hesitated, a little embarrassed.

After all, he still had his little sister with him and couldn’t really move freely.

Aurora assured him it was fine. She didn’t have much going on that afternoon anyway.

Only then did Leonard agree.

Aurora gave Grace a quick update on the situation, then left the office with Leonard and Nora to grab lunch.

They didn’t waste any more time.

Leonard held Nora in his arms as they returned to the same restaurant they’d eaten at before.

This time, without either Aurora or Leonard needing to say a word, Nora quietly climbed into her seat and waited patiently for the meal.

Aurora gently patted her head and smiled. “Good girl. You need to eat well, okay, Nora?”

Watching the smile on Aurora’s face, Leonard felt something slowly fill the hollow in his chest.

“Aurora, do you have plans this afternoon?”

She was playing with Nora when she heard him and turned to look at him. “Why? Nothing too important.”

Scratching the back of his head a little awkwardly, Leonard explained, “I need to take Nora shopping, get her a couple of new outfits.

He didn’t finish the sentence, just looked at her with slight embarrassment and a glimmer of hope in his pale eyes.

Aurora looked down and met a pair of eyes that mirrored his.

Faced with those two identical gazes, she couldn’t bring herself to say no.

“Alright. I’ll head back to the office later to settle a few things, then I’ll go with you!"

Leonard gave Nora a joyful glance, then turned back to Aurora with gratitude. “Thank you so much, Aurora."

“You don’t need to be so polite. I really like Nora too.”

As she spoke, she reached out and gently ruffled the little girl’s soft hair again.

This time, Nora’s expression softened. She wasn’t as stiff as before.

She leaned into Aurora’s hand, rubbing against her palm ever so slightly.

Aurora noticed and was both surprised and delighted.

Even Leonard was visibly stunned.

“Aurora, Nora really does like you.”

Aurora crouched down to meet Nora’s gaze, her face serious and sincere.

“Thank you for liking me, Nora. I really like you too.”

Nora didn’t say anything.

She simply pressed her lips together and stared at Aurora without blinking.