Grace also began to feel that Aurora was being a little disrespectful. She turned to comfort Tessa. “It’s nothing, don’t overthink it. Your sister has her own plans.”

Aurora nearly rolled her eyes at her comment. She didn’t feel like explaining anything anymore. After all, her goals were entirely different from Tessa’s.

“Madam Grace, I’ll go see off the management team from Vanguard,” Aurora said calmly, her expression indifferent. When she looked at Tessa, it was with the same disinterest one might show a clown putting on a cheap performance.

The moment she mentioned “Vanguard,” Grace’s tone shifted again. “Alright, go ahead. You don’t need to worry about anything at Walton Corporation. Just focus on your responsibilities.”

Hearing that, Tessa instantly realized the message behind her mother’s words – it was directed at her like a subtle jab. Her fists slowly clenched. Clearly, staying passive wouldn’t get her anywhere. If she didn’t fight for something, there would be no space for her in this house at all.

As for Aurora, she had expected Grace’s words. She simply nodded and walked off without another word. She had no interest in being dragged into their petty exchanges – it was pointless and a waste of her time.

Once Aurora left, Grace finally turned to Tessa and said, “I know you hold resentment toward your sister…”

“Mother, I don’t… I…” Tessa’s eyes widened as she rushed to defend herself.

But Grace waved a hand, her voice calm. “You don’t have to pretend. You know exactly what I mean. And I can see your thoughts clearly.”

Tessa immediately fell silent. In that moment, something inside her shifted. So, what if Grace had seen through her? She hadn’t gained anything in the company anyway. Maybe it was time to lay all the cards on the table–make it clear who was really at fault here.

Her voice trembled slightly as she asked, “So what now, Mom? We’re both your daughters. Do you really think you’ve been fair?”

Grace’s eyes widened slightly, her gaze fixed on Tessa in shock. “Do you even realize what you’re saying?”

“Of course I do, Mom. I’ve never been more clear-headed.” There was a recklessness in Tessa’s tone, like she had nothing left to lose.

Grace sighed. “If you’re still standing here arguing with me, then you clearly don’t understand everything I’ve done for your sake.”

Tessa nearly laughed aloud at that. “Everything you’ve done? You mean giving the entire company to Aurora, right?” She patted her chest and said, “Mom, I know you’ve been exhausted. That’s why I wanted to help and take on some of the pressure. I just wanted to make you happier.”

Grace gave a faint smile but didn’t respond to that. Tessa’s attempt at loyalty suddenly felt awkward, left hanging in the air with no acknowledgment.

“Well, if there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave now,” she said.

Grace only gave a soft “mm,” offering no further words. Not wanting to embarrass herself further, Tessa quietly walked out.

The moment she stepped outside, her expression changed completely. “Aurora, just wait. I’ll take back everything you’ve taken from me and give back all the humiliation I endured today.”

While chaos stirred on Tessa’s end, Aurora paid her no mind. She truly had gone to see off the executives from Vanguard.