Genevieve had intended to use the opportunity to trample Aurora into the dirt, but Julian’s arrival dramatically changed the situation. She had never anticipated the kind of relationship that existed between Aurora and Julian. If that was the case, her own children were even further from matching Aurora’s stature. Ivy and Zachary had been frittering away their days, lacking any significant partners, and their so-called friends were of no help to their futures.
“Who would have thought, Mr. Barnet, that you and Aurora are together? It’s quite surprising. I just saw an interview recently where you mentioned you didn’t have a girlfriend, and Aurora has only just returned. When did you two get together?” Genevieve asked.
Julian then looked at her directly for the first time. It was this detestable woman who had driven Aurora to a desperate plight, nearly costing her life.
Although he was quite angry, his expression remained gentle. “I have loved Aurora for many years. When she had someone by her side, I could only watch over her silently, respecting that a gentleman does not steal another’s love. Breaking up lovers will indeed bring karmic retribution.”
His words were ostensibly about Aurora and Hayden, but his real irony targeted Genevieve, who, as the other woman, broke up a family. The mention of “karmic retribution” was particularly grating to her, yet she had to maintain her composure.
“I would never have guessed that you are such a devoted lover, Mr. Barnet,” she remarked.
“Aurora is a gift given to me by heaven. If others do not cherish her, it is their loss, but I will hold her dear and protect her from any harm,” Julian declared.
He lifted Aurora’s hand and tenderly kissed the back of it. There were no strangers present, so there was no need for a show.
Whether a man truly loved a woman could be seen in his eyes, and his were filled with adoration for Aurora. Even though he often spoke sweet words in private, this was the first time he had done so in front of her family, causing Aurora’s cheeks to blush.
Leaning against him, she seemed just like any other woman, lacking the assertiveness she had shown before Ivy.
Seeing Julian’s handsome face, Ivy recalled a time when another charismatic man had been by Aurora’s side at school. Why did all the admirable people always gravitate towards her? Jealousy silently spread through her heart.
“Aurora, you really do change boyfriends quite often, don’t you? It was Hayden before, and just a few days ago, there was a young handsome man at your side. Now you’ve even hooked up with Mr. Barnet. You certainly have some charm,” Ivy said loudly, ensuring Julian heard her.
As soon as she spoke, everyone looked towards Julian. Any ordinary man would struggle to accept a woman of dubious fidelity, especially a man as outstanding as Julian.
His face remained unchanged, with a slight smile forming. “Miss Montgomery, you seem to be under some misunderstanding. I am well aware of what happened three years ago. It was my nephew who wronged Aurora, who was the victim of betrayal by someone very close to her.”
“As for this young handsome man you mentioned, that’s completely nonsensical. I know him. He is a good friend and business partner of Aurora’s in America. He is currently managing her company there, and he had come over from the U. S. specifically to see Aurora. Perhaps his open nature and his playful interactions with friends led to your misunderstanding.”
“Aurora had suffered a lot in the past. Miss Montgomery, I hope you’ll think before you speak in the future. After all, we are all adults here, and everyone should be responsible for their own words. Isn’t it rather rude to hurt others?”
Julian calmly explained everything. The calmer he was, the angrier Oswaldo became. How viciously had this mother and daughter duo slandered Aurora before?
“Enough! How much more do you want to embarrass yourselves? Aurora has never done those despicable things. How much more mud do you want to slanderer her?” Oswaldo finally realized that these people had no good intentions.
They never visited him normally, but today they all hurried here, clearly just to mock Aurora!
“Oswaldo, given the circumstances we saw earlier, it’s natural for us to have some suspicions.” Now that was all cleared up, Genevieve couldn’t hold her face anymore. Julian was the best witness.
He not only explained all the prior events but also briefly mentioned Aurora starting a company. Who could doubt his words after that?
“Grandpa, what happened? Did Genevieve say something about me before?” Aurora had already guessed what Genevieve might have said, and now the tables had turned.
Genevieve dared to scheme against her, and how could she not seek revenge? She also started to play innocent.
Seeing her naive appearance, as if she was just a woman immersed in happiness, Oswaldo felt a bit guilty and helpless. Aurora hadn’t done anything wrong, yet Genevieve and Ivy threw mud at his beloved granddaughter!
“Ask them yourself,” Oswaldo snorted coldly, seeing through the true colors of Genevieve and the others.
He had planned to let Ivy and Zachary enter the company, but now he hesitated after this incident, realizing they were just scheming hypocrites who were experts at stabbing others in the back.
If they behaved like this in the company, targeting Aurora every day without learning anything useful, what then?
Aurora, of course, wouldn’t foolishly ask what had happened. She simply smiled and said, “Genevieve must have misunderstood something. We’re all family. It’s better to clear things up.”
Her magnanimity contrasted sharply with the spiteful and disgusting demeanor of Genevieve and the others, making Oswaldo despise them even more.
“Did you hear that? Learn from Aurora. If you dare to cause trouble again, don’t bother joining the company!” Oswaldo also realized that he had been used by Genevieve, who almost framed Aurora.
“Yes.” Once Oswaldo asserted his authority, they dared not say more. This time, their scheming backfired completely.
Aurora and Julian’s perfect union had effortlessly routed their opponents and secured their place in Oswaldo’s heart.
“Grandpa, don’t be angry. It’s bad for your health. It’s getting late. Let me help you upstairs to rest.” Aurora acted magnanimously, not holding a grudge against Genevieve.
After all, some scores needed to be settled slowly.
“Aurora is really well-behaved.”
“Since that’s the case, Mr. Montgomery, I shall take my leave now,” Julian also suggested leaving.
“It’s late, and driving at night isn’t safe. Mr. Nash, prepare a guest room for him. He can leave tomorrow,” Oswaldo instructed.
“Then I have no choice but to obey.” Julian was pleased.