Even as a woman herself, Susan couldn''t help but envy Aurora''s figure when she saw her. Given her public image, Susan''s attire had always leaned towards a fresh and aesthetic style. It was the first time she saw someone wear ck in so many enchanting ways. Mysterious, sexy, and alluring, each style seemed like a lethal poison. No wonder even Hayden was drawn to her.


    Standing next to Aurora, Susan felt her own presence pale inparison. Who was this woman? Aurora nced at Susan, who didn''t seem to recognize her. Her transformation from the past was so drastic that no one could associate her with the Aurora of the past. It was normal for Susan not to recognize her, but if she began to speak, Aurora would reveal herself. Hayden was still pondering how to introduce her.


    A voice suddenly erupted near them, "Howe you are here? I have been looking everywhere for you."


    Julian''s arrival provided a timely diversion for Aurora. With one arm linked through his and a wine ss in the other hand, she left the scene. Hayden, hearing the man''s voice, found it vaguely familiar as if he had heard it somewhere before. What was Aurora''s rtionship with him? Why was she clinging to him?


    A sour feeling began to overwhelm him. Watching Hayden stare at them intently as they left, Susan felt an unpleasant surge within her. "Who is she?" A woman''s intuition told her that Hayden''s feelings for this woman were far from ordinary.


    "I don''t know her," Hayden replied, pulling his gaze away and starting to walk in the opposite direction.


    Frustrated, Susan clenched her teeth. She had already forgiven what had happened that night, even humbling herself to ask Hayden to reconcile. Clearly, it was his fault initially, and not only did he show no remorse, but now he also gave her that attitude!


    She grabbed his arm and whispered fiercely, "Don''t you go too far!"


    "Too far? I have already apanied you to this dinner. What more do you want me to do?"


    "You know what I want." Susan''s voice carried a hint of distress. She merely wanted others to know she was happy and that she and Hayden were meant to be.


    "I''m sorry, but being with you was just to make amends. You shouldn''t need reminding of why you lost your virtue that night. From the beginning to the end, I never loved you, not even a bit. If you''re seeking true love from me, sorry that I cannot give you that." With those words, Hayden freed himself from her grasp and walked away.


    Susan stood frozen, shivering despite the warm room. Not far off, Julian was embracing Aurora by the waist. "What did you just say to Hayden?"


    "Nothing. We just made a toast," Aurora replied nonchntly.


    "Don''t tell me you still have feelings for him!" Julian seemed to be in a bad mood as Hayden did. Both were profoundly attached to this woman.


    Aurora simply shook her head. "Feelings for him? I couldn''t possibly love him again. I don''t even harbor hatred towards him."


    She harbored immense hatred towards Susan and the Montgomery family. Hayden was merely a pawn in her revenge.


    "If I find out you still love him, I..." Julian''s voice grew colder.


    "What will you do?" Aurora looked at him sideways.


    "I will make Hayden lose everything. Then we''ll see if you still love him," he said, every word deliberate.


    "And what about me?" Aurora was curious about how he would handle her, considering he had also been quite supportive. If he couldn''t have her, would he be angrily frustrated?


    Julian gently cradled her delicate chin before replying, "You''ve been hurt enough in the past. I can''t bear to hurt you."


    Aurora met his gaze, her heart softening. "Julian, don''t be so nice to me." "Why?"


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    "I''m afraid I might fall in love with you," she confessed uncontrobly.


    "Then I''ll treat you even better so you can fall in love with me sooner, Aurora. Come with me. I want to introduce you to some people." Julian took her hand and led her to one side.


    There, several men in suits of different colors approached them proactively upon seeing Julian.


    "Mr. Ba, is this thedy you mentioned?"


    "Yes, she''s the one. Herpany is about tounch soon. Make sure you take good care of her," Julian said lightly.


    "Of course, Mr. Ba. If you say so, we will definitely take good care of her." The men removed their masks and started introducing themselves to Aurora.


    "Miss Montgomery, hello, I''m Ethan, the CEO of Redwood and Thorne. It''s a pleasure to meet you."


    The courtesy shown by the men left Aurora feeling ttered.


    She remembered from the information Asher gave her that these were not usually such amiable people. They were all rather peculiar.


    It seemed she was indeed benefiting from Julian''s influence. Knowing it was polite to


    do so, she gently removed her own mask when she greeted them. "Hello, I am Aurora."


    She was already attracting attention even with her mask on, but the moment she removed it, she dazzled everyone present.


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    People of their status were ustomed to being surrounded by beauties, but someone


    as stunning and mysterious as Aurora was a rare sight.


    "Miss Montgomery is truly beautiful. No wonder even Mr. Ba, who never


    approaches women, made an exception."


    "I am just one of Mr. Ba''s friends," Aurora exined.


    The men just smiled, theirplimentary words making Aurora blush as she chatted


    with them a while longer before putting her mask back on.


    From their tone, it seemed herpany''s future operations were nothing to worry about. With the support of these CEOs, herpany would grow rapidly in a very short time.


    Suddenly, the lights in the hall dimmed, and the voice of an announcer rang out. "Wee everyone to tonight''s masquerade ball. The banquet will now officially begin. Who will dance the first dance tonight? In a moment, the spotlight will decide who shall start, and she will have to blindfold herself to choose a partner." Since everyone was wearing masks, most people did not know who the others were, and with the added challenge of being blindfolded, there was a stir of excitement. Aurora didn''t give it much thought. With so many people around, she didn''t believe the spotlight would choose her.


    "If the spotlight falls on you, who would you choose to dance with?" Julian''s voice whispered in her ear.


    "You brought me here today. Who else would I choose but you?" Aurora shrugged, her reply nonchnt.


    "You heard the rules. You have to be blindfolded. Will you be able to find me?" Julian asked persistently.


    Auroraughed, "How could I? Look how many people are here. It''s impossible it would pick me..."


    Her words had barely faded when the spotlight suddenlynded on her. Julian raised an eyebrow and teased, "Don''t speak too soon, right?"