Lucas brought over a steaming bowl of oatmeal. The rich aroma alone made Aurora’s stomach tighten with hunger. She took the bowl eagerly and scooped up a spoonful. The taste was even better than it smelled. The oatmeal was smooth and creamy, each spoonful rich and comforting, with tender shredded chicken and a hint of fresh herbs blending seamlessly into the warm, hearty texture. As the warmth spread through her stomach, her entire body relaxed. Before she knew it, the bowl was empty. Only then did she look up, suddenly aware that Lucas was still sitting beside her. Her cheeks heated. “Did you eat yet? You should go have dinner–I can handle the rest myself.”
Lucas took the empty bowl from her hands. “Want more?” Aurora hesitated for a second before nodding, a little embarrassed. A small chuckle rumbled from his chest as he stood up and went to get her another serving. This time, he returned with half a bowl, along with a cup of warm water and some medicine. “Finish this, then take your meds,” he instructed, his tone firm yet gentle. “If you get sleepy after, just rest. Leave the dishes–I’ll take care of them later.”
He was speaking to her like she was a child. But Aurora didn’t mind. If anything, she was relieved when he finally left the room, giving her some space. She picked up her spoon and noticed something odd – the portion was exactly right. She had planned to get more if it wasn’t enough, but by the time she finished, she was comfortably full–just the right amount. A small flicker of surprise crossed her face. Had Lucas figured out her eating habits?
Just then, something outside the window caught her eye. A quick, faint flash. Aurora frowned, standing up carefully and moving toward the window. Hiding behind the curtain, she lifted a small section and peered out. A shadowy figure lingered below. Paparazzi? It made sense. This building was a high-end residence in the heart of the city. Several celebrities lived in the units above and below hers. Given the location and the convenience, it was a prime spot for anyone with money.
Out in the living room, Lucas was eating his own bowl of oatmeal. But his attention was split – his eyes occasionally flicking to his phone. The information he had requested had finally arrived. The man lurking in the shadows was a ruthless tabloid photographer–someone who would do anything for money. As long as the price was right, he could fabricate explosive headlines, twist the narrative, and ruin reputations overnight. And now, his sights were set on Aurora. Tracking him down was proving difficult. He was as slippery as an eel, vanishing the moment anyone got too close. But Lucas didn’t need to think too hard about who was behind this. There was only one person actively trying to make Aurora’s life hell. It was Joseph.
At that moment, Joseph was huddled in a dimly lit bar with Chuck, plotting their next move. He refused to accept his repeated losses to Aurora. Every time he tried to put her down, she came back stronger. He hated it. He needed to see her fall. Chuck, desperate to stay in Joseph’s good graces, eagerly provided suggestions. If he wanted to climb back to power, his only option was to stick with Joseph. Otherwise, his days of suffering would never end. Joseph’s expression darkened. “We need something big.”
Chuck smirked. “Technology’s advanced these days. Ever thought about AI face-swapping? If you’ve got a swimsuit photo of her, I can make it look real as hell.” Joseph’s jaw clenched. A swimsuit photo? He didn’t even have a single picture of Aurora, let alone something that revealing. She had always been conservative, never giving him more than a chaste touch, even after years together. That restraint had been one of the reasons he’d grown tired of her.
“Cut the crap,” he snapped. “Just get it done. Money isn’t a problem – just make sure there’s no trace back to us.” Chuck grinned, pounding a fist against his chest. “Don’t worry, boss. You won’t be disappointed.”
Joseph exhaled a cloud of smoke, watching it curl toward the ceiling. After a beat, he flicked his cigarette, a smirk playing on his lips. “I heard you’ve still got a little side piece working at Walton Corporation, yeah?”