Chapter 1145

Her words sent a shockwave through the hall.

Megan’s heart leapt—was her best friend about to rise up at last? She’d never seen this side of her before.

Grace’s face shifted, the first sign that she finally realized something was wrong. If she couldn’t see it now, she really would be a fool.

She snapped in a low, sharp voice, “Aurora Walton, what are you doing? This is a banquet. Everyone is watching. Don’t you dare make a scene.”

Tessa’s chest tightened in panic. If Aurora rose now, where would her own dividends come from? All of her plans would crumble to dust.

The guests exchanged glances, whispering among themselves.

Aurora’s words sparked suspicion in every heart, yet none dared speak it aloud.

After all, the three on stage were family—outsiders could only watch.

But Aurora ignored her mother’s scolding. Her voice rang out, strong and resolute, echoing through the hall.

“Therefore, I formally tender my resignation to Madam Grace. I will no longer work for Walton Corporation.”

With that, she bowed deeply toward Grace. “I ask my mother, and the chairwoman, to grant me this.”

The gesture stunned Grace. She staggered back two steps, clutching her chest, eyes wide with disbelief.

“You—do you want to make me a laughingstock in front of all Ravenshore?”

Aurora straightened slowly, her tone calm and measured. “Madam Grace, that is not my intention. But if our visions cannot align, then parting ways is the best choice for both of us.”

Tessa saw the iron resolve in her sister’s eyes and froze in dread.

Fear gnawed at her as she rushed to her mother’s side, tugging gently at her sleeve.

“Mom, please, talk to her. If she does this, won’t everyone laugh at us?”

After speaking, she ignored Grace’s gaze and walked over to Aurora, taking her hand like a peacemaker.

The next second, Aurora pulled away without hesitation.

Tessa’s face darkened, but she quickly adjusted and forced a smile.

“Sister, don’t be upset with Mother. As her children, we should ease her worries, not add to them.”

Aurora glanced at her. “Since you’re so filial, and since you’re still not married, I’ll give you the chance to prove it.”

She took the microphone, lifted it again to her lips, and said, “Everyone can see, my sister is more than willing to care for Mother.

“From now on, I’ll provide regular support payments for her. As for the shares, I’ll only take the portion that belongs to me. As for the general manager’s shares, I won’t touch a single one.”

The last part, Aurora said while looking directly at Grace.

She didn’t ask for much.

But in Grace’s world, there were too many things to consider, and Aurora was simply pushed aside.

Since they wanted her to work for free under Tessa, whoever wanted to be that fool could take the job.

She wasn’t interested.

Grace steadied herself, not daring to dwell on the terrifying implications, and fixed her gaze on Aurora.

“Have you really thought this through?”

“Yes, I have.” Aurora nodded without hesitation.

In the past, she still had reservations.

But now, after seeing Grace’s true intentions, all those hesitations were gone.

As for the rest, she would take it one step at a time.

The shareholders below exchanged uneasy looks, clearly unwilling to accept such a decision.