Aurora returned to John’s office with her assistant once again.
This time, having heard she came in person, John dropped all pretenses.
Instead of keeping her waiting, he chose toe out and greet her himself.
“Miss Walton, I truly didn’t expect you toe in person. Please forgive theck of a proper wee,” John said with a smile as he stepped out to receive her.
Compared to how he treated her assistantst time, he was like a different man altogether.
Aurora said nothing about the change.
She simply smiled and replied, “There’s no need for formalities between us, is there?”
Her words made John’s smile falter for a second, but he quickly recovered.
“Of course,e on in, Miss Walton.”
Aurora nodded slightly. In her heels, she walked beside him into the office.
They sat across from each other on the couch. The atmosphere grew somewhat tense and awkward.
Aurora sat with perfect poise, waiting for John to speak.
Business negotiations were always a game of patience and control.
The first to speak was usually the one conceding ground.
Both of them knew that very well.
But even after waiting a while longer, John still didn’t get any reaction from her.
Aurora seemed as though she’de only for tea<b>–</b>sipping it leisurely<b>, </b>not a single shift in her expression.
Watching her, John unconsciously clenched his fists.
What was this woman ying at? She’d alreadye to his office, and yet she still acted so untouchably aloof.
Didn’t he know that whoever showed up first was already the one conceding?
Aurora remained calm andposed.
Of course, she knew that rule. That was exactly why she came here first–it was already a concession on her part<b>, </b>which meant the next move, the opening line, had toe from John.
Otherwise, Walton Corporation would gain nothing and be ced at <b>a </bplete disadvantage.
In the end, it was John who couldn’t hold back any longer. “Miss Walton, may I ask what brings you to my office today?” Aurora finally set down her teacup and let out a lightugh. “We’re both businesspeople–no need to beat around the bush.” Seeing this, John nearly ground his teeth to dust. This woman was doing it on purpose.
Aurora raised an eyebrow. They were both seasoned yers–what was the point of pretending?
She spoke slowly. “I wonder, Mr. York, do you perhaps have a problem with Walton Corporation?” “I’m not sure what you’re implying, Miss Walton.”
Now it was John’s turn to y <b>coy</b>.
Aurora let out <b>a </b>cold chuckle. “If you’re unsure<b>, </b>then why did you raise the price on the project?
“This new figure is on apletely different level from what we previously agreed upon. Mr. York, you should know the industry standards. Aren’t you concerned about the bacsh this might bring<b>?</b><b>” </b>
Her eyes fixed on him, as though trying to read something in his expression, to see whether someone had put him up to this.
Now, it was John who sat back, unbothered.
“Miss Walton, I don’t follow.”
He waved his hand casually. “All I know is, I’m a businessman. And as you know, in business, we’re all out for profit.”
D