Chapter 25

Judy was seething with rage.

She originally assumed Aurora would fall into miserable obscurity after leaving Walton Corporation, yet here Aurora was, appearing radiant and dazzling, her every gesture filled with effortless confidence.

Judy gripped her wine glass so tightly that her nails almost pierced her palm.

"Don’t tell me she’s latched onto some rich guy," Judy remarked sourly, her voice dripping with scorn and jealousy.

Joseph gave a dismissive snort.

“Her? Other than that pretty face, what else does she have to offer? She’s probably nothing more than a high-end social climber who’s already been passed around and discarded by those big shots. Anyone with eyes can see right through her.”

“Exactly,” Judy echoed.

“Who knows what tricks she pulled to sneak into an event like this."

The envy in Judy’s eyes was almost tangible.

She expected Aurora to be in dire straits after leaving Walton Corporation.

Yet here Aurora stood, as elegant and radiant as ever.

She had to do something to crush that woman’s arrogance.

Aurora paid no mind to their whispering.

Instead, she gracefully conversed with the other guests, exuding poise and self-assurance with every gesture.

She came tonight with a clear purpose – to secure a project from Vanguard Group.

As for Joseph and Judy, they were merely two clowns dancing around in the periphery of her life.

Unable to suppress her jealousy any longer, Judy straightened herself, carried her wine glass, and approached Aurora with exaggerated swagger, a fake, syrupy smile plastered on her face.

“Oh my, isn’t this Miss Walton? Long time no see. How have you been lately?”

Aurora returned a slight smile, a cold gleam in her eyes. “Thanks to you, I’m doing quite well.”

“I heard you’re no longer at Walton Corporation?” Judy deliberately raised her voice, her tone thick with mockery.

“What’s the matter? After being kicked out of Walton Corporation, you’re working at hotels now? You must really be… short on cash.”

Judy deliberately paused, her eyes sweeping disdainfully over Aurora’s gown and jewelry.

“This outfit looks quite… unique. It wouldn’t happen to be… knockoffs, would it?”

Aurora gave a faint laugh, but the warmth never reached her eyes.

Instead, a cold sharpness lingered beneath her gentle facade, like melting icicles – soft at first glance, yet dangerously sharp beneath the surface.

“Miss Moore, you’re too funny. Unfortunately, I can’t afford knockoffs.

“On the other hand, your diamond necklace, with its dull sparkle and rough cut, looks rather familiar. Isn’t it one of those cheap two-dollar knockoffs sold online?”

As she spoke, Aurora casually reached out, lightly flicking the necklace around Judy’s neck with playful curiosity.

“Your taste is remarkable, Miss Moore. It takes real talent to make a fake piece look this authentic. Truly admirable.”

Soft laughter rippled among the surrounding guests.

Judy’s face instantly turned a deep, embarrassed crimson.

She instinctively grasped her necklace, eyes darting nervously, unable to refute Aurora’s remarks.

Indeed, she’d purchased the necklace cheaply online, never expecting Aurora to recognize its origins instantly.

Seeing this, Joseph’s face darkened.

He stepped forward protectively, shielding Judy behind him, speaking harshly, “Aurora Walton, cut the sarcastic nonsense! Who do you think you are, judging Judy like that?”

Aurora raised an eyebrow, entirely unfazed by Joseph’s anger.

She studied him with amused curiosity, a faintly mocking smile on her lips.

“Joseph Hunt, it’s been a while. I see you’ve fully embraced your role as a knight in shining armor.”

“You-!” Joseph was infuriated.

“You’re just an ordinary employee, Aurora Walton. How dare you act so arrogantly at this party?”