But Tessa had always been frail growing up. That was why Grace had shown her more patience, more leniency.

She couldn’t help it.

And then there was the other reason…

Grace’s lips pressed into a thin line as she looked at Tessa. “You’ve been thoughtful. I understand. I’ll talk to your sister.”

“You’re right, if she wants to earn respect, how her colleagues see her matters. She can’t just charge ahead without considering their views.”

A smile bloomed on Tessa’s face. “As long as you understand, that’s enough for me. I only want what’s best for her.”

“You’re a good girl, Tessa,” Grace murmured, patting her hand gently.

Then her tone shifted. “You’ve always been a good one. I’ve always known that.”

“But about Julian… what are your plans moving forward?”

That situation had left a splinter in Grace’s heart.

After all, they were both her daughters, and now things had turned ugly over a man.

What would people say if they found out? It was a stain on the family’s name.

Tessa tightened her grip on the hem of her sleeve, her expression faltering. “Mom, Julian already explained it to you, didn’t he?”

She had expected this. Her mother still couldn’t let it go.

“He was drunk that night. He mistook Aurora for me. That’s all.”

Grace opened her mouth to argue, but Tessa was quicker.

“And besides, Mom, we’re already engaged. What’s the point of dragging this out? What matters most now is the Walton family’s reputation.”

At that, Grace paused, looking at the steely determination in her daughter’s eyes.

She said nothing more.

She clearly understood the weight of Tessa’s words.

The Walton family’s reputation was everything, and with so many eyes on the company, even