“An ordinary employee?” Aurora laughed lightly, her eyes shimmering with subtle contempt.

“Joseph, perhaps you’ve misunderstood what ‘ordinary’ means? Even if I were serving drinks here, I’d still be a hundred times better than some spoiled heir who relies solely on his family’s shadow, only capable of dragging down the family business.”

Joseph’s face turned livid. He pointed a trembling finger at Aurora. “You… you… how dare you!” Never in his life had he been humiliated like this.

“How dare I?” Aurora didn’t retreat. Instead, she stepped closer, her gaze piercing him like a blade. “Who was it that once vowed to love me forever, only to rush into the arms of his first love the moment he turned around? Who wrote that laughable breakup list just to get rid of me? Joseph Hunt, tell me, who’s really out of line here?”

The guests around them began whispering among themselves, their curious eyes drawn to the scene. Joseph’s face burned as if he had been slapped hard several times. Anger and humiliation overwhelmed him, yet he couldn’t find the words to refute her. After all, everything Aurora said was true, leaving him defenseless.

“Aurora Walton, stop acting like you’re so innocent!” Judy shrieked. “Do you honestly think climbing into some rich man’s bed will suddenly turn you into Cinderella? Let me remind you–men always get bored of their shiny new toys. Sooner or later, you’ll end up tossed aside too!”

Aurora fixed Judy with a look tinged with pity. “Miss Moore, perhaps you should focus on yourself first. Wearing cheap knockoffs too often might expose your secret one day. You will just end up humiliating yourself even more.”

Judy shook with anger but didn’t dare respond further. She knew Aurora was telling the truth. Helplessly, she tightened her grip on Joseph’s arm as if it were a lifeline.

Joseph took a deep breath, struggling to contain his fury. “Aurora, don’t get too smug. Do you really think cozying up to a few powerful men means you can establish yourself in this circle? Let me make it clear–Vanguard Group’s project isn’t something you can easily snatch!”

Aurora fearlessly met his gaze, her eyes filled with open provocation. “I suggest you mind your own business first, Joseph. Don’t end up losing more than you bargained for.”

Joseph trembled with fury but couldn’t do anything about Aurora. He shot her one last hateful glare before grabbing Judy’s arm and storming away, their retreating figures looking utterly pathetic. Aurora watched them go, her lips curling into a cold smile.

Chapter 26

Then, with effortless grace, she turned and resumed chatting with the other guests, as though nothing had happened. The night breeze brushed over the terrace, and Joseph’s chest rose and fell violently, like an enraged bull. “That damned Aurora Walton! How dare she humiliate me in front of everyone! Who does she think she is?”

Judy nestled weakly in his embrace, tears streaming down her face like a delicate flower battered by a storm. “Joseph, please don’t be angry anymore. It’s all my fault. I shouldn’t have worn that fake necklace to save you money. I should have protected your reputation…” She sobbed softly, her voice barely audible.

“Baby, how is that your fault? It’s all Aurora’s doing! She deliberately picked on you because she’s jealous!” Joseph tightened his embrace protectively, his voice filled with disgust. “She thinks she’s untouchable now just because she found someone powerful? What’s so special about that? One day I’ll make her beg for mercy!”

Judy pressed herself against his chest, tears soaking through his shirt, but unable to hide the ruthless glint flashing briefly in her eyes.

“Aurora Walton, just you wait. I’ll never let you off the hook! I’ll make sure you suffer a hundred times more than I did tonight!” Judy thought bitterly. Then, she lifted her head, looking up at Joseph through misty, tear-filled eyes, gently persuading him, “Joseph, please don’t act impulsively. She isn’t worth your anger. Let’s just avoid her from now on.”

“Avoid her? Impossible!” Joseph sneered coldly. “She humiliated me tonight. There’s no way I’ll let this slide. I’ll show her exactly what happens when someone crosses me!”