Chapter 413

Grace couldn't bear the tension between her daughters. The thought of its impact on the company's future made her uneasy. No matter what, she wouldn't let things deteriorate further.

“I just think… maybe your sister’s been going through something lately. That’s probably why she’s been saying such harsh things,” Grace said, choosing her words carefully. “Don’t be too angry with her. You know how she is—she’s always been like that. Haven’t you spent enough time with her to understand her temperament?”

“Mom!” Aurora interrupted, unable to contain herself any longer.

Grace still wanted to speak, but Aurora refused to listen. “I know what you’re trying to say,” she sighed, “and that’s exactly the problem. It’s because I’ve known her for so long that I know all too well what kind of person she is. Please don’t try to persuade me anymore. There’s no point.”

Right now, she just wanted peace. Grace's lips trembled. She persisted, “Aurora, she’s your sister. Why can’t you give her another chance? Blood is thicker than water. Please, think about that.”

“I know, Mom. I hear you,” Aurora replied, handing her a sliced apple. Grace accepted it instinctively, knowing Auroca would stop talking otherwise.

“It’s just that… everything’s already been said between us. If she thinks you’re playing favorites, and that makes her resent me too, then that’s bound to happen. I’ve come to accept it.”

Grace felt a jolt. Suddenly, she realized Aurora was right. Maybe the problem hadn't been Tessa or Aurora at all; maybe it had been her. Seeing the pained look in Grace’s eyes, Aurora felt her own heart ache. Her mother had only just woken up and was already burdened with so much. The thought filled Aurora with guilt.

“Mom, don’t overthink it. Some things just need to unfold naturally. If she comes around on her own, everything else will follow. We won’t even need to say a word.”

Grace considered this and agreed. The small apple Aurora had brought provided only a bit of sugar, but it was gone in a few bites. Once Grace finished, Aurora gave her a damp towel to clean her hands, gently adjusted the bed for a comfortable recline, and tucked the blanket around her mother.

“Mom, I was immature before. I owe you an apology. From now on, I promise I’ll listen to you and do everything I can to help grow Walton Corporation stronger than ever.”

Grace's eyes brimmed with tears. “Aurora, hearing you say that means everything to me.”

“It means everything to me too, Mom,” Aurora smiled softly. “Being your daughter in this lifetime is something I’ll always be proud of.”

Maybe she’d once harbored resentment, but now she understood Grace had endured far more, shouldering countless responsibilities and struggles. So, what did she have to complain about anymore?