Chapter 1431

Grace’s face instantly darkened. “Aurora Walton, I am your mother. Is this really how you’re going to treat me? Have you really decided to cut ties with me?”

“Of course,” Aurora replied without hesitation. “Even if I still longed for a mother’s love, I wouldn’t want it from someone who only knows how to manipulate me. And as for my life with Lucas, you don’t need to worry. His parents treat me wonderfully – better than you ever did. Through them, I finally understood what a real mother’s love feels like. It’s nothing like what I had with you.”

Grace clutched her chest, hurt flashing across her face. “Do you really mean that?”

Aurora met her disbelieving gaze and nodded. “I do. Didn’t you see how happy I looked when I came back with Lucas? That smile was real. The only time I ever speak harshly is when I’m with you. So please, stop interfering with our lives. We’re happy together, and we don’t need anyone else’s opinions or approval.”

Tessa stepped forward, trying to ease the tension, but before she could say a word, Aurora cut her off. “Tessa, don’t bother. I don’t want to hear another word of nonsense from you.” She turned to Lucas. “Sorry you had to sit through all this.”

Lucas chuckled softly. “How could I be upset? As long as I can help you, it’s worth it.”

“Let’s go. It’s getting late. We’ll leave this place first thing tomorrow.”

“Alright. Whatever you say.”

The two walked out hand in hand, their silhouettes perfectly in sync as they disappeared down the hall.

Tessa’s fists clenched tight. She could see it clearly – Aurora was doing this on purpose. That public display of affection with Lucas was nothing but a show meant for her. She tried to steady her breathing, forcing her face into something neutral, but no matter how hard she tried, it was useless.

Finally, she turned to Grace, her voice small and defeated. “Mom… I really don’t know what else to do.”

Hearing that, Grace took a deep breath. “Do you think I have a choice? We’ve already tried everything to get Lucas to stay, but he’s completely lovestruck. Whatever Aurora says, he follows without question. What can we possibly do?”

Tessa frowned. “Then what should we do now? The company’s situation is getting worse by the day.”

“You still have the nerve to ask?” Grace’s temper finally flared. “Isn’t this all because of you?”

Back when Aurora was around, none of these problems existed. Grace never had to worry about a thing. But the moment she handed things over to her eldest daughter, everything began to fall apart.

Tessa’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Mom, what are you talking about? You said before that none of this was my fault! Don’t you see what you’ve done wrong? I’ve been trying my best to improve. What more do you want from me?”

As she spoke, Tessa grabbed handfuls of her own hair in frustration, her face twisted with pain.

Seeing her like that, Grace’s anger quickly softened, replaced by a deep ache in her chest.