The moment those words left Aurora’s lips, Tessa’s smile stiffened. She frowned, staring at Aurora in disbelief, momentarily at a loss for words.

“Aurora, did you come back just to bully your sister?” Julian spoke up, his voice sharp and cutting. He held Tessa protectively by his side as he struck where it hurt most. “Your sister was only thinking of you. You were the one who insisted on chasing after Joseph for three years, throwing away your dignity just to be by his side. And in the end, what happened? You came crawling back, humiliated.”

His words were deliberately cruel, meant to expose her past in front of the crowd. By now, their conversation had drawn the attention of many guests. A hushed murmur spread through the room as people whispered among themselves, their eyes flitting between Aurora and Tessa.

“Isn’t that Madam Grace’s second daughter? I heard she once abandoned everything for love.”

“And the guy she chased didn’t even like her. He ended up dumping her.”

“Didn’t she get married recently? Does anyone know who her husband is? Why did she come alone today?”

“Probably someone she doesn’t want people to see. Otherwise, why show up by herself? Love-obsessed women like her are pitiful.”

The whispers and judgmental stares didn’t go unnoticed by Tessa, who smiled smugly. “Sis, I’m only worried you’ll make the same mistake again,” she said with feigned concern. “You got married in such a hurry—I just wanted to meet him and make sure you’re with someone who truly deserves you. I don’t want you to suffer like before.”

Her words confirmed the rumors swirling among the guests.

“Enough, Tessa,” Julian sneered. With that, he turned, ready to escort Tessa away. “She’s too proud to listen. After all those years of loving someone who didn’t want her, she still got abandoned. With that stubborn personality of hers, she’s bound to end up alone.” His tone was laced with mockery, his gaze filled with disdain.

The growing crowd had turned the situation into a spectacle, and with this being Grace’s birthday banquet, causing too much of a commotion wouldn’t be ideal. But none of them noticed the presence of Grace herself, who had come downstairs at some point. Her expression was grim as she silently observed everything unfolding before her, her sharp gaze settling on Aurora.

Aurora, however, remained unfazed. “No matter what you think of my husband, he’s mine. As long as I believe he’s good enough, that’s all that matters,” she said flatly, completely unaffected by the judgmental looks around her. She had chosen this path herself. She had walked the wrong road before, and she accepted the consequences. This time, she was willing to take another gamble—on her own terms.

“You-” Grace was just about to speak when…

“Apologies, I’m late.”

A deep, husky voice echoed from the entrance, instantly drawing everyone’s attention. A tall man stepped inside, clad in a finely tailored suit that accentuated his broad shoulders and lean frame. His striking features, especially those deep, mesmerizing eyes, seemed to pull people in effortlessly. Every movement carried an air of elegance and authority, making it clear at a glance that he was no ordinary man. Behind him, a group of a dozen bodyguards followed, each carrying meticulously wrapped, high-end gift boxes. Silently, they placed the gifts down, arranging them in neat rows. There were so many that the crowd instinctively stepped back, making space for the extravagant display.

Grace stood frozen, momentarily stunned by the scene before her. Her eyes flickered with surprise. Whispers rippled through the gathering as guests exchanged questioning glances. Just who was this man?

Before anyone could voice their curiosity, Lucas, under the scrutiny of every guest in the room, walked straight to Aurora Walton’s side. Tessa’s expression stiffened, her fingers curling into tight fists as disbelief flooded her heart.

Lucas’ lips curved slightly, his tone laced with a hint of apology as he spoke in a low, intimate voice. “Sorry, Mrs. Carter. Something came up at the company, so I was delayed. You’re not mad, are you?”

What-?!

The crowd was thrown into a stunned silence. This man… was Aurora’s husband?!