Chapter 52

“It’s fine. I know you’re busy. I’m just glad you made it,” Aurora replied with a soft smile, her tone filled with understanding.

The sight of their intimate exchange, her gentle demeanor, his quiet attentiveness, made the onlookers gaze at them with open admiration.

Even Grace, who had initially been observing with a critical eye, now regarded Lucas with newfound approval.

But Tessa’s expression darkened. Her gaze shifted toward the luxury car parked outside.

That man had just stepped out of it. If she wasn’t mistaken, that was the latest limited-edition model released not long ago. Only ten units existed nationwide, each carrying an astronomical price tag.

Julian wanted to buy one as well, but they had sold out almost instantly.

How could a man like him have one?

By all appearances, Lucas was just some nameless pretty boy.

Could it be that Aurora, desperate to keep up appearances, had spent a fortune renting the car just so her boy toy could drive it?

The thought made Tessa sigh dramatically, feigning helplessness.

“Sis, I understand that you don’t want us to worry about whether you married well, but there’s no need to deceive Mom and me like this.

“Renting a car must’ve cost a lot. If you don’t have it, you don’t have it–there’s no need to put on a show. This will only make you a laughingstock.”

Her words were laced with false concern, yet every syllable was meant to belittle Lucas, implying that both the car and everything else he had were merely rented props for show.

Tessa had always been skilled at wielding words like a knife.

Aurora arched a brow, just about to retort, when she felt a gentle pat on the back of her hand.

She looked up and met Lucas’s gaze–a calm smile playing at his lips, his eyes carrying an unreadable hint of amusement.

Without needing words, Aurora immediately understood what he meant.

Lucas didn’t even acknowledge Tessa’s veiled insult.

Instead, he turned to Aurora with unbothered ease.

“Are you tired, darling? Let’s go sit for a while,” he said smoothly, taking her hand and leading her toward the sofa.

His attitude was effortless, completely disregarding the ridiculous accusation, as if it wasn’t even worth addressing.

Grace, seeing that the situation was about to escalate, spoke up at just the right moment.

“Enough. Today is a special occasion–let’s not ruin it over trivial matters.”

With that, the tension was diffused, and the spectacle was brought to an end.

Though Tessa was still dissatisfied, she chose not to say more.

After all, their mother had already spoken.

She cast a deep look at Aurora’s retreating figure before turning back to Grace’s side.

“Mom, don’t be upset. I was only looking out for my sister. Maybe I was too anxious, and my tone came off wrong, making her misunderstand me.

“When things quiet down later, I’ll apologize to her. Of course, I just want our family to stay harmonious,” Tessa said softly, her voice laced with sincerity.

Grace hadn’t expected her to be so understanding.

With a sigh, she patted Tessa’s hand.

“Your sister has always been like this,” she murmured, shaking her head.

“It’s okay, Mom. As long as you and Aurora are happy, I don’t mind anything,” Tessa replied, her expression gentle and considerate.

From where she sat, Aurora silently took in the affectionate display between mother and daughter.

Her face remained impassive, void of any reaction.

“You alright?”

Lucas’ deep voice cut through her thoughts, laced with an almost imperceptible concern.

“I got used to this a long time ago,” Aurora replied flatly, withdrawing her gaze.

Lucas frowned slightly as if contemplating something, but in the end, he chose to remain silent.

Before long, all the invited guests had arrived, and the birthday banquet officially began.

Amidst the applause, the birthday cake was brought out.

Grace beamed as she blew out the candles, her face alight with joy, looking as if she truly was in high spirits.

Tessa was the first to present her carefully prepared gift in front of the gathered guests.

Julian followed closely behind.

As Grace opened the exquisite gift box, a translucent jade vase was revealed inside.

Under the warm glow of the chandeliers, the vase shimmered with an ethereal luster.

It was clearly an antique–one that had been preserved exceptionally well, radiating an air of sophistication and history.

Grace’s eyes lit up with genuine delight.

“You put a lot of thought into this. I really like it,” she said with a pleased smile.

However, when Lucas opened his gift box-

A sharp collective gasp filled the room.

The atmosphere instantly fell into silence.

Chapter 53