“You really thought it through better than I did,” Grace admitted with a nod. “I was too hasty this time. You’re right. Even if we do bring you into the company, it shouldn’t be under Aurora. That would give people too much time to talk about.”

Seeing her mother come around, Tessa’s smile grew even more sincere.

“Then, Mom, what role do you think would suit me best?”

“I’ll need some time to consider that,” Grace replied evenly. “I’ll let you know later.”

She didn’t want to make promises too quickly—better to keep expectations in check than to raise hopes she might not fulfill.

But Tessa’s hands clenched at her sides, her expression carefully masked. Deep down, frustration simmered.

Why was it that Aurora could walk right into a general manager position, while she was being offered a creative director role, and even that under her sister?

How was that fair?

And now, even with the idea of a separate role on the table, Grace still wouldn’t say what it might be. Just vague talk about needing to think it over.

Tessa couldn’t shake the feeling—her mother was playing favorites.

Still, she didn’t let any of that show.

Instead, she walked around behind Grace and began gently massaging her shoulders.

“I know you’ve been working so hard lately. I’m sorry to be adding to your load,” she said sweetly, her voice soft and affectionate.

“There’s really no rush. If it’s easier, I don’t even have to join the company. I can stay home and look after you instead. That’s enough for me. All I want is to stay by your side.”

Grace gave her a warm smile, reached up, and patted her hand. “That’s very thoughtful of you.”

But that was the end of it. She said no more.

Standing quietly behind her, Tessa’s smile slowly faded.

The warmth in her eyes drained away, replaced by something darker and colder.

Grace was always like this.

Chapter 20

She had two daughters, but they were never equal in her eyes.

Yet Grace remained unaware.

She was still sitting there, quietly marveling at how lucky she was to have two such devoted daughters.

One daughter was capable, the other attentive and sweet.

With both of them by her side, Grace believed the future of Walton Corporation was secure. Progress was only a matter of time—there would be no need for her to worry much longer.

Aurora, of course, knew nothing about any of this.

Not that she needed to. She was absolutely certain that Tessa would refuse their mother’s offer. She knew her sister far too well.

In the meantime, her focus was elsewhere.

For the past two days, she’d been looking for a reason to go back to Vanguard Group.

After turning it over in her mind, Aurora decided it was best to simply show up. If anyone asked why, she could always fall back on the project as an excuse.

With that decided, she drove straight to Vanguard.

This time, she intended to find out for herself whether Lucas was really there.

Just before entering the building, she recalled how overly warm the receptionists had been the last time she came by. Something about it had felt off.

So instead of walking through the front doors again, she circled around and entered through the back entrance, choosing a path where no one would recognize her.

Once inside, she took the elevator straight to the floor she was familiar with.

She carried a copy of the project update in hand just in case. If anyone questioned her presence, she’d have a legitimate reason ready.

With that detail in place, Aurora walked taller, her stride confident and purposeful.

There wasn’t a trace of hesitation in her.