Everyone froze for a moment after Megan’s outburst, too stunned to react. Once they snapped out of it, they all started voicing their own opinions. “She must be Aurora Walton’s best friend.” “We didn’t even say much about her, and she’s already this defensive?” “Typical guilty conscience. I know people like her too well.” The crowd nodded in agreement. Even the woman in the red dress looked smug.
She was right. Women who played the mistress never ended well. The public always saw through people like Aurora. Something was clearly off about her.
Tessa felt a surge of satisfaction–Rachel really did a good job. Even she found it hard to fend off the red-dressed woman’s words at times. That expression alone looked so convincing, like she actually believed it. Tessa praised her inwardly. What a capable little follower she’d picked up. She’d definitely have to treat Rachel better going forward. That way, Rachel would be more motivated to help her fulfill her ambitions, help her reach her goals more efficiently.
Hearing Tessa laugh, Rachel quickly shuffled a few steps to the side, trying to shrink her presence as much as possible. She didn’t dare provoke Tessa–she knew all too well how foul her temper could be. If she really crossed her, who knew if she’d survive it? Tessa couldn’t help but chuckle. “Why are you so nervous? I only asked you to get a hot coffee, not your life. If it bothers you that much, I’ll give the task to someone else next time.” “No, no, it’s fine. Let me handle it. I’ve got experience with things like this. I promise I’ll do even better next time.” Rachel quickly pledged her loyalty, just hoping Tessa might look on her a little more favorably.
She was finally starting to see the game these elites played, and she saw it very clearly now. She didn’t want to get involved, but neither could she back out now. With no other choice, she pushed Rachel forward.
The commotion eventually caught Grace’s attention. She had been politely exchanging pleasantries with a few seasoned figures from the business world. But the ruckus from this side of the hall was growing so loud it nearly drowned out the host’s voice. After locating the source, Grace quickly walked over. “What’s all this noise? We’re still at a family banquet–have you all forgotten yourselves? Remember where you are. This is a family gathering. Show some respect.”
She reached out, ready to take Aurora away with her. But the crowd wasn’t ready to let her go so easily.
Hearing Grace’s voice, Aurora felt a wave of relief. She had thought Grace wouldn’t come, or that if she did, she’d immediately scold her without caring about the truth. But to her surprise, Grace actually stepped in to preserve her daughter’s dignity first. That thought alone made Aurora’s eyes sting. She didn’t know how to describe what they had now. There was distance between them, no doubt, but Grace had held the company together alone all these years, and Aurora had always known that wasn’t easy. She had never blamed her mother for much. In fact, she had a lot of understanding for her. She didn’t want to fight with her mother, and she certainly didn’t want to be a burden. All she wanted was for Grace to live freely and find some happiness of her own.