As Lucas caught his breath, he took a moment to murmur against Aurora’s lips, “Now would be a good time to close your eyes.”

Before she could react, his hand gently covered her eyes, blocking out the world.

And in the next instant, he leaned in again.

Aurora barely had time to process it before he was stealing her breath once more, drowning her in another heated kiss.

Their silhouettes tangled in the dim backseat, locked in a silent, feverish battle…

At Walton Corporation…

By the time Aurora returned to the office, a few colleagues were already waiting, eager to hear about the meeting with Vanguard.

But the moment she walked in, one of them gasped.

“Rora! What happened to your lips? They’re so swollen – it looks serious!”

The exclamation came from a round-faced coworker, a bubbly and affectionate girl known for being a bit dramatic but incredibly reliable.

She was the type to always have snacks to share and often treated Aurora like a trusted senior.

Aurora didn’t dislike her. In fact, she found her quite endearing.

Lifting a hand to her lips, she winced slightly. Even the slightest touch stung.

Her expression darkened for a second before she casually replied, “Nothing. Just got bitten by a dog.”

There was silence.

Her coworker blinked, then slowly, an amused and knowing glint appeared in her eyes.

“Oh? I see. A dog, huh?”

Aurora shot her a warning glare. “What?”

The girl giggled. “Nothing, nothing. I just wonder what your boyfriend looks like. You’re gorgeous, so I bet he’s super handsome too.”

Aurora’s expression hardened, her voice rising slightly, “What boyfriend? I said it was a dog!”

Instead of being intimidated, her coworker just laughed even harder.

“Wow, Rora, you’re actually adorable when you get worked up! Usually, you’re all about work, so this is a rare sight.”

Aurora stilled for a moment.

Was that true?

She used to be different – more carefree and playful.

Once upon a time, she had loved speed, loved thrill, loved adventure…

Had work really changed her that much?

Sensing Aurora’s sudden silence, her coworker didn’t push further.

Instead, she placed a few snack packs on her desk. “Alright, I won’t bother you anymore. I’m just gonna grab some water. Enjoy the snacks!”

Aurora snapped out of her thoughts and nodded. “Thanks.”

She glanced at the snacks on her desk – all flavors she liked.

She appreciated the small gesture.

However, just a few feet away, Linda had been watching their exchange, her expression dark and filled with resentment.

Hatred burned in her eyes as she glared at Aurora.

Back when Chuck was still here, she had it easy.

He always went easy on her, handing out tasks in a way that ensured she did the least amount of work while earning the same salary as everyone else.

He had even promised that he’d help her become team lead.

That would’ve meant a higher salary, less effort, and even more power.

But Aurora ruined everything.

Because of her, Chuck got fired and Linda had lost her safety net.

She clenched her fists tightly, her gaze landing on Aurora’s swollen lips before a cold sneer crept onto her face.

“So, all that holier-than-thou attitude was just an act, huh? Always wearing those fitted outfits – turns out you’re just out to seduce men like the rest of them.”

Linda’s face twisted in jealousy, her delicate features warping into something almost unrecognizable.

“Aurora Walton,” she muttered under her breath, voice laced with venom.

“You ruined my plans, so don’t think I’ll let you have it easy either. You’re just as fake as anyone else. Who do you think you’re looking down on?”

Blinded by envy, she seethed in silence, her once-pretty face distorted into something ugly.

Meanwhile, Aurora, focused on organizing her materials, couldn’t shake the feeling that someone was watching her.

She frowned slightly, scanning the room.

At first, she didn’t notice anything unusual.

But just as she was about to look away, she caught sight of someone, a lingering gaze that quickly flickered elsewhere whenever she looked up.