Chapter 318

The man stood tall, shielding her from all the rumors and gossip. His presence was so commanding that no one dared to challenge his words. Aside from her initial flutter of affection, Aurora was beginning to think more seriously–Lucas didn’t seem like someone with a simple background. With that kind of aura and clarity of thought, could he really be just an ordinary man?

She had always harbored some suspicion, but after what happened today, that doubt only grew stronger. What was once just a seed of suspicion had now started to take root and sprout.

Lucas’ words silenced every whisper around them. Even those who still wanted to speak up were stopped short by a single look from him.

His gaze carried a silent threat–one strong enough to keep every mouth shut. Because of that, no one said another word.

Aurora saved herself a great deal of effort and energy. The mess with Julian had already wasted enough of her time. She had no intention of getting dragged into more drama.

Lucas turned to her, his tone gentle. “Honey, shall we go home?”

Aurora looked around. Everyone avoided her gaze, even Grace, who had initially sided with the outsiders and was ready to teach her a lesson, now couldn’t meet her eyes. She hadn’t expected to be so wrong about Aurora. That realization left Grace flustered and ashamed, her eyes darting away every time they met Aurora’s.

Seeing this, Aurora let out a cold laugh. She didn’t care how others saw her. But hearing those words from Grace truly chilled her to the core.

“Alright, let’s go,” Aurora replied to Lucas. She no longer saw any reason to stay. The two of them left without a care for the crowd around them.

The banquet was only halfway through, with a full program still ahead. But after Aurora and Lucas walked out, it felt as if the heart of the event had gone with them. The room fell into a lull, the momentum lost. People glanced around, growing increasingly disinterested. Some even thought the whole event had become pointless.

Seeing this, Tessa clenched her fists. That wretched woman–no matter where she went, she always drew everyone’s attention.

“Just wait,” Tessa seethed inwardly. One day, she’d be the one standing in the spotlight. She’d make sure everyone realized she wasn’t any less than Aurora–no, she was better.

Joseph stepped down from the stage, his expression dark. Being compared to Lucas, and losing that comparison so thoroughly, was a massive blow. It left everyone convinced that Aurora could never have cheated. To Joseph, this was a humiliation of the highest order.

He was the heir of Hunt Enterprises–how could he accept being treated like this? It was all Aurora’s fault. If it weren’t for her, he’d still be the respected heir of the Hunt family.

“Aurora, you better hope I never get the chance,” he muttered to himself. “Because if I do, I’ll make sure you pay for this.”

With that thought buried deep in his mind, he slipped out of the banquet hall in shame. Too many eyes were on him, and after what had just happened, he couldn’t bring himself to stay a moment longer. He still had no idea who that man really was–how could someone command such presence and influence?