Chapter 390

It had been a while now–who knew if Tessa had ever returned Jason’s phone?

Aurora looked at Ian expectantly, but he shook his head with a disappointed sigh. “He still hasn’t replied to any of my messages.”

Aurora’s heart sank. All she wanted was to see her mother–why did it feel like there were obstacles at every turn? Her eyes dropped, the light in them dimming. The confidence and energy that usually defined her seemed to vanish in an instant, replaced by a quiet, defeated stillness.

Lucas watched her, and his chest tightened. In his memory, Aurora had always been radiant–poised, sharp, unwavering. When had she started doubting herself like this? When had she begun second-guessing everything, letting others weigh her down? That wasn’t the woman he knew. And he didn’t want to just stand there and watch it happen.

“Rora,” you need to pull yourself together. This is just the beginning. If you’re already ready to give up, what about everything that comes after? Are you really saying you can’t take a hit?” Lucas said, his tone steady. He pressed his lips together, then pushed a little further. “You’re the General Manager of Walton Corporation. Is this really all you’ve got?”

His words hit her hard, like a cold splash of water to the face. Even Leonard, standing nearby, gave Lucas a second look. He hadn’t expected that this man, usually so composed and distant, would suddenly be so articulate and forceful. And clearly, it worked.

Aurora looked up at Lucas. There was no anger in her eyes. In fact, she almost looked grateful. He was right. This was just a small setback. Was she really going to let it break her?

“I understand,” she said, her voice firm again. “Don’t worry. I’ll get myself together.” Just like that, the light returned to her gaze. The air around her shifted–focused, sharp, determined.

Leonard watched quietly, unable to deny it: Lucas truly did understand her best. Just a few words from him were all it took to bring her back to life. Leonard pressed his lips together, the ache in his chest undeniable, but he knew this wasn’t the time to focus on his own emotions. Right now, the only thing that mattered was helping Aurora regain her footing. Everything else–his feelings and doubts–could wait. If she couldn’t pull herself together, she wouldn’t be in the right state to face her mother.

Aurora turned to Ian and smiled gently. “Call Jason now, right in front of us.”

“I’m sure you’ve all exchanged personal numbers. Work and private life should be separate. I get that.” She wasn’t accusing anyone. She understood how things worked. Everyone started somewhere. Everyone had to climb their way up.

Ian blinked, a little surprised she’d seen through that so easily. But seeing the calm, encouraging smile on her face, he knew that she wasn’t trying to catch anyone out. She just wanted to know her mother was okay. With that realization, he nodded. Without hesitation, he pulled out his personal phone and dialed Jason’s number. He, too, was anxious to hear something about the Chairwoman’s condition. And more than that, he hated seeing Aurora like this. She was his boss, yes, but she had also been generous, patient, and fair. She had taught him more than just business. She’d shown him how to lead.