"I promised your father I’d keep an eye on you at home. Don’t even think about stepping out."

"Mom, I really do have something important to take care of," Joseph explained anxiously.

He knew Melvin had been watching him closely these past few days, but if they kept locking him in like this, he’d lose his chance. That woman was out there making a fortune, and he couldn’t even get a cent of it. And that wasn’t even the worst of it—what if another man started sniffing around Aurora? The thought alone made his stomach twist.

Crystal, however, remained calm. "And what exactly is so important outside? Your father made it very clear. I’m to keep you inside, and you’d better behave."

Hearing his mother’s firm tone, Joseph hesitated.

But Tessa’s phone call was still ringing in his ears. He clenched his fists. He had to get out today, no matter what. Left with no other choice, Joseph decided to tell Crystal what he’d learned.

"Mom, do you know Aurora Walton?" He pulled up information on Walton Corporation for her to see. "This is it—Walton Corporation. They just announced she’s the younger heiress of the Walton family, and now she’s been promoted to General Manager." He then showed her several pictures from the internet, displaying them one by one.

Crystal gave them a cursory glance. These people had nothing to do with her, after all.

"So, what are you trying to say?"

Joseph coaxed, "Mom, you know how much Walton Corporation is worth. It’s far more valuable than Hunt Enterprises. This Aurora, she used to be my girlfriend."

"Is that true?" Crystal sat up straighter, staring at Joseph in disbelief.

He nodded firmly. "Of course, it’s true. But she’s a little upset with me right now, so I need to win her back."

"And what about Judy Moore?"

Crystal wasn’t blind to what kind of man her son was, and she’d heard a few things about Judy as well. Seeing her reaction, Joseph quickly followed up, "That woman was just a fling. Aurora, on the other hand, can bring real benefits to us. Of course I’ll choose her."

Crystal gave a slight nod—an unspoken approval.

"Then go. Just don’t let that girl’s feelings go to waste."

She wasn’t the kind-hearted type either. But after hearing about the projects and how much money Aurora could bring in, she was tempted. No one ever complained about having too much money.

Joseph carefully asked, "And about Dad…"

"Don’t worry. I’ll talk to him."

Joseph smiled and gave her a quick hug. "Thanks, Mom. Just wait for the good news."

As she watched him walk out the door, Crystal had already begun dreaming of a future filled with gold. If their daughter-in-law was a money-making machine, maybe she could even lift Hunt Enterprises along with her. With a woman like that in the family, taking Hunt Enterprises onto the global stage didn’t seem so far-fetched. Their dreams were bright and ambitious.

Crystal’s gaze lingered on Joseph’s back as she began picturing how she’d handle a capable daughter-in-law. So, what if Aurora could make money? In the end, that money would still end up with her son. A woman’s place, after all, was in the home—supporting her husband, raising children, and helping her man succeed in his career. If the man thrived, then the woman would have all the prestige she needed.

She pulled out her phone again and searched for Aurora’s pictures. After studying them carefully, she scoffed. "She looks like a seductress, no doubt about it. Once she marries into the Hunt family, I’ll make sure to put her in her place."