To think someone could marry a woman this stunning and capable – it left a bitter taste in everyone’s mouth. No one had expected such a prize to already be claimed.
Aurora remained unaware of their conversations. But even if she had heard, she wouldn’t have cared. Their gossip and speculations didn’t faze her in the slightest. As far as she was concerned, these petty tricks had no real effect on her. She almost found it laughable. Still, in front of everyone, she kept her composure, giving nothing away.
Tessa, however, caught wind of the whispers swirling around the room. Even after all this time, Aurora was still drawing attention effortlessly – no, even more than before. Tessa clenched her fists. Where was Rachel? Hadn’t she said everything was taken care of? Why was there still no movement? The longer this dragged on, the more the spotlight stayed fixed on Aurora. And the more that happened, the more Tessa’s own presence began to fade into the background.
If everyone only remembered Aurora, then what about Tessa? She couldn’t accept that. They were both heiresses of the Walton family. Why should one be revered and the other ignored? Taking a deep breath, she clung to the hope that the rumor would spread soon. She could already picture the look on Grace’s face when the news broke. Would it be shock? Disappointment? Disbelief? The thought alone made her pulse quicken with anticipation. Her lips curved slightly as the excitement built.
“What’s the point? Pretty face or not, she’s still the one seducing her own sister’s fiancé.”
Just then, a voice full of disdain sliced through the room’s buzzing chatter. Everyone had been singing Aurora’s praises, applauding her accomplishments and admiring her presence. So, when that cutting remark suddenly rang out, it felt strangely out of place—jarring, even. The bluntness of it made it all the more disruptive.
Tessa froze for a moment, then quickly realized what was happening. It was finally happening. This was the spark she’d been waiting for. Let the chaos begin. “Let’s see how you get out of this one, Aurora. Let’s see if Mother still stands by you after this.”
The comment was so explosive that the room’s atmosphere shifted. Conversations quieted, voices dropped, and a wave of murmurs swept through the crowd. Even Megan, standing quietly in the background, perked up at the sudden shift in tone. Her expression darkened with anger.
“Who the hell is spreading nonsense like this?” Aurora was her best friend—someone she trusted deeply. Lies like this were nothing but trash. “Do you have any proof to back up that claim?” Megan’s voice cut through the room, sharp and cold. “If not, I suggest you watch what you say. This is a lawful society, and I’ll sue you for defamation in a heartbeat.”
This was her best friend’s reputation on the line. She wasn’t about to sit back and let someone drag it through the mud. They could pick on her all they wanted, but coming after Aurora? That was a death wish. Megan stood tall, name badge gleaming, her expression fierce. She was ready to protect Aurora, no matter what.
Seeing Megan step up like that, Aurora couldn’t help but feel touched. After all these years, Megan was still the first to stand in front of her without hesitation.
“Alright, don’t be so worked up,” Aurora said gently. She hadn’t paid much attention when the commotion first started. But the moment she saw Megan there, she moved without thinking, heading straight over. If nothing else, she had to be by her side. The bond between them had always been mutual—an unspoken understanding, a quiet loyalty. Aurora glanced toward the group that had been whispering, curiosity flickering in her eyes. “Do you know what they were arguing about just now?”