Chapter 407

Not only was he immature, he also held grudges like a child. He was always trying to provoke him in public, as if that proved something. Leonard couldn’t help but roll his eyes inwardly.

Just then, Jason stepped out and spotted the three of them standing near the door. “Miss Walton, why aren’t you going in?”

Aurora gave a soft shake of her head. “I just spoke with the doctor. I thought I’d wait out here a bit before going in.”

“What did the doctor say?” Jason asked, clearly concerned about Grace’s condition.

After all, he’d worked with her for years, and this was the first time he’d ever seen her like this—fragile, vulnerable. In the business world, she had always been sharp and fearless, a strategist who moved with ease. She was like a superwoman—untouchable, tireless, almost inhuman in her strength. It was only in the last two days that Jason finally saw her for what she was: a woman, just like the rest of them, only stronger.

Aurora tried to reassure him. “She’ll be okay. The doctor said she just needs rest—no more emotional shocks.”

At the mention of “emotional shocks,” a flicker of pain flashed in Aurora’s eyes. Jason caught it immediately. That’s when it hit him—was that what had pushed Grace into the hospital? And if so, who had caused it? He glanced discreetly at Aurora, lips dry, unsure how to bring it up. She didn’t notice the look, but Lucas did. His gaze sharpened, cutting toward Jason with a quiet warning: “Don’t say a word.” Aurora was already hurting. No need to add more. If Jason dared to say something thoughtless now, it would be like pouring salt on a fresh wound.

He had been on the verge of asking, but the moment his eyes met Lucas’, that idea vanished. The man was downright intimidating. The sheer force of his presence was overwhelming, easily on par with, if not exceeding, the most powerful executives Jason had ever met, which left him confused. Hadn’t he heard that Aurora had married some poor pretty boy? Looking at Lucas now, that rumor couldn’t have been further from the truth. With that sharp jawline and cool, composed energy, there was nothing weak about him. No matter how you looked at it, “kept man” didn’t fit.

Recalling Lucas’ silent warning, Jason quickly shifted gears. “Miss Walton, why don’t you go in and sit with the Chairwoman? You’re her daughter, after all. I’m sure she’d rather see you than anyone else.”

Aurora had been hesitating, unsure what to say to her mother if she went in. But Jason’s words struck a chord. They were family. Whatever had happened, there was no real grudge between a mother and daughter that couldn’t be mended. “You’re right. I’ll go.”

She nodded and walked toward the door, Lucas and Leonard following close behind. Both men were carrying the items Lucas had thoughtfully prepared—supplements to boost blood and energy, all from the very brands Grace favored. Aurora had been genuinely surprised when she saw them. She hadn’t expected Lucas to know her mother’s preferences so well.

When they entered the room, Grace was still asleep. She lay there, pale and motionless, her lips drained of color. Aurora could still picture those same lips from memory, always painted with bold red lipstick, always full of fire. Now, everything had changed. “Mom… I’m sorry.” Aurora lowered her gaze, silently apologizing to the woman who had once seemed unshakable.