Chapter 226

Meanwhile, Aurora had already begun laying the groundwork for a new project. The domestic market was nearing saturation, especially now that she had secured Vanguard, the biggest piece of the puzzle. Everything else had lost its edge, no longer offering much of a challenge. So, this time, she planned to branch out and explore new business avenues.

Her assistant approached. “Miss Walton, should we call everyone in for a meeting?”

“Yes. Conference room at ten.”

Now that she had a new direction, there was no point in holding back. She had to push forward and find ways to expand this vision.

When the group was called into the conference room, most of them looked confused. They exchanged puzzled glances, unsure what Aurora was up to this time.

Grace sat with a tense expression. Aurora hadn’t discussed this meeting with her in advance, so she had no idea what was going on. She was still stewing over the fact that Aurora had ignored her summons to the office the other day. The more she thought about it, the more it bothered her.

Tessa sat beside her, all polite smiles and soft-spoken sweetness. She leaned closer and said, “Mom, I’ve been feeling so cooped up at home lately. I just wanted to come to the office to clear my head and maybe learn a few things. Please don’t be upset. I was just bored, that’s all.”

Grace gave a small nod. “Why would I be upset? Of course, you can come whenever you’re bored.”

Not being much of a talker, Grace’s attempts at comfort were always brief and repetitive.

Tessa smiled and thanked her, then let the conversation drop. Under the table, she clenched her hands tightly in her lap. She was dying to see what Aurora was up to now.

It hadn’t even been that long since she was promoted to director, and she was already trying to make a splash in front of the senior shareholders? How arrogant could she be?

If Aurora didn’t fully understand what kind of people these old board members were, Tessa certainly did. They were relics—stubborn, set in their ways, and never willing to consider anyone else’s opinion. She was just waiting for the moment Aurora made a fool of herself.

As that thought crossed her mind, Aurora walked in with her assistant. Dressed in a sleek, tailored suit that hugged her elegant figure, her face was lightly made up, enhancing her already striking features. She didn’t need to say a word. The moment she stepped into the room and stood there, she drew every eye effortlessly.

The sight of it made Tessa grit her teeth so hard her molars ached. They were both daughters of Grace—why the difference in treatment? Worse, whenever people talked about them, they always said Aurora looked more like their mother.

Of course. Even in appearance, their mother was clearly biased.

All around the room, eyes turned toward Aurora—some filled with suspicion, others with curiosity, and a few with admiration. But Aurora didn’t seem to care.

Calm and composed, she walked to her seat and handed her USB drive to her assistant, instructing him to start the presentation. “Good morning, everyone. Thank you for taking the time to gather here today. I’d like to share with you a new plan I’ve been preparing.”

The room instantly perked up. Even Grace, who had previously carried some disapproval, couldn’t help but glance at Aurora a few more times. She had heard about what happened with David—not in full detail, but enough. And now Aurora was already launching a new plan?

Well then. She really was her daughter.