Chapter 653

“Lucas, why aren’t you answering my calls?”

At those words, Lucas’ expression softened slightly.

So, it really was Grace calling.

He had thought at first that Tessa was just lying.

After all, if she could chase him all the way here, there was probably nothing she wasn’t capable of.

And in that, Lucas had no doubt.

He’d disliked Tessa’s character from the beginning.

Even now, seeing her show up with the phone in hand, he still couldn’t stand her.

Her smile always seemed laced with calculation.

Still, even with all that, Lucas didn’t completely lower his guard around her.

Grace’s voice came through again. “Lucas, I’m talking to you, why haven’t you said anything?”

She pressed once more, and only then did Lucas respond.

He gave a brief “Yeah,” then took the phone from Tessa and stepped outside.

No matter what, Grace was still Aurora’s mother–her biological mother.

He had to show her at least this much respect.

Otherwise, once Aurora woke up, others would accuse him of being disrespectful to his elders.

Lucas knew all too well how people talked.

And because he knew, he had to avoid giving them any excuse.

He wouldn’t let that happen.

Tessa watched him take the phone, and the smile on her face deepened.

Perfect.

As long as Lucas was out of the way, Julian would have the chance to slip inside.

The rest would go smoothly from there–no need for her to interfere.

Just thinking about how she’d still be the one in charge once she got back instantly put her in a much better mood.

There was no need for Aurora to wake up at all.

As long as she had the chance, Tessa believed she could do far better.

She clenched her fists, convinced that all she ever needed was a single opportunity.

But why was it that no one was willing to give her even that?

Tessa trailed closely behind Lucas, finally feeling reassured when she saw he was indeed speaking with Grace on the phone.

As long as she could buy enough time, Julian would have a better shot at success.

Then she could safely take over as the acting CEO.

Once her position was secured, there would be no need to worry about anything else.

Not Julian, not even Grace.

Why should she be used as a tool for some business alliance through marriage?

She didn’t want it.

She refused to accept it.

The thought alone filled her chest with frustration.

Meanwhile, Grace’s voice continued pouring from Lucas’ phone, sharp with questioning.

“Lucas, why weren’t you answering my calls? Did you block me?”

Lucas pinched the bridge of his nose, his tone weary. “Of course not, Mom. Why would I block you?”

He reminded himself she was Aurora’s biological mother–she deserved a degree of respect, especially in his tone, which stayed polite.

But Grace wasn’t satisfied.

It was because of this man that she and her daughter were separated.

Back home, things had been fine. She could drop by to visit whenever she wanted.

Now, with them so far away overseas, everything felt so out of reach.

“Are you just afraid I’d lecture you?”

Lucas didn’t know how to respond, and oddly enough, found her words somewhat amusing.

“Why would I be afraid of your lectures?”