At first, everyone assumed that the second daughter of the Walton family's matriarch was just here for show, playing at starting from the bottom. After all, heirs born into wealth rarely took their jobs seriously. With family money as a safety net, most of them treated work as a mere pastime. But Aurora was nothing like the people the project manager had seen before. In fact, she completely overturned his expectations. It was rare to see someone as dedicated as her.

With her background, she could have coasted through her position at Walton Corporation, doing the bare minimum. Yet he saw her seriousness and diligence firsthand. Not only that, but she was genuine. She treated people with warmth and respect. The project manager found himself looking at her with newfound admiration.

Aurora, however, didn't care how others viewed her. To her, work was about responsibility–doing what needed to be done. She carried herself with unwavering poise, like a steadfast pine tree standing tall against the wind, capable of holding up the sky on her own. There was something reassuring about her presence, a quiet sense of stability.

"This project is in your hands now," Ben reminded her once more. "Aurora, you understand better than anyone how critical Vanguard Group's project is."

Aurora nodded, her eyes steady. "I'll give it my all."

Her conviction spread through the office, igniting the team's energy. Everyone around her straightened their posture, doubling down on their tasks. She had become a figure to rally behind. After what had happened with Chuck, no one underestimated her anymore. On the contrary, they saw her as someone who acted with boldness and resolve.

Chapter 81

In such an environment, Aurora found work surprisingly fulfilling. In the afternoon, with the finalized documents in hand, Aurora set out for Vanguard Group. Her colleagues sent her off with words of encouragement. Taking a company car, she soon arrived at Vanguard’s headquarters. Aurora stood before the towering skyscraper, glancing at the surrounding city center. Vanguard Group’s dominance was undeniable, but seeing it up close–stepping into its domain–was something else entirely. It was imposing, and even overwhelming. She always knew Vanguard was a major player, but being here in person made the company’s power feel almost tangible. Pressing her lips together, she steadied herself and stepped inside.

The moment she entered, the receptionist took notice. Aurora approached the desk. “Hello, I’m here to deliver the review documents for Vanguard.”

The receptionist greeted her with a professional smile. “Of course, Miss. Please take the elevator to the 15th floor. Someone is waiting for you in the conference room.”

Aurora nodded politely. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Let us know if you need anything.”

As she turned toward the elevator, she couldn’t help but admire the company’s efficiency. Even the receptionists here are well-trained. Courteous and professional–everything is on point. She stepped into the elevator. Just as the doors were about to close, something caught her eye–a familiar side profile. It was Lucas. He was standing a short distance away, speaking to someone, his entire demeanor exuding authority. He was completely different from the man she knew at home. Here, he was all business–sharp, commanding, exuding an aura of dominance that left no room for doubt.

Chapter 81

Aurora’s breath hitched. She had never seen him like this before. By the time she snapped out of her daze and reached for the button, the doors had already shut. The elevator ascended toward the 15th floor. But she couldn’t shake the image from her mind. She stared at the closed doors, her thoughts in turmoil.

Did she see that right? What was Lucas doing here? Wasn’t he supposed to be at work? Aurora distinctly remembered Megan mentioning that Lucas was just a manager at some small company. So how could a small company’s manager be here–at Vanguard Group, one of the most powerful corporations around? Was he here for the same project? A string of questions flooded her mind, but she had no answers. Her lips pressed into a thin line as she tightened her grip on the documents. Only after a deep breath did she finally regain her composure.