Chapter 169

Aurora nodded as Grace spoke. “Alright, Mom. I understand.”

But Grace could tell she hadn’t really taken her words to heart. She couldn’t help but add, “This was your choice, Aurora. No one can walk it for you. If it’s the path you chose, then you have to stick with it. What truly matters is the two of you are doing well.”

Aurora lowered her gaze. She understood exactly what her mother was getting at. It was just like the past when she chose to be with Joseph.

“I get it, Mom. You should get some rest. I’m an adult now.”

She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear and looked at her mother, speaking clearly and steadily. “Don’t worry. I can handle a lot more than you think.”

Grace felt a flicker of comfort in her heart. “That’s good. Our little Aurora really has grown up.”

Aurora froze for a moment when she heard that. It had been a long time since her mother had called her by her nickname, and she wasn’t quite used to it.

Grace noticed the way her daughter paused but didn’t linger. She stood and offered a gentle, “Get some rest,” before heading out of the room. She really did care–she always had.

Aurora watched her mother open the door and saw Tessa waiting just outside. Her eyes dimmed. Of course. The moment their mother walked in, she’d gone straight to the point. Tessa must’ve said something.

Aurora felt a wave of silent frustration. “Why go out of her way to stir up drama? Didn’t she have anything better to do?”

Tessa stepped forward with a look of concern. “Mom, is Aurora alright? She looked a little off when she came in, and I couldn’t help worrying.”

Grace glanced at her, sensing something in her tone, like she was trying to suggest Aurora might do something drastic. No one had brought that up. Why was Tessa pushing so hard in that direction? A seed of doubt quietly took root in Grace’s heart.

“She’s fine,” she replied calmly, “She’s resting now. You should get some rest too. Don’t overthink things,” Grace said before heading back to her room.

Tessa watched her mother’s calm expression, unable to tell what she was really thinking. She stood alone in the hallway for a moment, dazed, then finally turned and went back to her room, closing the door behind her.

The next morning.

Chapter 169

Aurora was seated in the living room, having breakfast. Grace and Tessa were also at the table. No one brought up anything from the night before. Tessa wasn’t stupid–Grace’s attitude had been clear. She didn’t want that topic mentioned again, and Tessa wasn’t about to risk provoking her.

For once, breakfast felt genuinely peaceful for Aurora. Just as she was getting ready to call a cab, Grace spoke up.

“Aurora, wait a moment. Come to the office with me.”

Aurora paused in surprise, then nodded. “Alright, Mom. Got it.”

Grace had always avoided playing favorites or using her status to pressure people at work. She especially disliked flaunting their mother–daughter relationship at the company. So, for her to bring it up so directly caught Aurora off guard.

Meanwhile, hidden from their view, Tessa’s expression twisted with resentment and fear. Watching the bond between them grow stronger only made her more anxious. She already had no place at the company–if they truly reconciled, Aurora would never let her off easily.

Chapter 170