Chapter <b>363 </b>
In Ian’s eyes, Aurora had always been sharp, decisive<b>, </b>and unshakablyposed.
She was the kind of woman who owned every boardroom she stepped into, never one <b>to </b>zone <b>out </b>or hesitate in the middle of work.
That was why today’s distracted, uncertain demeanor felt so out of ce, and frankly<b>, </b>concerning.
Maybe she wasn’t feeling well?
Before Ian could ask more, Aurora nced up, her <b>expression </b>quickly regaining its <b>usual </b>rity<b>. </b><b>“</b>Oh, I’m fine. Did you finish the report?”
Her gaze sharpened, <b>the </b>momentary haze gone.
Seeing her snap back to form<b>, </b>Ian breathed a quiet sigh of relief.
There she <b>is</b>–that was the Aurora he knew.
That indecisive woman from a minute ago was definitely not their capable general manager.
<b>“</b><b>Yes</b><b>, </b>everything’s been reported. Our coboration with the new director, Mr. Lowe<b>, </b>is going smoothly.”
Aurora nodded. “Good. But if he makes any unreasonable requests<b>, </b>I want to be the first to know.”
<b>“</b>Understood,” Ian replied before quietly <b>stepping </b>out.
As the door clicked shut behind him, Aurora sat in silence, her thoughts drifting again–this time straight to <b>Lucas</b><b>. </b>
She couldn’t help it.
Ever since seeing those cruelments online, a deep ache had settled in her chest<b>. </b>
Lucas had taken on a wave <b>of </b>criticism that never should’ve been his burden <b>to </b>bear. And for what? <b>For </b>being with her?
<b>If </b>she imed it <b>had </b>nothing to do <b>with </b>her<b>, </b>she’d be lying to herself.
The guilt gnawed at her.
Aurora <b>let </b>out a long sigh<b>, </b>then made a quiet resolution<b>: </b>from <b>today </b>onward<b>, </b>she was going to <b>treat </b>Lucas better.
She couldn’t erase what <b>had </b><b>already </b>happened<b>, </b>but she <b>could </b>at <b>least </b>make sure he felt her care genuinely and <b>clearly</b><b>. </b>
As for <b>LC </b><b>Corporation</b><b>… </b>
Her <b>gaze </b>darkened.
Now that she <b>was </b>working <b>with </b>Randy<b>, </b>if <b>that </b><bpany </b>dared to <b>propose </b>anything <b>out </b>of <b>line</b><b>, </b>she’d be the first <b>to </b><b>reject </b>it.
She’d learned <b>that </b><b>lesson </b><b>from </b>John <b>all </b>too <b>well</b>.
And just thinking of him made her heart skip<b>–</b>a dull<b>, </b>warning thud in her chest<b>. </b>
News <b>of </b>her partnership with Randy had <b>already </b><b>spread</b>. Knowing John’s <b>personality</b>, Aurora <b>was </b><b>certain </b>he <b>wouldn’t </b>take <b>it </b><b>sitting </b><b>down</b><b>–</b><b>he’d </b><b>definitely </b><be </b>knocking.
<b>But </b>now<b>, </b>so much time <b>had </b>passed and there was <b>still no </b>reaction from him.
That was what finally made Aurora <b>realize </b>something <b>wasn’t </b>quite right<b>. </b>
Could something have happened <b>to </b>John<b>? </b>
Or had he <b>really </b><b>given </b><b>up</b><b>? </b>
The thought left her uneasy. <b>It </b>wasn’t like him <b>to </b><b>stay </b>silent<b>. </b>
After weighing <b>it </b>for a moment, Aurora decided she couldn’t just sit and wonder.
She quickly <b>typed </b><b>a </b>message ton<b>, </b>Instructing him <b>to </b>visit John’s office and find out what was going on.
Lan<b>, </b>upon receiving the message, <b>was </b><b>a </b>little confused.
“Didn’t <b>we </b>already cut ties with John? <b>Why </b>go out of our way now<b>? </b>Isn’t this just asking for trouble<b>?</b><b>” </b>
Still<b>, </b>Aurora was <b>the </b>boss<b>, </b><b>and </b>when the boss gave a directive<b>, </b><b>he </b>followed it.
“Understood. If I find anything<b>, </b><b>I’ll </b><b>report </b>back immediately. <b>Don’t </b>worry.”
After sending that message, he headed out to investigate
<b>But </b>the moment he stepped into the reception area of john’s pffice<b>, </b><b>the </b>atmosphere turned cold.
The receptionist’s face changed the instant she recognized him.
Before he could even say a word, she mmed the door shut right in his face, making it crystal clear that he wasn’t wee.