Chapter 1144

“She really has given so much, and she’s made countless contributions to the company.”

“That’s right, all of us have seen it with our own eyes.”

“Now, with this move from Madam Grace, it’s nothing short of burning bridges after crossing them.”

These words reached Megan’s ears, and she grew even more indignant.

She raised her arm high and joined the voices in the crowd. “Exactly! It’s unfair–nothing but burning bridges after crossing them!”

Her voice rang louder than most, rising above the crowd.

From the stage, Aurora spotted her at once and couldn’t help but feel amused.

Of course, leave it to her best friend to shout the loudest and most earnestly in her defense.

Leonard, on the other hand, sighed in resignation. “Megan, you do realize you’re familiar with Madam Grace. Won’t this cause trouble for you later?”

Megan only paused for a heartbeat before lifting her chin stubbornly. “So what? I’ll always stand with my best friend. Whatever Madam Grace does, that’s her business, not mine.”

Turning away, she ignored Leonard completely.

For her, loyalty to her sister came first. Aurora was what mattered most.

Leonard glanced at Megan’s defiant posture and shook his head, a small smile tugging at his lips.

She really was adorable–ready to fight tooth and nail for her best friend.

Meanwhile, Lucas had already pieced together Aurora’s intent.

In his heart, he made a quiet vow–whatever Aurora decided, he would support her without question.

Whatever course she chose, she knew exactly what she was doing.

And whatever consequences followed, she was strong enough to bear them.

Lucas had no doubt–Aurora was a woman who shouldered responsibility.

And sure enough, Aurora’s clear voice rang out again. “Everyone, please settle down. I haven’t finished speaking yet.”

Her voice carried a strange sort of magic–once she began speaking, the entire hall quieted as if enchanted.

The guests all turned eager eyes toward Aurora, waiting to hear what she would say next.

What was odd was that Grace, instead of interrupting her, seemed surprised but made no move to stop her.

On the contrary, she looked almost pleased, as though proud that her daughter was standing before everyone and speaking her mind.

A formal introduction like this surely meant Aurora had something important to say.

Tessa opened her mouth, ready to interject, but Grace quickly stopped her.

“Tessa, don’t rush. Let your sister finish first. It’ll be your turn soon enough. For now, give her this chance and don’t interrupt.”

Hearing this, Tessa swallowed her words, though the unease in her chest grew stronger.

Something about this didn’t feel as simple as her mother believed.

From the way Aurora carried herself, Tessa had a gnawing sense of dread she couldn’t quite name.

And seeing the faint curve of Aurora’s lips only deepened that feeling.

What was with her today?

She was never the type to push herself into the spotlight, yet now she was seizing it without hesitation.

Aurora, however, paid no attention to the thoughts of mother or sister.

Instead, she smiled and said clearly, “I’m not here to list everything I’ve contributed to Walton Corporation.

“What I want to admit is this–yes, I’ve been hurt. This is blatant exploitation, and I am not the kind of person who will quietly accept being pushed down.”