For the first time, Aurora found it hard to reconcile the man before her with the one in her memories—the man who once comforted her, over and over, when she was temporarily blind.

Back then, after the earthquake, Joseph had saved her, staying by her side and reassuring her as they waited for rescue.

That was why she had been devoted to him for so long.

But she never imagined that the man who accompanied her through the darkness would turn out to be so arrogant and cruel.

“Aurora, a woman should have more self-respect,” Judy said with a sigh, her expression one of helpless understanding, as if she were generously tolerating a clingy, unreasonable ex-girlfriend chasing after her boyfriend.

Aurora was just about to set the record straight when, suddenly, someone leaned in and whispered something to the manager.

The manager’s expression shifted.

He turned to Joseph, his tone polite yet firm.

“Apologies, Mr. Hunt, but your membership invitation has been revoked. You are no longer a member of this restaurant. Please leave.”

Revoked?

This restaurant was well-known, and its owner was notoriously elusive and private.

Joseph’s expression darkened, but he forced himself to remain composed. “What does your boss mean by this?”

“My apologies,” the manager said again, extending a hand toward the door.

“These are our owner’s instructions. I must ask both of you to leave.”

Aurora paused for a moment, then let out a quiet laugh, watching the way Joseph’s face twisted with emotion.

Joseph shot her a sharp glance, clenched his jaw, but in the end, he didn’t dare make a scene.

Without another word, he turned and left with Judy.

As they stepped out of the restaurant, Judy hesitated.

Remembering the way Aurora looked just now, Judy felt aggrieved, her eyes turned slightly red as she asked, “Joseph, do you think this was Aurora’s doing?”

“Impossible,” Joseph said coldly, his patience wearing thin.

“What kind of power would she have?”

“But isn’t the owner of this place supposed to be extremely wealthy? What if Aurora is still bitter over your breakup and deliberately got close to him? She does seem… different now.”

Joseph frowned, thinking back to the way Aurora had carried herself tonight.

She really did seem like a different person.

Even her presence felt stronger than before.

“She wishes,” Joseph said flatly.

“With her background, no one would take her seriously. She’s just a passing amusement. Just ignore her.”

Only then did a faint smile appear on Judy’s lips as she obediently followed Joseph away.

…

In the restaurant, Aurora had long finished her arranged date for the night.

Still thinking about what had just happened at the restaurant, she wondered who exactly the mysterious owner was.

Just then, she caught sight of a familiar figure approaching from the distance.

It was Lucas.

She hesitated for a moment before greeting him with a sweet, casual smile, as if she had completely forgotten the absurdity of that night. “What a coincidence, Lukey.”

His dark eyes lingered on her, calm and unfathomable, his voice low and steady. “Here for a date?”

Aurora nodded.

It was no secret—her arranged dates had been a hot topic in their social circle.

It wasn’t surprising that he knew.

“Madam Grace’s idea?” Lucas’s gaze deepened, unreadable.

Aurora wasn’t sure what he meant.

She looked up at him in confusion.

Then, unexpectedly, he spoke again.

“Interesting. My family’s been pressing me about marriage too.”

He met her gaze. His expression remained indifferent as he asked, almost carelessly, “So, Aurora, want to get married?”

His voice was deep and husky, cool yet intoxicating.

Aurora’s heartbeat skipped for a moment.

She hadn’t expected Lucas to bring it up himself.

“Can I ask why?” she hesitated, as if something had just occurred to her.

“If this is about that night, you don’t need to take responsibility. Honestly, you were good in bed, and I had a great time.”

It had been a mutual decision.

Besides, she was the one who made the first move, acting on impulse.

“If I had to give a reason…”

Lucas idly rolled the rosary bracelet around his wrist, his voice calm and unhurried.

“Call it mutual benefit. You’re Megan’s friend, and I trust her judgment.”