But her mother didn’t even look at her and instead walked straight to the stage.

Seeing this, Tessa had no choice but to take a deep breath, praying things weren’t what she feared.

If it truly was, she would never forgive her mother.

To choose this moment to announce the successor–what did that make of all her efforts? Were they meaningless? Was she just destined to lose?

How laughable. After working so hard for so long, she still hadn’t managed to change anyone’s opinion of Aurora.

She had schemed, making sure Aurora collapsed and spent a month in a hospital bed.

And yet now, after just a few days back, those old men were already turning to her side again.

She had clearly convinced them before. As long as Aurora stayed in her coma, the plan could have succeeded.

But now everything had slipped out of her control, spiraling in a direction she hadn’t expected.

Tessa silently wished for the banquet to end quickly, hoping things weren’t what she thought, that her mother had something else in mind.

Grace walked up on stage, her gaze steady.

She adjusted the microphone before beginning her speech. “Everyone, thank you for giving me a little of your time. I’m so glad that despite your busy schedules, you’ve all come to Walton Corporation’s banquet.

“I’m truly happy to see us gathered here tonight.”

Her words immediately drew the attention of everyone present, including Aurora and Lucas.

Both of them instinctively moved closer to the stage.

At some point, Megan had slipped to Aurora’s side. She nudged her shoulder and said with a smile, “Is this when they announce you as the successor?

“Congratulations, my little heiress. Looks like I’ll be depending on you to keep me fed from now on.”

Her face glowed with genuine happiness, clearly showing she was truly glad for Aurora.

After all, she knew better than anyone how much Aurora had endured over the years.

Now, seeing Aurora finally reap the rewards of her hardships, Megan truly felt it hadn’t come easy.

Leonard stood nearby as well, genuinely happy for Aurora.

Through working with her, he had witnessed her courage and decisiveness, and he had come to admire her intelligence and foresight.

In business, he couldn’t compare to Aurora, and her vision was so forward-thinking that even many men found it intimidating.

But while some were filled with joy, others were weighed down with dread.

Tessa stood among the crowd, watching her mother on stage, her teeth clenched so tightly she thought they might shatter.

She prayed again and again in her heart, begging that the announcement not be what she feared most.

She couldn’t bear to see it.

If it really was announced, then she would never be able to surpass Aurora.

What could she possibly use to compete with her?

It was laughable–there would be no chance at all.

On stage, Grace remained oblivious to the storm brewing below. She was immersed in her own moment.

Under the spotlight, her makeup was flawless, her smile radiant.

“Tonight, I’ve gathered everyone here to announce two matters. The first is this: Walton Corporation will be cutting off all ties with Hayes Enterprises from this day forward.”

Grace’s firm voice rang out across the hall. “From now on, we will have nothing to do with them. If any of you wish to continue working with them, that’s your choice, but it has nothing to do with us.”