Chapter 37
Outside the Restaurant
Joseph stood with his usual air of nonchalance, his gaze lazily sweeping over Aurora Walton. A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips, playful yet mocking. One arm wrapped around Judy’s waist, while his other hand idly flicked a lighter, the small flame briefly illuminating his fingers before vanishing. His entire demeanor exuded a careless arrogance, as if nothing in the world could truly hold his interest.
However, when his gaze landed on the man sitting across from Aurora, something in his expression shifted. A flicker of intrigue flashed in his eyes. He couldn’t see the man’s face, only a broad back and a composed posture. But that upright stance, coupled with the sheer presence emanating from him, was enough to make Joseph pause. Whoever this man was, he was no ordinary figure.
Judy followed Joseph’s line of sight and quickly took notice of the man sitting across from Aurora. Though she could only see his back, an unsettling feeling crept into her chest. There was something different about him. Unlike Joseph and any man she had ever known, he carried an aura of true authority – calm and restrained, yet sharp and unyielding, like a hidden blade waiting to strike.
“Joseph, isn’t that Aurora?” Judy’s voice was laced with disdain as she eyed Aurora through the glass. “What’s she doing here? A place like this is way out of her league.” Then, as if realizing something, a sneer curled on her lips. “Oh… I see. That must be her little substitute boy toy who brought her here. Aurora, you really know how to pick them, huh? Let’s go say hello.”
With an air of superiority, Judy strutted toward the restaurant entrance, reaching for the door. However, before she could step inside, a tall waiter blocked her path. “Apologies, miss, but the restaurant is privately booked today.”
Joseph raised an eyebrow, glancing at the waiter with an amused smirk. “Privately booked? Do you even know who I am? I’m Joseph Hunt.” He casually dangled his car keys, the diamond-encrusted leopard head keychain glinting under the lights, an unmistakable symbol of wealth and status.
The waiter remained unfazed, his polite yet firm tone unchanged. “I’m sorry, sir, but no matter who you are, entry is not permitted today.”
Judy’s eyes darkened as she shot Joseph a look, clearly waiting for him to handle the situation. “Oh wow, looks like Aurora has landed herself a rich man. Must be nice to afford a private booking at such an upscale restaurant.” Judy’s voice dripped with sarcasm, her eyes filled with jealousy as she sneered.
Joseph’s face darkened instantly. He hated being compared to others, especially when that “other” was Aurora. “You really don’t know what’s good for you!” His voice was sharp with irritation. “Do you even realize what it means to ruin my evening, huh?”
The waiter remained professional, his tone unwavering. “Sir, please don’t make things difficult for me. If you insist on entering, I’ll have to call security.”
Joseph clenched his jaw, seething. When had he ever been treated like this? Just as he was about to lash out, Judy grabbed his arm and pouted sweetly. “Joseph, forget it. Let’s just go somewhere else. Maybe they’re discussing something important inside – we wouldn’t want to interrupt.” Her voice was gentle, laced with deliberate meaning.
Joseph was still furious, but since Judy had already backed down, he couldn’t insist on making a scene. He shot the waiter a deadly glare before shifting his gaze back to the restaurant’s interior. He wanted to see exactly which big shot Aurora had managed to cling onto. However, all he could make out was the broad-shouldered figure of the man across from her. The man’s posture was straight, composed, and radiated a quiet yet undeniable power – something that sent an inexplicable pressure washing over Joseph.
“Let’s go,” Joseph huffed coldly, turning on his heel.
Judy trailed after him obediently, her steps delicate and measured. But before leaving, she couldn’t resist glancing back one last time, her eyes filled with resentment and unwillingness.
“Aurora Walton, just you wait.”