Chapter 77

Grace nodded in satisfaction at Aurora’s response.

“Alright, I’ll be waiting. Just let me know in advance.”

Aurora inclined her head, though inwardly, she wondered if Lucas would even have time for this. After all, he might still be busy entertaining his so-called true love.

“By the way, Mom,” Aurora suddenly spoke up, looking at Grace.

Grace arched a brow, signaling her to continue.

“My sister… What do you plan to do about Julian?”

Aurora had almost wanted to address him as her brother-in-law out of habit but quickly corrected herself. A man like him wasn’t worthy of that title.

At the mention of Julian’s name, Grace’s expression darkened, her authoritative demeanor returning in an instant.

“Don’t worry about that. I’ll handle it.” She paused for a moment before adding, unable to suppress herself, “Your sister already admitted that she failed to keep things in check. She’ll give us an explanation. Give her some time, she was just as deceived as the rest of us.”

At the end of the day, Tessa was still innocent. A flicker of sympathy crossed Grace’s eyes. Aurora caught it immediately.

As expected, Grace still favored Tessa, even after Tessa had questioned her, implying that she was resentful over the engagement. Even after she had been doubted by everyone, including Grace herself.

Bitterness spread through Aurora’s heart. If not for that recording, how would things have played out today?

“Got it,” she said flatly.

Grace noticed the shift in Aurora’s mood, but before she could say anything, Aurora spoke first.

“Mom, it’s getting late. I should head back. You should rest too. Next time, I’ll bring him with me to visit.”

Grace watched as Aurora turned and left, her gaze deep with contemplation as she reflected on everything that had happened today.

As Aurora drove home, her mind was still tangled in the events at the Walton residence. Now that things had blown up like this, Aurora wondered what excuse Tessa would come up with to smooth it over. As for Julian, he would probably have a brand-new excuse – something ridiculous like mistaking her for someone else.

The thought made Aurora laugh. “Tessa, don’t disappoint me now. Are you really going to keep a man like that? What, is he a New Year’s decoration?”

Meanwhile…

Julian had chased after Tessa, who was walking aimlessly ahead. She had no destination in mind, only that she couldn’t stay in that suffocating house any longer. Grace’s questioning gaze and Aurora’s mocking smirk were all too much. Shame burned through her. She didn’t want to see Julian.

“‘Let’s not talk about her right now.’”

What did he even mean by that? Where exactly did she stand in his priorities?

Julian hurried after her, knowing full well that he couldn’t afford to lose Tessa. The Walton family was too valuable a connection to let go. He had to win her back.

Quickening his pace, he caught up and blocked her path.

“Tessa, please, just hear me out. What’s left to explain?”

Tears shimmered in Tessa’s eyes. Her usually pale complexion was now flushed with anger, making her look even more delicate, a picture of helpless fragility.

“Julian, what exactly is going on between you and Aurora?”

She might not like Aurora, but she refused to tolerate her own fiancé having feelings for another woman.

“If you don’t love me, you don’t have to stay engaged. We can go to our families and call it off.”

Chapter 78