Chapter 329

There was one thing John and Aurora had both been right about.

He was a businessman, and profit would always come first. That truth held everywhere. It was exactly why John decided to change the price—to maximize his earnings. That was what being a businessman meant: profit above all else, no matter the circumstances. If it hadn’t been for that tip-off, he wouldn’t have even considered raising the cost. In fact, Aurora had been one of the best partners he’d ever worked with. Her capability over time was evident to everyone. But because the project promised high returns, John’s attitude shifted.

His smile darkened. “Aurora Walton, don’t blame me for this. Blame the fact that you need me to access the international market. No choice; if you’re relying on me, then you’ll have to pay the price.”

With that thought, a satisfied grin curled on his lips.

As Aurora stepped out of the office, she saw her assistant waiting outside. Seeing the look on her face, Ian’s heart sank slightly. Did things not go well? But that was only speculation.

In a quiet voice, he asked, “Miss Walton, what did Mr. John say?” He was still hoping this could be settled quickly.

But Aurora simply shook her head. “Forget it. Let’s drop the idea of working with John. We’ll find another way.”

His heart skipped a beat. “Miss Walton, what do you mean?”

Aurora sighed and gave a slight shake of her head. “Nothing. He’s just not the right fit for us. This was a misstep. He knows we’re tight on cash, and now that he sees how lucrative this project is, he’s trying to raise the price halfway through.” Her gaze turned sharp. “Walton Corporation can’t afford to work with people like him.”

Hearing that, Ian was taken aback. “Miss Walton, how could they be like this?”

Aurora just shook her head. “I don’t know either.”

Disappointment flickered in her eyes, and the hand at her side slowly curled into a fist. She had clearly misjudged this one. John had once seemed like the perfect key to open the door to the international market. But now, she’d ended up on the losing end, used as a stepping stone. The thought left a bitter taste in her mouth. His price hike had thrown her off course. For the moment, she truly didn’t know what direction to take.

Ian watched the normally unshakable Aurora with a heaviness in his chest. He couldn’t remember the last time he saw her so disheartened. In his mind, Aurora was always strong, fiercely independent—stronger than most men he knew. She never needed extra help, never required him to step in. Everything was always handled with precision and confidence. That was exactly why working under her had always felt so effortless. But seeing her like this now made his heart ache. He wanted to comfort her, but didn’t know how. He’d rarely seen her like this—vulnerable, shaken.

After a moment’s thought, he finally asked, “Then, Miss Walton… can we still use the company’s funds for this?”

Aurora snapped sharply, “Absolutely not!”