Chapter 181

With Nora in the picture, Aurora’s impression of Leonard only grew better.

“It’s getting late. Let’s call it a day,” Aurora said as she glanced at Leonard.

They’d already spent the entire afternoon shopping, and she had her projects waiting. She couldn’t devote all her time to him.

Leonard nodded. “You’re right. I’ve already taken up enough of your day. We’ll go out again next time if there’s a chance.”

Aurora smiled as she looked at Nora. “Don’t say that. As long as Nora’s happy, that’s what matters.”

She truly liked the little girl and felt a soft ache in her heart every time she looked at her.

Leonard bent down slightly, coaxing gently, “Come on, Nora, say goodbye to Aurora.”

Nora stared at Aurora in silence, her big eyes blinking like a delicate porcelain doll’s.

Leonard urged her again with a chuckle, “Let’s not forget our manners. We’ve already troubled her a lot today.”

Aurora waved him off. “It’s alright, Leonard. Don’t pressure her. I understand what matters is that she’s happy.”

Just as both of them were about to give up and head back to the car, Nora suddenly opened her mouth and softly said, “Thank you, Aurora.”

Leonard and Aurora exchanged a look of surprise.

He hadn’t expected that at all–Nora had refused to speak no matter how much the family tried.

He hadn’t really held out much hope when he encouraged her to say goodbye just now.

Aurora was equally stunned, her eyes lighting up with joy. “You’re amazing, Nora.”

“Next time you come with your brother, I’ll take you to get that little pudding you liked, alright?”

Nora didn’t say another word, just wrapped her arms tightly around Leonard’s neck and refused to let go.

Neither of them pushed her. After what she just did, they were already more than surprised.

“I’ll head off, then,” Aurora said, bidding Leonard goodbye before turning to leave.

Leonard nodded, watching her walk away, deep in thought.

When Aurora returned home, she found both Lucas and Wendy there.

She had finally come to a realization that hiding out at the Walton estate wasn’t a solution.

It didn’t change anything.

If someone like Wendy could barge into her life and act like she owned the place, why should she be the one to back down?

That just wasn’t her style.

The more she thought about it, the more indignant she felt.

Wendy, on the other hand, felt a flicker of guilt the moment she saw Aurora.

She was worried Aurora might bring up what happened earlier that day.

But to her surprise, Aurora looked calm and collected, as if nothing had happened at all.

Lucas offered her a warm smile. “Aurora, come on down. I made all your favorites tonight.”

“That’s right, Aurora,” Wendy chimed in with a sigh of exaggerated gratitude. “I’ve been spoiled right alongside you. Normally, 'fakey' never cooks, but ever since I’ve been staying here, I’ve had the pleasure of enjoying it thanks to you.”

“Just eat your food,” Lucas said, shooting her a sharp look.

Even with his usual slow responses, he could clearly see that Wendy was aiming her comments at Aurora.

Aurora noticed his subtle attempt to stand up for her and didn’t say anything in return.

But Wendy wasn’t done yet.