Chapter 29

Lucas just smiled without answering, instead placing a tender barbecue rib onto Aurora’s plate. “Try this one. It’s delicious too.”

Aurora stared at the food on her plate, her heart filled with mixed emotions. She’d been with Joseph for three years, yet he never even knew what foods she liked. And Lucas, whom she’d married impulsively, was already this attentive to her preferences. The stark contrast stirred a bittersweet feeling in her heart, leaving her both touched and a little sad.

She recalled dining out with Joseph in the past. He always chose dishes that suited his own taste, never once asking what she wanted. One time, she’d mustered the courage to say she wanted something spicy, only for Joseph to frown and respond, “Why eat spicy food? It’s bad for your skin.”

Thinking back now, Aurora could only scoff inwardly. Bad for her skin? Yet here was Lucas, carefully placing all her favorite dishes in front of her. Being treated this considerately felt unfamiliar yet wonderfully comforting.

Lucas clearly noticed her distracted expression. Setting down his utensils, he gently asked, “What’s the matter? Is the food not to your liking?”

Aurora quickly shook her head. “No, it’s delicious.”

“Then have some more.” Lucas smiled, serving her a bowl of warm soup. “You’ve been working hard lately. Take care of yourself.”

Aurora accepted the bowl, sipping the soup slowly, its warmth spreading through her body and soothing her heart. After finishing the soup, Aurora suddenly remembered her original purpose for attending the banquet, a faint sense of disappointment washing over her.

“By the way,” Aurora asked, pretending to sound casual. “Do you happen to know the CEO of Vanguard Group?”

Lucas paused briefly, fork suspended in mid-air, and looked up at her. “Why the sudden interest?”

Aurora shifted her gaze slightly. “It’s nothing serious. Actually, the main reason I attended the banquet tonight was to meet Vanguard’s mysterious CEO. I’ve heard he’s incredibly talented, and I wanted to…pick up some pointers.”

She laughed awkwardly. “But he didn’t show up, probably too busy. Well, maybe next time.”

Lucas put down his fork, gazing deeply into Aurora’s eyes, an enigmatic smile playing at the corners of his lips. “Oh? You’re interested in meeting him? Why?”

His intense gaze made Aurora feel strangely guilty, and her eyes drifted nervously.

“Well… Just wanted to connect with a prominent figure in the industry, you know, to expand my network. It could be beneficial for my career…”

“Really?” Lucas’s tone was neutral, revealing nothing. “And what exactly do you know about him?”

Aurora hesitated. “Not much, honestly. Just that he’s young, highly capable, and that he single-handedly built Vanguard into the success it is today. Quite impressive…”

“Vanguard’s projects aren’t so easy to secure.” Lucas calmly set down his utensils and elegantly wiped his mouth, his voice taking on a subtle meaning. He watched Aurora closely, amusement flickering in his eyes. “You’ll have to put in some real effort, Mrs. Carter.”

“Of course! I have every intention of securing that Vanguard project,” Aurora replied confidently.

“But…” She set down her utensils, suddenly hesitant, “I need to go to Walton Corporation tomorrow.”

Lucas raised an eyebrow. “Walton Corporation? What for?”

“To deal with Chuck Mills?” Lucas remarked casually, a trace of coldness creeping into his voice.

Aurora’s head shot up, staring at Lucas in surprise. “How did you know?”

Lucas took in Aurora’s astonished expression, his lips curling into an indulgent smile. “Because I know you.” He reached out, gently tousling her hair. “Just do what you need to do. I’ll support you.”

Chapter 30