Grace’s temper flared the moment she heard those words, and for once, she found herself agreeing with Tessa.

“You’re the thoughtful one, Tessa. You’re absolutely right.”

She turned to Aurora, brows furrowed. “You created this mess. Now fix it yourself. Looking at the way you’ve been handling things, I’m starting to question whether handing you the Vanguard project was a mistake in the first place."

“Madam Grace, you can’t just dismiss all my hard work because of this one incident,” Aurora said, her voice tight as her fingers curled into fists at her sides.

Bitterness swelled in her chest. Was everything she had poured into this going to be erased just because of a few words from Tessa? How could she accept that? The Vanguard project had been hers from day one. No one else.

Grace didn’t like the defiance in her eyes. It made her even more annoyed. “Look at what you’ve done. You can’t even compare to your sister; at least she knows how to care about me. Honestly, if I had given her the project instead, maybe none of this would’ve happened. The way you’re handling things makes me seriously question if you’re even up to the task.”

Aurora stumbled back a step or two, staring blankly at Grace. Her mother had always been strict, but she could live with that. But now it felt like something had changed. Where had the love gone? Why did it feel like all that was left was coldness and harsh judgment?

“Madam Grace, let’s not forget, it was me who secured this project in the first place,” she said, quietly but finally. She wasn’t being subtle anymore. That was a clear reminder: don’t forget who built this foundation. If Grace handed the project over to Tessa now, it would be the same as giving away everything she had worked for. There was no way she’d let that happen.

But Grace didn’t flinch. “Aurora Walton, who gave you the nerve to speak to me like that?”

“Madam Grace, I understand what you’re trying to do,” Aurora said calmly. “I’m just stating the facts because I don’t want you to forget them.”

“Heh, of course I haven’t forgotten.” Grace stared at her daughter, a sense of unfamiliarity creeping in. She had given her everything–every title, every responsibility–yet why did Aurora still seem so unsatisfied?

And then there was Tessa. She had nothing, yet remained thoughtful, always putting Grace’s well-being first. For the first time, Grace started to question whether she’d made the right choice.

Chapter 202

“So, what now? You plan to use that against me as leverage?”

The word leverage struck like a whip.

Aurora’s eyes widened, and she instinctively took two steps back. For a moment, she truly looked at her mother, especially those eyes—so cold, so detached—as they swept across her.

A bitter smile tugged at her lips. “Madam Grace, that’s not what I meant. This project has always belonged to the company. It’s just……”

She didn’t get to finish.

Grace cut her off sharply. “Just what? Don’t bother. As long as you understand the project belongs to the company, that’s enough. And since it does, if I decide to give it to Tessa, it’s not your place to object.”

At that, a glint of delight nearly spilled from Tessa’s eyes. She had waited so long for this moment. And now, Grace had brought it up. Could this be her chance?

“Mom, can I really?” Tessa asked, feigning modesty. “I mean, I’m still recovering, but if I can lighten your load, it would make me really happy.”

Chapter 203