Grace’s attitude toward Aurora had changed drastically; it felt like she was facing an entirely different person. This time, Aurora was determined not to let the opportunity slip away. She had to hold on tight and ensure things didn't end up as they had before.

Grace glanced at Aurora, who seemed a little more obedient. There were things Grace wanted to say, but the words caught in her throat. Some things and people were best left to be changed by time. But the matter with Tessa…

Just as she opened her mouth, Grace noticed Lucas and Leopard standing nearby. Her gaze dimmed, and she said nothing. There were outsiders in the room. Tessa was the daughter she had raised from childhood. No matter what had happened, she didn't want to discuss such things in front of others. What if it affected Aurora's emotions?

Aurora quickly caught on, following her mother's line of sight toward Lucas and Leonard. Lucas and Leonard exchanged a glance—Aurora's meaning was clear. Lucas felt a stab of discomfort. They were family, weren't they? So why did it suddenly feel like he was the outsider? If anyone should be asked to leave, it should have been Leonard.

But Lucas read the room. He spoke up first. "Now that Mom's awake, you should spend some time with her. Mr. Knight and I will head out and see if we can find something light for her to eat."

"Okay, get something gentle on the stomach."

Lucas nodded, and they left together. For once, Leonard caught on without needing it spelled out. He didn't argue or make a scene. It wasn't until they stepped outside that he gave Lucas a sideways glance, his tone tinged with amusement. "Didn't expect you to be so perceptive."

Lucas simply smiled without replying.

Leonard rolled his eyes. "Clearly, your mother-in-law just thought you were the unnecessary one."

"You say that," Lucas said with a shrug. "But you're not exactly essential here either, are you?"

"I only stepped in because I thought it'd be rude for a guest like you to be asked to leave alone. So, I came with you, out of courtesy."

Chapter 412.

Leonard opened his mouth, then closed it again. He couldn't argue. As much as he didn't want to admit it, Lucas had a point. Lucas had a ring and a title; he was officially part of the family. Leonard, on the other hand, had nothing. Left with no choice, Leonard followed Lucas reluctantly toward the cafeteria.

Back inside the hospital room.

After the two men left, Aurora turned to Grace with a gentle smile. "Mom, they're gone now. If there's something you want to say, you can tell me directly."

Grace looked slightly surprised. "You picked up on that?"

Aurora smiled knowingly. "Of course. I'm not that clueless. And besides, I figured you wanted a private chat, probably not something to share while they were around."

Grace's expression softened with quiet relief. But the moment she thought of Tessa, her mood shifted again.

"It's nothing serious," she said after a pause. "I just wanted to talk to you about your sister."

Aurora's hand paused mid-slice, the apple peel curling into her lap. Her smile froze.

"What is it you want to say, Mom?"

Seeing her daughter's enthusiasm fade, Grace hesitated. Maybe she shouldn't bring up something so disheartening. But if she didn't say it, would the rift between her daughters ever heal?

Grace didn't want things to stay this way. She was getting older. In the years to come, all she had were her two daughters—leaning on each other.

Chapter 413