Aurora returned to John’s office with her assistant once again. This time, having heard she came in person, John dropped all pretenses. Instead of keeping her waiting, he chose to come out and greet her himself.
“Miss Walton, I truly didn’t expect you to come in person. Please forgive the lack of a proper welcome,” John said with a smile as he stepped out to receive her. Compared to how he treated her assistant last time, he was like a different man altogether.
Aurora said nothing about the change. She simply smiled and replied, “There’s no need for formalities between us, is there?”
Her words made John’s smile falter for a second, but he quickly recovered. “Of course, come on in, Miss Walton.”
Aurora nodded slightly. In her heels, she walked beside him into the office. They sat across from each other on the couch. The atmosphere grew somewhat tense and awkward.
Aurora sat with perfect poise, waiting for John to speak. Business negotiations were always a game of patience and control. The first to speak was usually the one conceding ground. Both of them knew that very well. But even after waiting a while longer, John still didn’t get any reaction from her. Aurora seemed as though she’d come only for tea—sipping it leisurely, not a single shift in her expression.
Watching her, John unconsciously clenched his fists. What was this woman playing at? She’d already come to his office, and yet she still acted so untouchably aloof. Didn’t he know that whoever showed up first was already the one conceding?
Aurora remained calm and composed.
Of course, she knew that rule. That was exactly why she came here first—it was already a concession on her part, which meant the next move, the opening line, had to come from John. Otherwise, Walton Corporation would gain nothing and be placed at a complete disadvantage.
In the end, it was John who couldn’t hold back any longer. “Miss Walton, may I ask what brings you to my office today?”
Aurora finally set down her teacup and let out a light laugh. “We’re both businesspeople—no need to beat around the bush.”
Seeing this, John nearly ground his teeth to dust. This woman was doing it on purpose. Aurora raised an eyebrow. They were both seasoned players—what was the point of pretending? She spoke slowly. “I wonder, Mr. York, do you perhaps have a problem with Walton Corporation?”
“I’m not sure what you’re implying, Miss Walton.” Now it was John’s turn to play coy.
Aurora let out a cold chuckle. “If you’re unsure, then why did you raise the price on the project? This new figure is on a completely different level from what we previously agreed upon. Mr. York, you should know the industry standards. Aren’t you concerned about the backlash this might bring?”
Her eyes fixed on him, as though trying to read something in his expression, to see whether someone had put him up to this.
Now, it was John who sat back, unbothered.
“Miss Walton, I don’t follow.” He waved his hand casually. “All I know is, I’m a businessman. And as you know, in business, we’re all out for profit.”