Aurora was far more difficult to deal with than he had imagined. Cold sweat began to form on his forehead, and his lips trembled as he struggled to speak. Aurora didn’t waste any more words and turned to leave Chuck’s office. The crisp sound of her high heels striking the marble floor echoed like a relentless hammer against Chuck’s heart, each step intensifying his frustration. He sat in his chair, shaking with rage. Why? How could a broke college student dare to flaunt her power in front of him? The more he thought about it, the more suffocated he felt. He suddenly stood up and stormed out of his office.

Aurora had just reached the employees’ workspace when she heard hushed whispers.

“Aurora Walton? Why is she here? Didn’t she resign?”

“Who knows? Maybe she’s back to beg Mr. Mills for her job.”

A few employees exchanged mocking glances, their voices dripping with scorn. Aurora ignored the gossip and was about to head to her desk when someone suddenly yanked her shoulder. Before she could react, a sharp, stinging pain exploded across her face.

Slap!

“You little brat! How dare you threaten me!” Chuck roared, his face twisted with fury, like a wild beast provoked beyond reason. Before Aurora could even react, another fierce slap landed hard on her cheek. Searing pain spread instantly, her head buzzing, vision blurring. Gasps filled the office. Everyone was stunned—no one could believe Chuck actually dared to hit someone in the office. Aurora took a deep breath, forcing down the rage burning inside her. She slowly lowered the hand covering her face and locked eyes with Chuck, her gaze ice-cold.

“Chuck Mills, you’re finished.”

Chuck scoffed. “Finished? Who are you trying to scare? You think that little bit of dirt in your hands can do anything to me? Let me tell you, I belong to Miss Walton! Touch me, and you’re going against her!”

Aurora let out a cold laugh. “Tessa Walton? You’ve been making such a spectacle in the company. Do you really think she can still protect you?” Aurora’s disdain was blatant, as sharp as a dagger stabbing straight into Chuck’s heart.

“You…” Chuck stumbled back a step, his bravado faltering under her gaze. “You bitch! Just you wait!” he barked, but the fear in his voice betrayed him. Turning on his heel, he tried to flee.

Chapter 31

Aurora wouldn’t let him get away that easily. She grabbed Chuck by the collar and yanked him back with force. “You want to escape? Not so fast!”

She sneered and, without hesitation, swung her hand again—this time delivering a slap even louder than the one he had given her.

Slap!

The sharp crack echoed through the office, making everyone around suck in a breath.

“You… you dare hit me? You’re dead!” Chuck roared, completely losing it, his voice hoarse with rage.

Aurora scoffed. “Damn right I hit you! What? Are you upset? Then come bite me!”

Her words pushed Chuck over the edge. With a furious growl, he lunged at her, intent on tearing her apart.

“Stop! Stop!”

“Chuck, are you insane? Let go!”

“Aurora, run!”

The onlookers panicked, rushing forward to break up the fight. But Aurora didn’t budge. Her gaze sharpened as she swiftly caught Chuck’s wrist and, with a firm twist, dragged him forward. Before he could even react, she lifted her leg and executed a clean, effortless over-the-shoulder throw.

Thud!

Chuck’s body crashed onto the marble floor with a sickening impact, a pained howl escaping his lips.

Chapter 32