Chapter 1285

But Grace hadn’t shown the slightest intention of stepping in.

That alone made Lucas’ chest tighten with cold anger on Aurora’s behalf.

With a mother like this, he thought, she’d be better off without one.

In his eyes, Grace was the very picture of a failed parent. If she couldn’t even care for her own daughter, how could she possibly run a company?

His gaze hardened as he looked at her.

What kind of children could ever come from a mother like this?

Fortunately, Aurora hadn’t been brainwashed by her.

She had her own mind, her own principles.

Otherwise, he was certain Grace would have raised her into nothing more than someone who lived under her thumb, forced to obey in everything, and blamed for anything that went wrong.

“Looks like letting my daughter marry you was a mistake,” Grace snapped suddenly, her words laced with scorn.

The moment she said it, both Aurora and Lucas exchanged a glance, their hearts sinking.

Was she actually regretting it now?

Aurora quickly reached out, holding Lucas back and giving him a subtle shake of her head, signaling him not to get involved.

“Marrying him was my decision, and you have no right to interfere,” Aurora said, a mocking curve on her lips.

“Besides, if I hadn’t chosen to marry, would I ever have been allowed into the company?”

Grace was speechless.

She hadn’t expected Aurora to throw that back in her face.

But it was true–that had always been the Walton family’s rule.

“Even so, I never thought you’d choose someone so utterly lacking in manners.”

Grace’s words turned petulant, more out of spite than reason. She disliked Aurora, and by extension, she extended that disdain to Lucas as well.

Hearing her mother insult Lucas like that, Aurora’s chest burned with guilt and indignation.

Clearly, it had all been Grace’s idea in the first place, yet now she was the one complaining.

After all this time married, she suddenly had such strong objections to the man Aurora had chosen.

So why hadn’t she said anything before?

Aurora’s life should have been hers to decide. Did every choice have to be dictated by her mother?

With that thought, Aurora clenched her fists, suppressing her anger as she looked at Grace.

“This is none of your business. From the very beginning, you never told me who I should choose. So, whoever I chose afterward was my decision, not yours.”

Lucas’ heart leapt as he stared at the curve of Aurora’s head.

His hand at his side curled into a tight fist.

He hadn’t expected Aurora to speak up for him so firmly.

In his eyes, she had always been someone who kept her emotions guarded.

For her to openly express her loyalty like this–especially here, in a café, in front of so many people—was something rare.

Hearing her speak so directly to Grace filled Lucas with delight.

It was enough for him. With Aurora standing by him like this, he had no need for anything more.

Grace, however, was furious at Aurora’s defiance.