Julian didn’t dare meet Aurora’s sharp gaze. His first instinct was to turn to Tessa, eager to explain himself. He knew that as long as he could coax her, nothing else mattered.

“Tessa, let me explain–”

But before he could finish, Tessa yanked her hand away from his grip. The usual delicate expression on her face was slipping, barely holding together.

“The recording has already been played. What more do you want to say?” Her voice was filled with resentment and disbelief. “Are you going to tell me that the voice in the recording isn’t yours?”

“I…”

Julian’s eyes lit up, ready to claim that Aurora had fabricated the recording, but she beat him to it.

“Julian, check the recording time. It was made just moments ago.” Aurora’s beautiful eyes narrowed slightly, her smile dazzling yet sharp—like a rose covered in thorns, beautiful but dangerous. “You don’t have to worry. I didn’t have the time to tamper with anything. Besides, these were your own words, weren’t they?”

Julian was completely cornered, unable to come up with a single rebuttal.

Tessa’s face darkened. Julian’s actions weren’t just a betrayal—they were a slap to her face, especially when she had just made a big show of using their engagement as a defense in front of Grace. The realization filled her with unbearable humiliation and fury.

Julian reached for her again, as if trying to salvage the situation, but Tessa took a step forward, widening the distance between them without even sparing him a glance. Then, in a choked voice, she turned to Aurora and Grace.

“I’m sorry, Mom… Aurora… I–I misunderstood everything… I don’t even have the face to look at you both…”

Grace softened at the sight of her daughter’s distress. “Tessa, you didn’t know. You don’t have to blame yourself so much.”

Aurora, watching this touching mother–daughter scene, only felt a deep, chilling numbness inside her. Between her and Julian, Grace had immediately taken Julian’s side. Now, Tessa barely uttered an apology, and she was instantly absolved, reassured that it wasn’t her fault. The difference in treatment was crystal clear.

Grace caught sight of Aurora’s expression out of the corner of her eye, and her earlier words started to sink in. Though it felt unnatural, she had been strict with Aurora for so long that changing her stance didn’t come easily.

Meanwhile, Tessa shook her head, full of guilt. “Mom, this is my fault. I didn’t manage things properly at home. I can’t face my sister.”

With that, she turned and ran out the door. Julian, looking panicked, hurried after her. Before leaving, he bowed deeply to Grace. “Madam Grace, I promise I’ll give you and Aurora a proper explanation later.”

Then, without waiting for a response, he rushed out. Grace didn’t bother giving him a kind look. A man like him—all charm on the surface, all deceit underneath. She was beginning to wonder if letting him and Tessa be together had been the right decision after all.

But for now, there was still something else to deal with… Turning back, Grace’s gaze landed awkwardly on Aurora. Her expression was indifferent, as if she had merely watched a ridiculous spectacle unfold. There was no sign that she had been directly involved in this mess just moments ago.

“Aurora, just now… I was too quick to judge.”

After saying it, Grace felt a weight lift off her chest, her heart feeling a little lighter.

Hearing those words, Aurora froze in place. For the first time, her delicate features betrayed a rare trace of surprise. She no longer looked as cold and untouchable as before. Even she was caught off guard.