Chapter 1027

She figured she must’ve just been too tired lately.

Grace patted Tessa’s arm gently. “Good girl. With you by my side, I feel at ease. In a little while, I’m going to host a banquet to officially announce the situation with Hayes Enterprises. I want you to be there.”

Tessa’s eyes lit up with surprise. “Really, Mom? You mean it?”

In the past, Grace had never taken her to events like this. With her frail health, Grace’s most common instruction was for her to stay home and rest. That was it–nothing more. Aurora, on the other hand, though less eloquent, was well-read and could hold her own in any conversation. No matter the topic, she always knew how to respond. Because of that, people naturally gravitated toward her. Over time, it was as if Tessa had faded into the background entirely.

So, this invitation came as a genuine shock. She’d thought she’d already been quietly cast aside. She never expected to be chosen again.

Seeing the joy on Tessa’s face, Grace felt a pang of guilt. Without realizing it, she had wronged both her daughters. If that was the case, then it was time to start making it right. She couldn’t afford to treat them this way anymore.

“Of course I mean it,” she said with a smile. Grace now realized how unfair she’d been. “You’re both my daughters. From now on, I’ll make sure to consider your feelings too.”

Tessa hadn’t expected that dealing with Julian would lead to such a complete reversal of fortune. She leaned against Grace’s shoulder, smiling as she nodded. But in the next second, that smile froze on her face.

“Also, I’ve decided to announce Aurora as the company’s successo.”

The moment those words left Grace’s lips, all the warmth Tessa had just begun to feel instantly shattered. So, that was it? She was being invited to attend Aurora’s succession banquet? What was that supposed to mean? Was she just a clown, meant to stand there and watch someone she despised bask in glory–right in front of her?

Tessa’s expression faltered, but Grace seemed completely unaware, continuing as if nothing had changed.

“Don’t worry, though I won’t leave you out. Given your health, you’ll still receive dividends and shares in the company. You won’t need to lift a finger at home, and money will keep coming in–as long as the company keeps turning a profit…”

Tessa stopped listening. What difference did that make? Wasn’t this the same as those discarded royals in ancient times–given gold, but stripped of power?

So, in the end, Grace’s heart still belonged to Aurora. She dressed it up with sweet words, but the truth was clear–Tessa was just a stepping stone.

As Grace continued to speak, Tessa merely nodded and mumbled a few half-hearted replies. Her smile had gone stiff. “Alright, I understand, Mom. I know you’re doing this for my sake. I get it.”

Grace patted the back of her hand, full of motherly affection. “Good girl. I promised I wouldn’t let you down.” She added with conviction, “As long as I’m alive, you’ll always be safe under my wing.”

Tessa’s smile finally cracked. What was that supposed to mean? Was she trying to smother her with kindness?