Chapter 58
Aurora’s approach to handling the situation was simple–use the truth to crush the rumors. She contacted the mall’s management, retrieved the security footage from the incident, and uploaded it online. The video showed the reality: Aurora and the man had merely bumped into each other by accident. The man had instinctively reached out to steady her, and they hadn’t even exchanged a single word before going their separate ways. Just two strangers brushing past each other. Nothing more.
The internet flipped instantly. The gossip accounts that had initially fueled the scandal were now being torn apart by angry users, forced to issue apologies before eventually shutting down altogether. But for Aurora, this wasn’t over. She needed to find out who was pulling the strings behind the scenes. “There–that guy was acting super suspicious,” Megan said, pointing toward a corner of the video feed. A man in a bucket hat and a face mask. “Looks exactly like a paparazzo. Too bad we can’t see his face. Otherwise, we could’ve just reported him and been done with it.” Aurora shared the same frustration, but she wasn’t about to let this slide. Her eyes narrowed, sharp as a blade catching the light. “It’s fine. Since their plan failed this time, they’ll try again.” Just then, her phone buzzed. It was Lucas calling. Normally, she would’ve answered without hesitation. But now, she hesitated. Megan, oblivious to Aurora’s shift in mood, smirked. “Tsk tsk, my cousin is always too busy to care about anything, even his own birthday banquet. But when it comes to you, he’s always paying attention.” “Based on the timing, I’d say he just finished his weekly meeting. And the first thing he does? Call you.” The phone rang until it eventually went to voicemail. Aurora still hadn’t answered. Megan blinked. “Wait, why didn’t you pick up?” Aurora hadn’t expected herself to hesitate for that long. But the moment the call ended and Lucas didn’t immediately redial, a sense of relief washed over her. She quickly masked it with an excuse. “Benet remembered, I need to tweak my proposal. If I adjust a few things, it’ll be perfect.”
Megan frowned. “It’s the weekend…” “Too late!” “I need to get back to the office–urgent deadline!” Before Megan could react, Aurora had already grabbed her things and rushed out the door. Megan rubbed her nose and muttered to herself, “I have to admit, those two really are perfect for each other–both absolute workaholics. Who else ditches a shopping trip halfway through just to go back to the office?” Outside the mall, Aurora slowed her steps. She had already submitted the Vanguard Hot Springs Project proposal. This whole rushing back to work excuse? Just a convenient way to avoid facing her real thoughts. Pulling out her phone, she hesitated. Should she text Lucas or call him back? She couldn’t decide. Her fingers hovered over the screen, scrolling mindlessly until something caught her eye. Lucas had changed his profile picture. It was a new one. In the photo, he was wearing his old high school uniform. The golden hues of the sunset bathed his features, highlighting the sharp curve of his jawline with a soft, glowing outline. But what stood out wasn’t the light, nor his striking profile. It was his gaze. There was something deep in the way he looked at whatever was in front of him–something quiet, unwavering, almost tender. Aurora found herself murmuring under her breath, “What was he looking at?” “You.” A smooth, warm voice sounded behind her. Aurora spun around, startled. Her phone slipped from her grip, but before it could hit the ground a hand caught it effortlessly. It was Lucas. He handed the phone back to her, his expression calm, unreadable. Aurora suddenly felt guilty for intentionally ignoring his call. Her eyes darted away, avoiding his gaze. “Why are you here?” “Megan told me,” Lucas said with a hint of exasperation, though his tone was laced with something softer–something close to gentle reproach. “You handled this well, I never doubted that,” he continued, his voice steady. “But the person following you is still out there. What if they try something again when you’re alone?”
Chapter 59