Chapter 1013

In case the Hayes family denied everything, then what? She still needed to be fully prepared. This time, no matter what, she had to make them show the proper attitude.

Her two daughters shouldn’t have to suffer such injustice for nothing, especially Aurora, who had been lying in that hospital bed for so long. Who was going to make up for the time she lost? And the damage done to their company.

Every single one of these incidents was outrageous if spoken aloud. Because of all this, Grace was even more determined to cut ties with the Hayes family. She absolutely would not agree to this marriage. Even if Tessa married into that family, she would surely be the one at a disadvantage. Grace could see it clearly now—everyone in the Hayes family was vicious and ruthless. Once inside, who knew if one could even come out alive? How could she possibly send her daughter into that?

Tessa looked worried. “Mom, do you think we can really resolve this smoothly?”

Hearing her raspy voice, Grace felt a sharp pain in her heart. Her daughter had gone abroad in perfect condition—what on earth had she gone through? The voice that used to be as clear as a songbird’s was now this hoarse. Grace had no choice but to close her eyes for a moment, then gently patted Tessa’s hand and said in a lighter tone, “It’s alright. Trust me. I’ll make sure justice is served for both you and your sister. I won’t let this go.”

Tessa nodded, her eyes brimming with tears. She looked at Grace with deep emotion. “Mom, I knew you were always the one who cared about me most. But… do you really think the Hayes family will apologize so easily?”

Tessa was still worried. After all, the two families had worked together for so many years. It wasn’t something that could be cut off just like that. And although Grace had a strong personality, she still understood what was truly suitable for her. She also knew what was best for the company. It was precisely because of this that Tessa felt uneasy. What if Albert offered some kind of benefit and Grace changed her mind? This time, they had to make sure Julian stayed behind bars for good.

That way, there would be no chance of him turning things around. And the matter between them would remain forever buried, never to be known. In Grace’s eyes, she would still be the obedient daughter. At that thought, a strange smile crept across Tessa’s face where Grace couldn’t see.

But Arnold noticed it. He felt a chill run down his spine, goosebumps rising along his arm. He began to doubt who Tessa really was. Why couldn’t he see a trace of kindness in her? Especially that fleeting smile just now—it left a lingering unease in his chest. Arnold opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but in the end, swallowed it down. After all, he was just a housekeeper. If he said too much, it could affect the relationship between master and servant. And she was, after all, Grace’s eldest daughter, the one closest to her heart. If he spoke up, wouldn’t that be stirring up conflict between them?

In the end, Arnold chose to remain silent. He understood some things. If Grace continued to ignore Aurora like this, she would eventually suffer for it.