“<b>Yes</b><b>, </b>our GM’s been busy coordinating with a new project partner she already left for lunch, probably eating at one of the restaurants nearby.”


    The receptionist answered Lucas‘ question without holding anything back.


    He gave a small nod in thanks and turned to leave!


    ncing at his still silent phone, a flicker of unease crept into his chest.


    It appeared that Aurora washtill upset.


    He stepped out and wandered around the nearby restaurants, checking one after another.


    With all the people casting nces his way, he reluctantly pulled on a mask and got back in the car, driving slowps around the


    <b>area </b>


    Honestly, he hadn’t expected much–just hoped he might get lucky and run into her.


    But then, through a restaurant’s ss window, he caught <b>a </b>glimpse of a familiar smile.


    At first, from a distance<b>, </b>he wasn’t sure if it <b>was </b>really her.


    After all, she was sitting act


    across from a man and a little girl.


    When he rolled the window down for a better look, the uncertainty vanished.


    It was Aurora


    Sitting <b>opposite </b>her was a fair–haired man with a young girl by his side.


    Just yesterday, she had been furious with him.


    Yet today, she was genuinely smiling. Her eyes lit up <b>as </b>she spoke to the child, warmth in every expression.


    <b>Lucas</b>‘ grip on the steering wheel tightened


    Weren’t they just fighting?


    Who wa


    to was that man?


    Was Aurora doing this on purpose, trying to get back at him?


    Lucas couldn’t help spinning a full–blown drama in his head.


    Alter all, the man was decent–looking.


    And that little girl–what <b>was </b>her connection to them?


    “Rora, are you really going to betray me?”


    Lucas had no idea how long he’d been sitting in his car, <b>parked </b>along the curb.


    It was long enough for Aurora to sense it, like someone was watching them all this time.


    Leonard noticed something was off.


    He wiped the crumbs from Nora’s mouth and nced at Aurora “What’s wrong? <b>You’ve </b>looked a little oft since just now.”


    “It’s nothing. I’m probably just overthinking.”


    Aurora quicklyposed herself and didn’t bring up the strange feeling


    After all, it was just a hunch.


    If she was wrong, there was no point in worrying anyone else.


    Since she clearly didn’t want to borate, Leonard didn’t press further.


    “Aurora, I really owe you one.” He looked genuinely apologetic.


    “This is the first time Nora’s ever asked to see someone on her own like this. That means a loting from my sister, it’s practically a seal of approval.”


    Aurora nced at Nora, whn was quietly focused on her food.


    No one would think she was the kind of child Leonard described.


    “It’s no trouble at


    le at all. If I can help her, then I’m happy to do it” Aurora smiled lightly.


    “We’re friends. If you act this polite, it’ll feel like we’re strangers


    Leonard’s gratitude deepened. “Then… can I bring Nora to visit you often?”


    “Of course,” Aurora replied without hesitation.


    They’d be working together more in the future anyway. “We’re not just partners, we’re friends–and besides, Nora’s adorable. I really enjoy herpany.”


    Unnoticed by the two adults, Nora’s ears flushed pink.


    She stole a nce at Aurora, then quietly continued eating her meal without saying a word.


    With the three of them together, as long as Nora was settled, she would eat obediently.