Lucas simply smiled mysteriously without directly answering her question. Instead, he stepped closer, gently wrapping an arm around her waist.

“It’s beautiful. It’ll suit you perfectly.”

Aurora felt warmth rush to her cheeks from his sudden display of affection, her heartbeat speeding up involuntarily. She looked up, meeting Lucas’ deep gaze.

“Oh, right,” Lucas said, as though suddenly remembering something. He reached into his pocket and took out a delicate little box. “This is for you.”

Aurora accepted the box, opening it to find a dazzling diamond necklace sparkling brilliantly under the lights.

“This is too much…I can’t accept it!” Aurora exclaimed in surprise, never expecting such an extravagant gift from Lucas.

But Lucas only smiled, gently pushing the box back into her hands. “It’s just a small gift. There will be many more in the future, Mrs. Carter.”

He paused briefly, and a subtle tenderness flashed through his eyes. “Don’t overthink it and just accept it.”

Aurora was about to protest again when Lucas took hold of her hand. The warmth from his palm seeped through her skin, sending a gentle tremor through her heart. Lowering her gaze, she finally accepted the necklace quietly. As the box clicked shut, warmth filled her chest, as though something inside her had quietly shifted.

Two days later, the grand ballroom of the Carter Hotel was buzzing with activity as Vanguard Group’s business banquet commenced right on schedule. The city’s elite gathered under glittering chandeliers, champagne glasses clinking, laughter mingling effortlessly with refined conversation. Joseph entered in a tailored suit with Judy elegantly holding onto his arm. Her champagne-colored gown and meticulously styled makeup radiated grace and sophistication, immediately capturing the crowd’s attention.

“What a perfect couple Mr. Hunt and Miss Moore make!”

“Indeed. Miss Moore is so gentle and poised—a perfect match for Mr. Hunt!”

The compliments poured in, and though Judy kept her smile polite and modest, a subtle gleam of triumph shone in her eyes. She tightened her grip on Joseph’s arm, subtly marking her territory.

Meanwhile, upstairs in one of the hotel’s luxurious suites, Aurora stood before a mirror, making her final preparations. The exquisite pale-blue gown perfectly accentuated her delicate curves, while the diamond necklace gifted by Lucas sparkled brilliantly at her collarbone, further enhancing her elegance.

Megan circled Aurora, nodding appreciatively. “Absolutely stunning! I clearly have impeccable taste—this stylist worked magic. My girl is going to steal the show tonight!” Aurora looked at her reflection, the blue dress complementing her porcelain skin flawlessly.

With the necklace glittering and her makeup exquisitely done, she was captivatingly beautiful. She laughed softly. “Stop flattering me and help me put on my earrings.”

“Yes, ma’am!” Megan laughed playfully as she helped Aurora put on her earrings.

“Oh, by the way, guess who I just saw downstairs? That scumbag Joseph Hunt, along with his precious Judy Moore. She’s dressed like a peacock, obviously terrified people won’t know they’re together.”

Aurora’s expression didn’t waver, her tone as casual as if discussing the weather. “I’m not surprised. Joseph wouldn’t miss out on the Vanguard project.”

“That’s it? That’s your reaction?” Megan stared at her incredulously. “Come on! You’re so stunning tonight, you’re going to blow everyone away. That jerk dumped you before. When he sees you shining like this, he’s going to regret it!”

Aurora let out a soft laugh. “Regret? Knowing Joseph, he’ll just think I dressed up intentionally to catch his attention.” She knew Joseph all too well—arrogant and self-obsessed. The moment he saw her, he’d probably assume she was deliberately trying to get close to him again.

“True, the guy’s an absolute narcissist.” Megan rolled her eyes. “But speaking of that, he still doesn’t know you’re one of the Walton family heiresses, does he? Just wait until he finds out your real identity. I bet his jaw will hit the floor!”

“We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it,” Aurora said lightly, picking up her clutch. “It’s about time. Let’s head down.”

In the ballroom, under glittering lights, guests mingled gracefully, the elegant music masking the subtle undercurrent of tension. Joseph was at the center, sharing smiles and casual conversation with several business associates. Judy stood obediently by Joseph’s side, occasionally adding a comment or two, playing the role of a supportive partner to perfection.

“Mr. Hunt, I heard Walton Corporation is also bidding for the Vanguard project this time. Looks like you’ll have some fierce competition,” remarked a man in a navy-blue suit, sipping his wine with a meaningful smile.

Joseph let out a contemptuous laugh. “Walton Corporation? They’re probably just here for show.”

As soon as his words fell, a subtle commotion stirred near the ballroom entrance. Aurora walked in gracefully, her pale-blue gown shimmering softly under the lights, the diamond necklace dazzling at her throat. She looked like a princess stepping straight out of a fairy tale, instantly capturing every eye in the room.

The moment she entered, it was as though a stone had been cast into a still pond, causing ripples throughout the hall. Camera flashes flickered, and whispers rose like a wave. Many men’s gazes lingered shamelessly on Aurora, utterly captivated by her striking beauty.

“Wow, who’s that girl? She’s stunning!”

“I haven’t seen her before. Maybe she’s some rising actress?”

In the corner of the ballroom, Judy’s eyes landed on Aurora immediately. She narrowed her eyes, scrutinizing the newcomer carefully—something about her oddly familiar. Joseph followed Judy’s gaze, his expression instantly shifting. Shock froze him in place, disbelief flashing across his dark eyes.

Aurora? What was she doing here?! And dressed like that?