Besides, when she got sick, it was only because of the emotional blow from Aurora. Otherwise, her condition never would have worsened. Originally, it was nothing serious. She was just a little unwell and staying at the hospital to rest. With Grace by her side and a team of attentive doctors and nurses looking after her, life was smooth and comfortable.

But then, Grace received a call while at the hospital – from one of Aurora’s teachers. They reported Aurora’s recent performance at school and mentioned that she had just won an international award. A parent was required to accompany her to the ceremony. Tessa noticed the hesitation flicker across Grace’s face, and the bitterness in her heart surged.

Why did Aurora get to have perfect health and a brilliant mind on top of it? How had she never realized before just how calculating Aurora could be? Clearly, Aurora knew she was hospitalized and was using this moment to win Grace back. That alone made Tessa bristle with resentment. Her emotions spiraled, and in her agitation, her condition worsened.

Without a second thought, Grace immediately chose Tessa; she dismissed Aurora’s teacher and the award ceremony entirely. A flicker of triumph flashed in Tessa’s eyes. As expected, the moment something happened to her, Grace would always choose her without hesitation. That much had never been in doubt. After all these years, Tessa had learned one thing: Grace favored her, plain and simple. It was why she always acted so boldly, because she trusted Grace would take her side no matter what. And sure enough, the moment Tessa’s condition took a sudden downturn, Grace rushed to her side in a panic.

“What’s going on?” she cried, her expression tight with worry. “Where’s the doctor? Someone come quick – what’s happening to my daughter?” Hearing Grace’s voice, doctors and nurses rushed in all at once. Even they looked puzzled when they saw Tessa’s sudden state. After all, Tessa had been on the mend – how did her condition suddenly take a turn for the worse? And from the looks of it, she seemed even more critical than before.

The doctor, masked and urgent, quickly began administering emergency care. While treating her, he turned to Grace and asked, “Madam Grace, her condition had already stabilized. Did something happen to trigger this episode?”

“Nothing happened,” Grace replied, clearly confused, unable to grasp what he was getting at. “Are you sure? Please think carefully. Right now, Miss Tessa can’t handle any emotional stress.”

At those words, Grace froze. Then, it hit her – the phone call earlier had been about Aurora. Was it possible that Tessa had overheard? That she’d gotten upset because of that?

Grace’s voice trembled, thick with guilt. “Doctor… I think I understand what happened. Don’t worry. I’ll make sure something like this never happens again. Just… please, save my daughter.”

Seeing Grace’s genuine remorse, the doctor didn’t say much more. He knew well – no parent in the world was immune to making mistakes. As doctors, it was their job to do everything they could. The rest… was out of their hands.

“Alright,” he said simply. “As long as you understand the cause.”