After all, she had to remember—she and Grace were still mother and daughter. It was a bond that couldn’t be cut, no matter how tangled it became. There was no need to make things unbearably awkward.
Seeing Aurora’s mood calm considerably, Grace’s own tone softened. “This weekend, I’ve decided to hold a banquet to officially announce you taking over the company, and to announce the termination of any future cooperation with the Hayes family.”
Aurora was caught off guard. “Why so sudden?”
Grace took a sip of tea, composed and steady. “I’ve already decided to hand the company over to you, and I’ve given you notice before. So, I don’t think it’s sudden—it’s just that you haven’t prepared yourself.”
Aurora asked, a note of doubt in her voice, “Have you told Tessa…?”
In front of Grace, Aurora still gave Tessa that much courtesy.
Seeing this, Grace didn’t press the point. “It’s fine. She knows. Don’t worry. Since I’ve made this decision, I have my reasons. I’ve already considered all your concerns – everything will be arranged.”
Hearing that, Aurora didn’t say more. “Since you have already made the arrangements, of course I’ll follow the decision.” She gave a faint smile. “I’ll be there on time.”
Grace nodded slightly. “And make sure to bring your husband along. For an important occasion like this, I don’t want anyone missing.”
Aurora paused mid-step but eventually nodded her agreement. Although she felt the decision had come suddenly, she had already been preparing herself to take over the company. Now there was simply an added formality to it, and she found she didn’t mind that at all. At the very least, her position as successor would now be justified. No matter how much Tessa tried to stir trouble later, the public would see things clearly. Even if she caused a scene, it would make no difference. That thought gave Aurora some peace of mind.
Now that she knew about this arrangement, her attitude toward Grace eased somewhat. “Madam Grace, is there anything else?”
“Go on and get back to work,” Grace sighed. Seeing how reluctant Aurora was to spend any extra time with her, she chose not to push it. Her children were grown now. As a mother, all she could do was try to give them what they wanted—beyond that, there was nothing more she could offer. She waved a hand. “That’s all. You can go. And make sure you’re well dressed and put together that day.”
Looking at Aurora’s simple business attire, Grace couldn’t help feeling a twinge of resignation. Her daughter was beautiful, but she never cared to dress herself up–her whole focus was on the company, and she avoided socializing whenever she could. It was something that truly gave her headaches.
Aurora glanced down at her business suit, thinking it wasn’t a big deal. She gave a slight nod to acknowledge her mother’s words, though inwardly she dismissed them. After all, she came to the office to work, not to compete in a beauty pageant. As long as she was comfortable, wasn’t that enough? That was how she had always seen it.
Once she stepped out, she pulled the door to Grace’s office shut behind her. Thinking about the upcoming banquet to announce her succession, she felt an unexpected flicker of excitement. To her surprise, Tessa hadn’t made a fuss this time.