“Aurora, you look pale. Did you realize something?”


    Megan immediately noticed the change in her friend’s expression


    Aurora took a deep breath, suppressing her suspicions for the moment.


    “It’s only a hunch right now. I don’t have any proof,”


    “So what’s your n?”


    “I’ll cross that bridge when Ie to it. But first, I need to make sure Chuck leaves Walton Corporation.”


    A cold glint shed in Aurora’s eyes.


    She was not someone who’d let others walk all over her.


    Just then, the waiter arrived with their dishes, interrupting their conversation.


    The table was filled with beautifully ted dishes, the rich aroma drifting into the air, but Aurora hadpletely lost her appetite.


    She distractedly moved the food around her bowl, her mind continuously reying images of Tessa and Chuck.


    Picking up a piece of pork ribs, she chewed mechanically, barely tasting anything.


    Seeing Aurora’s state, Megan tactfully dropped the topic about thepany, shifting the conversation to lighter subjects.


    Aurora responded half–heartedly, her thoughts clearly elsewhere.


    Halfway through the meal, Megan suddenly leaned toward Aurora with a suggestive grin.


    Lowering her voice, she asked yfully, “So, babe…how are things going with my cousin?”


    Aurora froze for a moment, a faint blush spreading across her cheeks.


    She mumbled softly, “Pretty good.”


    Megan gave her an “I knew it!” look and raised her brows mischievously, pressing further, “Care to borate? How’s his performance?”


    Aurora nearly choked on her water, shooting Megan a fierce re.


    0


    “What nonsense are you spouting now? Megan, you’re bing more ridiculous every day!”


    But Megan refused to back down.


    “Oh,e on, we’re best friends! Spill it! I’m just curious, after all, my cousin seems so reserved and proper. I never imagined he’d actually be…”


    She let her voice trail off suggestively, a yful smirk on her face.


    Unable to handle Megan’s teasing, Aurora muttered vaguely, “It was…fine, I guess.”


    Yet, she couldn’t help recalling her intimate moments with Lucas, her cheeks growing hotter.


    That night, Lucas was both assertive and gentle, melting her like a me consuming everything in its path…


    Seeing Aurora’s embarrassment, Megan finally stopped teasing her and shifted the conversation to amusing stories from Lucas‘ childhood.


    Listening to Megan’s vivid descriptions, Aurora slowly rxed, a smile involuntarily spreading across her lips.


    After finishing their meal, they stepped out of the restaurant.


    Night had fallen, and the alleyway was quiet, illuminated only by the soft glow of streetlights.


    “Let me drive you home,” Megan offered.


    “No need, I’ll just grab a cab,” Aurora politely declined.


    “No way, it’ste–it’s not safe,” Megan insisted firmly.


    Aurora gave in, agreeing reluctantly.


    As they walked side–by–side down the alley, Megan enthusiastically continued sharing amusing stories about Lucas.


    Just as they reached the end of the alley, Aurora’s phone suddenly rang.


    She took out her phone, nced at the screen, and saw Lucas‘ name.


    “Hello?” Aurora answered, her voice unintentionally softening.


    Lucas‘ deep, maic voice came through the phone. “Having dinner outside?”


    There was a subtle note of concern in his tone.


    Aurora felt warmth bloom in her chest. “Yeah, I’m with Megan right now. We’re just about to head back.”


    “Oh, you’re with Megan.” Lucas’s voice seemed to rx slightly.


    “She hasn’t been speaking badly about me, has she?”


    Auroraughed softly. “Not at all. She’s actually beenplimenting you, saying you were especially cute as a kid.”


    “Cute?” Lucas chuckled lightly. “Funny, I don’t recall ever being cute.”


    “She said you used to follow her around everywhere, always demanding she treat you like an older brother until one day she got fed up and kicked you straight into a mud puddle.”


    Aurora recounted Megan’s story yfully, her tone full of amusement.


    There was silence on the other end for a few seconds before Lucas replied with mild resignation.


    “That girl is always airing my embarrassing moments.”


    Auroraughed even harder.


    “Alright, I’ll stop teasing you now. I’m getting into the car.”


    “Okay. Be careful,” Lucas said gently. “Text me when you get home.”


    “I will,” Aurora promised with a slight smile before ending the call


    Megan had watched the entire exchange, her expression filled with mischievous delight.


    “Oh my,” she teased, drawing out her words dramatically.


    “That tone, that concern–someone’s turned into quite the devoted husband…”


    Aurora’s cheeks flushed, a gentle warmth spreading through her chest.


    ?? ?


    Not long afterward, Megan dropped Aurora off at home.


    After Megan left, Aurora went back to her room and took out the newly bought dress from her wardrobe.


    The pale blue satin shimmered softly under the light, its elegant cut highlighting her figure perfectly.


    Aurora lightly ran her fingers along the hem, her lips unconsciously curving into a smile.


    Just then, Lucas walked into the room.


    Noticing the dress in her hands, he smiled and asked, “Is that for the Vanguard project event the day after tomorrow?”


    Aurora looked at him in surprise. “How did you know about the Vanguard project?”


    <b>Chapter </b><b>23 </b>