Chapter 265

Aurora pressed her lips together, her thoughts spinning as she tried to figure out what her mother might want.

“I’ll go see her.”

After weighing it over, she knew there was no ignoring it, not now that she was aware. Especially within Walton Corporation, there was no such thing as keeping a low profile. Whether she showed up or not, Grace would know. There was simply no room for avoidance.

Taking a deep breath, Aurora made up her mind. It was better to face things head-on than to run.

Ian nodded, clearly agreeing. “Is there anything else I should know about?”

At the question, Ian shook his head. “Nothing, really. Miss Tessa’s side has been quiet—no movement at all. The Chairwoman’s the only one who’s asked for you.”

Aurora gave a small nod and put her plans to revisit Vanguard on hold, pushing the thought aside for now. She turned and headed toward the executive office.

As she walked, she tried to guess what this meeting might be about. What exactly was her mother planning?

She knocked lightly on the door.

“Come in,” came the voice from inside.

Aurora pushed the door open.

This time, her mother wasn’t buried in paperwork. She sat upright, composed and poised, as if she had been waiting for Aurora to arrive.

Aurora paused, a flicker of surprise crossing her eyes before she schooled her expression and greeted politely, “Madam Grace, you were looking for me? I was at Vanguard this afternoon presenting a progress update. That’s why I’m only coming by now.”

Grace gave a quiet hum in response, not offering much of a reaction. She slowly picked up the tea in front of her and took a sip.

“Sit down. What are you standing there for?” she said, lifting her chin slightly and motioning toward the couch.

“Alright,” Aurora replied without resistance, taking a seat as instructed.

Grace’s gentler tone was almost disarming. Aurora wasn’t used to it.

Then, to her surprise, Grace stood and came to sit beside her.

Sitting beside her mother, Aurora barely dared to move. Maybe it was the weight of blood ties—something about being near Grace always made her feel more obedient than usual, no matter how grown she was.

Sensing her daughter’s unease, Grace gently placed her hand over Aurora’s, patting it lightly.

“What are you so tense about?”

“I’m not tense, Madam Grace,” Aurora replied stiffly.

Grace let out a soft chuckle. “Oh, come on. It’s just the two of us—why are you still calling me Madam Grace?”

Aurora pressed her lips together, still unsure of where this was going. But when she met her mother’s bright, almost playful gaze, she hesitated, then ventured cautiously, “Mom?”

“That’s better.” Grace beamed and patted her hand again, her demeanor completely different from her usual sternness. It was like sitting next to a different person.

Seeing the shift, Aurora adjusted her tone as well and decided to get straight to the point. “Mom, is there something you needed to talk to me about?”

But Grace waved her off, still in no rush. “Can’t a mother just miss her daughter? I thought I’d take the chance to spend a little time with you. You’ve been married for quite a while now, and we hardly see each other. I figured I’d catch up while I had the chance.”

As she spoke, she poured a cup of tea and placed it gently in front of Aurora. It felt a little strange, but how could she refuse tea from her own mother?

Aurora picked it up and took a small sip, just enough to be polite.