Chapter 1425

After all, from Arnold’s perspective, Grace had always been the kind of woman who could hold up a company on her own—capable, decisive, even admirable in her own way.

But now? When had she ever needed to lean on her son-in-law’s empire to stay afloat?

He remembered it vividly.

Back when Aurora hadn’t yet known Lucas’s true identity, Grace could barely tolerate him—her tone was cold and her face stern. There was not a trace of warmth.

Yet tonight, she’d stood waiting at the door to greet them, her smile wide, her attitude deferential.

At dinner, she even served Lucas herself.

Anyone with half an eye could see what was going on.

Now that she knew who Lucas really was, and with her company’s performance sinking fast, Grace’s motives couldn’t have been clearer.

Her calculations were as loud as the clacking of an abacus.

Aurora, however, was done playing polite games. Her red lips parted calmly. “I’m tired. I’ll be going upstairs to rest.”

“Of course, of course, go ahead,” Grace said quickly.

Just as Lucas moved to follow her, Grace suddenly called out, “Lucas, could you stay a moment?”

“Is there something you need?” Aurora immediately stepped in front of him, her eyes sharp, her tone wary.

Grace’s smile faltered under her daughter’s guarded stare. “You see, I just wanted a quick word with him alone. Why are you so tense?”

Aurora’s voice was firm. “We’re not interested in talking. We just want to rest. Is that a problem?”

Grace sighed, looking wounded. “I’m your mother. Do you really have no trust in me at all?”

Aurora’s smile was faint, her words cutting but poised.

“Given everything you’ve done before, I think that trust expired a long time ago. And now that you know who Lucas really is, I have every reason to believe you’re up to something.”

Arnold, standing by the dining room doorway, nearly choked on his breath. If there had been any doubt before, Aurora had just said everything he’d been thinking out loud.

No one knew what Aurora had been through lately, but she was no longer the woman who swallowed her words.

Even facing her own mother, she didn’t flinch or hesitate. Her tone was sharp and her stance unshakable—when she said no, she meant it.

“Aurora, you’ve really misunderstood me this time.”

Grace’s voice trembled with frustration. “You’re my daughter, and he’s my son-in-law. I just wanted to speak to him about a few things. Do you really think I’d have any ill intentions?”

“I don’t trust you,” Aurora shot back without a second’s pause.

Grace froze, momentarily speechless. But before the tension could escalate, Lucas gently placed a hand on Aurora’s arm. “Aurora, calm down a little.”

She looked up at him, puzzled. “What’s wrong?”

He smiled faintly, his voice even. “She’s still your mother. It’s fine to let me talk with her for a bit.”

Aurora frowned. “Is that really what you want?”

“Of course,” he said, his tone steady as he ruffled her hair. “There’s nothing to worry about. We’re still under this roof. Nothing’s going to happen.”

Hearing that, Aurora hesitated. Maybe he was right. Perhaps she really was overthinking it.

Grace seized the moment, her tone full of approval. “See? Lucas understands perfectly!”

Chapter 1426