Julian reluctantly tore his gaze away from Aurora and gently reassured, “Alright, go ahead. I’ll stay right here. I’m not going


    anywhere.”


    Only then did Tessa nod sensibly and head off to the restroom with her purse.


    When she caught sight of her twisted expression in the mirror, she flinched in shock.


    Was that really her?


    All she ever wanted was more attention–was that really such a crime?


    Everything was Aurora’s fault.


    If not for her, how could she have ended up like this? How could she have be so consumed with jealousy?


    “Trying to secure an international project, are you?”


    Tessa’s lips curled into a cold smile. “Don’t worry. The more you want something, the more determined I am not to let you have


    it.”


    She wiped away the twisted smirk on her face, pulled out a designer lipstick, and calmly retouched her makeup.


    When she stepped out again, she had transformed back into the radiant Tessa.


    In seven–centimeter heels, she carried herself with an air of absolute confidence.


    Julian nced at her glowing smile, feeling slightly puzzled.


    She only went to the restroom, didn’t she?


    Then why did it seem like she came out apletely different person?


    “What is it?”


    <b>Tessa </b>caught his gaze and asked with a faint chuckle.


    Julian quickly snapped back to himself. “Nothing. Just thought you looked especially stunning today.”


    Tessa sneered inwardly.


    Wasn’t his attention glued to Aurora just moments ago?


    “<b>We’ve </b>been together for so long, and now you suddenly say something like that?”


    She yed the part of the bashful girlfriend.


    That expression dispelled any remaining doubt Julian had.


    Meanwhile, Aurora approached the crowd with John by her side, ready to introduce him to everyone.


    “It’s an honor to have you all here at Walton Corporation’s banquet,” Aurora began.


    “Today’s event is mainly to introduce someone to everyone–this gentleman beside me, Mr. John York, Director at LC


    Corporation.”


    She gestured toward John, who graciously nodded and said, “Hello, everyone. I’m John.‘


    +25 Bonus


    Aurora picked up the thread again. “I believe most <b>of </b>you have already heard of Mr. York. To say the least, he’s signed several


    major international projects abroad–some of which I’m sure you’re familiar with.”


    John looked a little embarrassed by the praise, but inside, he was beaming.


    He hadn’t expected Aurora to speak so highly of him.


    And judging by the crowd’s reactions, it seemed he had made quite a favorable impression.


    Just as Aurora had said, if they wanted to break into the domestic market, Walton Corporation was the perfect partner.


    Aurora gave him a subtle look, as if to say, “Be patient. The best is yet toe.”


    Now that the partnership was on track, it was time for Walton Corporation to showcase their full capabilities.


    With the two of them perfectly in sync throughout the event, it felt as though Aurora hadpletely secured John’s support.


    Watching this unfold, Tessa could no longer stay still.


    With the Vanguard Group project still in progress, if this new deal went through as well, there would be no ce left for her in the


    The thought made her heart race with unease.


    She finally understood that if Aurora had brought John to the banquet, it meant she was absolutely confident the deal would be


    signed.


    Tessa stepped forward, casually remarking, “Sister, <b>if </b>you were going to discuss a business coboration at the banquet, why didn’t you arrange to meet Mr. John somewhere else from the start?”