He was, after all, a business partner. There was nothing wrong with him checking in on her mother.

“Of course, that’s not what I meant,” Aurora said with a smile, quickly clarifying her stance. “You coming with me to visit my mother is perfectly fine.”

Besides, with Tessa there, she didn’t want to risk upsetting Grace any further.

Just as the two of them were about to head inside, a voice rang out, low and simmering with restrained anger.

“What are you doing?”

Aurora and Leonard turned at the same time to see who it was.

When she saw Lucas, Aurora’s eyes widened in shock.

Why was he here? And what was going on with these two showing up together today? Usually, they couldn’t even be in the same room.

She stood frozen, watching Lucas stride toward her. Tall and imposing, he exuded a powerful aura that warned people to stay away. Her heart skipped a beat. She had rarely seen this side of Lucas. And his eyes–she’d never seen that look in them before.

As soon as he reached her, Lucas took his place firmly at her side, his posture screaming possessiveness as he stared down Leonard with a hostile glare. He scanned Leonard from head to toe, then turned to Aurora, his tone unmistakably that of someone claiming a right.

“Rora, aren’t you going to introduce me to your… friend?”

Aurora drew in a deep breath, beyond embarrassed. What kind of chaos had she just walked into?

“This… this is my business partner, Leonard Knight.” She then glanced at Leonard before awkwardly turning back to Lucas. “And this is…” She hesitated, unsure whether or not to reveal Lucas’ identity.

Lucas noticed Aurora’s hesitation and, without a word, slid his arm around her slender waist, his eyes gleaming with provocation as he looked straight at Leonard.

“What’s wrong, sweetheart?” he said smoothly. “Why don’t you tell Mr. Knight yourself? We’re husband and wife.”

The warmth pressing into her waist made Aurora feel utterly mortified. Though she’d publicly acknowledged Lucas’ identity online, this was the first time he openly confirmed their relationship in front of someone else. She had always thought of what they had was something kept behind closed doors. She needed a marriage certificate, and Lucas simply used her to deflect his family’s pressure. Never did she expect a moment would come when they could introduce each other so plainly. The thought stirred something unfamiliar inside her–it felt strangely new.

Leonard’s eyes were fixed on Lucas’ hand at her waist, his own fists tightening involuntarily. Watching the smug pride in Lucas’ expression, Leonard knew exactly what the man was trying to say.

Of course he understood. And that was precisely why Leonard couldn’t help but envy him. He had once assumed Lucas was just some average man. But seeing him now, there was nothing ordinary about the power he carried.

Leonard exhaled slowly, then offered a calm smile to both of them. “Mr. Carter, I think there’s been a misunderstanding,” he said graciously. “Aurora and I are just business partners. We ran into each other today because I needed to speak with her about something.”

His tone was impeccably composed. If Lucas hadn’t shown up, he might have believed Leonard’s explanation. But now, Lucas only looked at him with a half-smile, amusement curling at the corners of his lips.

“For your sake, Mr. Knight, I hope that’s truly all it is.”