Aurora was just about out of patience when Ian finally blurted everything out.

“Actually, it’s mainly Hunt Enterprises. They’ve been competing with us for several projects lately.”

Aurora’s expression froze the moment she heard that. She had expected some outside interference, but it turned out to be an old acquaintance.

“You’re sure it’s Joseph? You didn’t mistake someone else for him?” Aurora knew him well. With how timid he was, how could he possibly make a move against Walton Corporation? Setting aside whether he was capable or not, he definitely didn’t have the nerve. That was why she was so surprised.

Deep down, she wondered if Ian had gotten it wrong. After all, they couldn’t jump to conclusions. If this escalated, it would become a matter between two corporations.

Lucas, meanwhile, had fallen into deep thought. If something really was going on with Walton Corporation, then why hadn’t his assistant informed him? Before leaving, he had clearly told Desmond to keep a close eye on things. Was this how he’d been watching? Lucas’ gaze darkened.

Once this situation passed, he was going to settle the score with Desmond. It was obvious that during his absence, the man hadn’t taken his words seriously at all. Worse yet, he seemed to be getting bolder. Desmond had better hope nothing serious happened to Walton Corporation. Otherwise, not even ten of him would be enough to make up for it. Lucas made a quiet resolution. Once he got to the bottom of this, and if it really turned out Desmond had failed in his duties, then he’d be shipped off to Southwest.

He already had the destination in mind.

Aurora was still stuck in disbelief that the person involved was Joseph. After all, she had a clear understanding of what he was capable of. So, when Ian said it out loud, her shock was genuine.

Ian nodded, looking troubled but speaking firmly. “Miss Aurora, everything I said is true. I have no reason to lie to you. All the documents are right here. You can see for yourself.”

Hearing that, Aurora opened the file and began flipping through it carefully. Ian’s heart pounded as he watched her serious expression. It was clear this situation wasn’t simple, not even for Aurora. But for him to handle such a major project on his own had been exhausting. Without Aurora leading the way these past few weeks, he had felt completely lost. Now that she was back, the two of them would need to realign and relearn how to work together. Aurora understood that too, but it wasn’t something that could be solved overnight. It would take time.

The more she read, the darker her expression grew. She hadn’t expected Joseph to be this bold. Snatching land, poaching staff, and even eyeing their joint project with Vanguard Group? It seemed she had been far too lenient with him before.

Lucas walked up behind her and saw what Joseph had been up to. A cold sneer surfaced in his heart as he thought. “Well done, Desmond. I gave you one job, and you couldn’t even manage that.”