Chapter 36

Aurora’s heartbeat quickened even more, and her face burned as if it were on fire. She turned away, lowering her voice. “It’s really nothing, just a small injury.”

“Small injury?” Lucas’ tone carried a trace of restrained anger. “Your face is this swollen, and you’re still calling it ‘just a small injury’? Tell me exactly what happened.”

Left with no choice, Aurora recounted everything that had happened at the company. As Lucas listened, his expression grew darker, his aura turning ice-cold.

Without hesitation, he pulled out his phone and called his assistant. “Look into a man named Chuck Mills.” His voice was sharp, authoritative, completely different from his usual calm and composed demeanor.

Aurora watched him, her emotions tangled. “Lucas…” She tugged lightly at his sleeve before sighing and shaking her head. Her voice carried a hint of exhaustion. “Let it go. There’s no need to stir up more trouble. I’m fine, I didn’t really suffer any losses.” She didn’t want Lucas to worry about her.

Lucas studied her for a moment, something unreadable flickering in his eyes. He respected her decision and chose not to press the issue further.

Quietly, he put away the remaining medicine, placing it back in the box with careful precision. “Does it still hurt?” he asked gently, his thumb brushing lightly over the swollen area of her cheek.

Feeling flustered, Aurora instinctively avoided his touch and shook her head. “It’s much better now. Thank you.”

Lucas withdrew his hand and glanced at the time—it was already nearing noon. “You must be hungry. Let’s get something to eat.”

Aurora was about to refuse, but at that moment, her stomach let out a loud grumble. She let out an awkward chuckle. “Alright.”

Lucas took her to a restaurant with an elegant ambiance, the atmosphere quiet and refined. He expertly ordered a few light dishes and even took the time to ask if she had any dietary restrictions.

“You seem pretty familiar with this place,” Aurora noted curiously.

Lucas smiled. “Yeah, I used to come here a lot for business meetings.”

The dishes were soon served, but Aurora picked up her fork without much enthusiasm. Lucas noticed and, with quiet care, placed a piece of fish on her plate. “Try this—it’s fresh.”

Aurora took a few bites but quickly put her fork down.

Lucas frowned slightly. “Not to your taste?”

She shook her head. “No, it’s not that… I just don’t have much of an appetite.”

Lucas studied her, his eyes filled with concern. “Don’t dwell on what happened at the company. You handled it well, and I trust you.”

His voice was gentle yet firm, carrying a soothing warmth that seeped into Aurora’s heart. For a moment, she felt as if she were wrapped in warmth, as if Lucas’ voice and gaze had the power to ease her unease. She took a slow breath, trying to suppress the lingering restlessness inside her.

“Actually…” Aurora hesitated before deciding to speak her mind. “I don’t think the situation with Chuck is as simple as it seems.”

Lucas raised an eyebrow, his gaze deepening. “What do you mean?”

“He’s always been arrogant and overbearing in the company, but this time, the way he targeted me… it felt deliberate.”

Lucas didn’t interrupt; he simply listened, his fingers tapping rhythmically against the table. The soft sound echoed, as if tapping directly against Aurora’s heart.

“And…” Aurora paused, her tone growing heavier. “While I was gathering evidence, I heard Chuck mention Joseph.”

The tapping stopped. A flicker of coldness flashed in Lucas’ eyes. He narrowed them slightly, his voice carrying a subtle edge. “You’re saying Chuck might be connected to Joseph?”

Aurora’s chest tightened, a bad feeling creeping up inside her.

At that moment, a commotion arose near the restaurant entrance, Aurora instinctively turned her head—and locked eyes with a gaze filled with venomous hatred.

It was Judy.

She stood at the doorway, her arm elegantly hooked around Joseph’s, her makeup flawless and refined. Dressed in a pristine white dress, she looked delicate and innocent, the picture of quiet beauty. Yet, beneath that facade, her once-clear eyes now brimmed with malice.

Like a viper lying in wait, she fixed her piercing stare on Aurora, unblinking, as if ready to strike at any moment.