Aurora hadn’t expected Megan to guess it right away. She nodded. “Yes, that’s right.”

Hearing that, Megan’s temper flared up instantly. “Why? At a time like this? We’re not kids anymore—why does Madam Grace still treat you so differently?”

Megan was clearly upset on Aurora’s behalf. She only had one best friend—how could she not feel for her? No matter what, Aurora was someone who had grown up by her side. She could ignore others, but not Aurora.

Aurora gave a faint, bitter smile. “It’s okay. My sister’s not well. If she wants to stay with her, let her. My stuff really isn’t that important.”

But there was no way Megan missed the disappointment and longing in Aurora’s eyes. She couldn’t understand it—how could a mother treat her own daughters so differently? Honestly, you’d be hard-pressed to find parents like that in the world. And yet, her best friend actually had such a pair. How could Megan not be angry? It upset her deeply just thinking about it.

She pulled Aurora into a side hug. “Alright, even if Madam Grace isn’t here with you, I am. I’ll always be right here by your side.” Megan grinned brightly. “Look at you—you’ve already won so many awards like this. Maybe that’s why she thinks it’s no big deal anymore.”

Aurora was affected by Megan’s cheerful energy. She smiled softly, and Megan’s steady support brought her real comfort. “Alright, I get what you’re saying. Don’t worry, I’m fine. I’ll work through it.”

“That’s more like it.”

Megan threw an arm around Aurora’s shoulders, grinning freely. “Alright, we’re family—no need to be so polite with me. If you act like a stranger, I’ll be the one getting mad.”

“Alright, alright, you’re the closest family I’ve got.” Aurora linked her arm with Megan’s in return.

From behind, the two of them looked inseparable. Arnold, walking behind, squinted with a smile. As expected, Aurora only truly lit up when she was with Megan. She looked far more at ease and carefree than before. Just watching them could lift one’s spirits.

Arnold couldn’t help but remark, “The bond between you two really is something to envy.”

Hearing that, Aurora and Megan exchanged a glance and burst into a smile.

Megan, especially proud, replied, “Of course! Mr. Arnold, you should know how many years I’ve known Aurora.”

“Yes, many years now,” Arnold said, deeply moved. It was exactly because they had known each other for so long, understood each other inside and out, and still remained this close. That was what made it so touching. They had never even had a serious fight or major disagreement. Just thinking about it felt a little unreal. And that was precisely why this kind of bond was so rare and precious.

Megan smiled. “We know each other too well. One look from Aurora, and I already know what she means.”

“Yes, yes, you’re the best,” Aurora replied with a grin, fully agreeing with Megan’s words.

Their dynamic was something no outsider could easily step into.