Chapter 50

Several days passed without any news of Joseph. Word had it that he had been temporarily detained and wouldn’t be released for a few more days. Aurora’s life gradually returned to normal. Lucas remained as busy as ever, rarely showing up at home. With thoughts weighing on her mind, Aurora found herself increasingly distracted.

The days slipped by, and soon, the day of Grace’s birthday banquet arrived. Just as Lucas was about to leave for work, he turned to her and said, “Mrs. Carter, I have some matters to handle today. I might be late to the banquet.”

The words that had been on the tip of Aurora’s tongue were swallowed back. Thinking of the messages Tessa had sent her before, her expression dimmed slightly, and her fingers unconsciously curled into a fist. But in the end, she didn’t say anything. She figured Lucas was probably busy entertaining his so-called first love. If she chose this moment to make a fuss, she would only embarrass herself.

With that thought, Aurora frowned slightly, watching as Lucas left. Yet for some reason, an inexplicable emptiness filled her chest. She raised a hand, pressing it against her heart, as if trying to push away the strange feeling of loss. It took her a while to regain her composure. Shaking off those thoughts, she got up and retrieved the gift she had prepared in advance. Since she had already known about the banquet’s schedule, she had taken the day off beforehand. Dressed elegantly and carrying her gift, Aurora drove to the Walton estate.

Just as she stepped through the front door, she was greeted by Tessa’s voice—laced with false concern and unmistakable mockery.

“Sis, why did you come alone? Didn’t you say you and your husband were coming together? I already told Mom about it. Showing up alone like this is a bit disappointing, don’t you think?”

Grace had yet to come downstairs. The living room was already filled with guests—men and women from the upper echelons of society, most of them business elites. Given the Walton family’s standing in the corporate world, Grace’s birthday naturally attracted an impressive crowd. Conversations buzzed throughout the space, as no one would pass up the opportunity to network and form new connections. The atmosphere was lively, almost overwhelming. Tessa’s voice wasn’t particularly loud, yet it was just clear enough for Aurora to hear. How irritating.

Dressed in a white gown, Tessa exuded an air of grace and refinement, her every movement soft and delicate. The gentle smile on her face made her seem harmless. But Aurora knew better. Her sister was deliberately twisting the knife in an open wound.

“Sis, this is my personal matter. I don’t owe you an explanation. Besides, it’s Mom’s birthday—making a big fuss about someone else’s husband doesn’t seem very appropriate, does it?” Aurora responded without so much as a change in expression.

“I was only looking out for you,” Tessa replied with a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “It would be embarrassing if something unpleasant happened at such an important occasion.”

Neither of them backed down, their words sharp yet polished.

At some point, Julian had appeared beside Tessa. Dressed in a tailored suit, he exuded an air of effortless confidence. Wrapping an arm around Tessa’s waist, he turned his gaze toward Aurora, scrutinizing her with an indifferent expression.

“Tessa is your sister. With so many people watching, couldn’t you at least give her some respect?”

Julian’s tone was cold as he furrowed his brows in displeasure, assuming the role of a brother-in-law reprimanding a younger family member.

Tessa leaned into him slightly, her voice carrying a note of grievance as she explained, “Julian, don’t be upset. It’s okay. I might have spoken a little too harshly just now, and Aurora misunderstood. I was only worried that coming here alone would reflect poorly on her. It’s Mom’s birthday—I don’t want any unpleasantness to ruin the evening.”

The two of them stood together, the perfect picture of a loving, considerate couple. This was just another way for Tessa to assert dominance over Aurora. After all, the man standing beside her, the one holding her so intimately, was the very person Aurora had once been engaged to. Anyone in her position would feel a sting of discomfort at such a sight.

“Sis, your judgment has never been great when it comes to men. I was only trying to help you evaluate your choices. You must have misunderstood me. If my words upset you, I’ll apologize,” Tessa said with an air of grace, her tone carrying just the right amount of concern.

“Then go ahead and apologize.” Aurora arched a brow, her expression unbothered.