Survival of the fittest–it was a law that applied to every environment.
Under her mother’s steady gaze, Tessa nodded.
“Mom, I know how much effort you’ve put into me. Sometimes I really hate myself for not understanding you sooner. I want to do better. I really do.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll study hard and learn properly from now on.”
Grace patted her on the shoulder.
“I’m glad you understand. I don’t have much else to say. Just remember to learn from your seniors–listen more, ask questions. Don’t feel embarrassed. Everyone has a first time. What matters isn’t making mistakes, it’s refusing to move forward.”
Tessa nodded earnestly. “I understand, Mom. I’ll work harder. You should rest soon. It’s getting late.”
“Alright. As long as you understand where I’m coming from, that’s enough.”
Grace waved a hand gently. “Go on, get some rest. I’ll stay here in the study a little longer.”
Tessa’s eyes softened with concern. “Mom, don’t keep everything bottled up. You can always talk to me, okay? I’ll always be by your side. I’d never treat you the way Aurora does.”
Grace’s heart swelled with emotion. She hadn’t expected Tessa to be so kind, so devoted. Compared to her, Aurora seemed only to know how to make her angry.
“I know how thoughtful and filial you are,” Grace said quietly. “Having a daughter like you truly is my greatest blessing.”
“Then call me anytime, Mom,” Tessa said with a gentle smile. “My phone’s always on for you.”
Grace waved her hand again, motioning for her to go rest, saying nothing more. It was late, after all, and Lucas hadn’t agreed to help their company secure any projects.
The thought gave her a dull headache. She didn’t know what path lay ahead. At this point, all she could do was take things one step at a time. She only hoped Tessa would really grow and stop relying on her for everything. If things continued like this, Grace thought bitterly, she might as well hand the company to an outsider instead. Or perhaps, Grace thought, she could try softening her approach with Aurora–say a few kind words and see if she’d be willing to come back and help manage the company. The more she thought about it, the more hesitant she became. She honestly didn’t even know how she’d made it through these past few weeks.
Between comforting the constantly tearful Tessa and dealing with the relentless pressure from the board, she was completely exhausted. Leaning back in her chair, Grace stared up at the newly renovated ceiling, her mind already spinning over what her next move should be.
Meanwhile, when Tessa returned to her room, she threw herself onto the soft bed and stared blankly at the white ceiling above. Her thoughts drifted aimlessly, tangled in frustration and uncertainty. Tonight had made one thing clear–there was no getting through to Lucas. She’d already said all the right things, and still, he refused to help Walton Corporation secure any projects. From now on, she’d have to figure out the company’s problems on her own. Her mind replayed Aurora’s cutting words from the study. It was obvious that Aurora was deliberately going against them.
Chapter 1434