Only then could they lead the company to a higher level. And for that, cooperation between the two of them was essential.

After closing the door, Ian stood there beaming with satisfaction. This was long overdue–those two needed quality time alone. Some things were best addressed face-to-face, with real conversation and honest communication. Keeping everything bottled up did no good for either side. That was why Ian had taken it upon himself to create this opportunity for Aurora.

When she was pushed into the room, Aurora was momentarily dazed. Once she realized what happened, she quickly stepped forward and saw Grace seated behind the large leather chair, bent over the desk with her glasses resting low on her nose, held by a thin chain. Grace’s brows were tightly knit as she focused on the documents in front of her. Aurora watched silently, her heart aching.

Her mother had only just recovered, yet she was already pushing herself to return to work. And all of it was because of her. If she had been more careful, maybe she wouldn’t have fallen into someone else’s trap. Maybe then, her mother wouldn’t have had to suffer like this. But there was no such thing as “maybe” in this world. Aurora lowered her gaze, a look of quiet sorrow settling on her delicate face. She felt a deep sadness in her chest–guilt and heartache blending into one.

Step by step, she approached her mother’s desk and finally called out softly, “Mom…”

The moment Grace heard that familiar voice, her eyes turned red even before she looked up. When she finally lifted her gaze and saw Aurora’s face, all the composure she had been holding onto completely fell apart. With the person she missed and cared about standing right in front of her, Grace couldn’t hold back anymore–tears spilled freely. She braced herself against the desk, forcing her weak body to stand. She stepped forward, wanting to see clearly if the woman in front of her was really Aurora.

“Aurora?” Grace moved closer, tears shimmering in her eyes. She reached out, wanting to touch her daughter’s face. “Is it really you? This isn’t a hallucination, is it?”

Just those words made Aurora’s guilt surge to its peak. She felt utterly ashamed. Grace had cared so deeply, yet she had waited until now to come see her. It was unfilial–plain and simple. Aurora’s beautiful eyes brimmed with tears as she rushed over and took her mother’s hand. She gently placed it against her cheek so Grace could feel the warmth. “Mom, it’s really me. See? My face is warm… I’m sorry, Mom. I came back too late. It’s my fault. I’m here to apologize.”

All the words Grace had prepared vanished into her tears. Seeing the guilt on Aurora’s face filled her with unbearable pain. Her daughter was just too kindhearted. But clearly, she had been the one wronged–how could any of this be her fault? Grace was so overwhelmed with sorrow she couldn’t even speak. She just kept shaking her head, tears pouring down her cheeks, silently telling Aurora that she wasn’t to blame.

Aurora’s heart ached unbearably. This wasn’t how her mother should be. She held Grace’s hand tightly, her voice trembling with sobs. “Mom… just scold me, please.”