Hearing Grace’s voice, Arnold was the first to react. He quickly smiled and said, “Ma’am, you’re back.”

“Perfect timing. I was just about to take Miss Aurora out, and here you are—what a rare coincidence.”

At that, Grace nearly teared up. What seemed insignificant in her eyes could still be weighed and judged by others. She looked at Arnold with a mocking smile. “Do you take me for a tool? Do things really happen by coincidence that often?” Arnold lowered his head, unsure how to respond. Why hadn’t he noticed before how overpowering Grace’s presence could be? Just a few words, and he already didn’t know how to continue. Realizing this, he had no choice but to speak the truth.

“Ma’am, things are a bit complicated right now. And honestly, even if I tell you the truth, I don’t think you’ll believe me.” Arnold stood straighter, visibly anxious. “So please understand, I truly wasn’t trying to go behind your back or do anything wrong to Miss Aurora. This competition is quite prestigious. It’s internationally recognized, and a lot of important people are paying attention. Even some of the judges are well-known foreign experts.”

Grace froze at his words. “You’re saying Aurora has a competition today?”

Arnold saw she was finally beginning to listen, and relief flooded his chest. “Yes, that’s exactly what I meant. Ma’am, Miss Aurora has really worked hard for this.”

Grace’s well-maintained face showed a rare trace of confusion. She looked toward Aurora, who was sitting on the sofa, and asked in shock, “If it’s that important, why didn’t you tell me from the start?”

Aurora didn’t even know how to respond. The older Aurora standing off to the side couldn’t help but feel a bit exasperated. Even Arnold knew about this. Yet Grace, her own mother, had to ask? Was that question really necessary? Of all things, how could she be unaware of what her own child had been preparing for?

Still, young Aurora kept her composure and said patiently, “Mom, I knew you were busy, so I just kept it to myself. And it’s not my first time competing either. I have some experience with this sort of thing.”

Grace looked at young Aurora’s calm expression and felt a sudden wave of irritation. This child did look a lot like her. But there was something in her eyes—a resemblance to that man, especially when she wasn’t speaking. The quiet defiance in her face reminded Grace too much of him. That proud and untouchable air made her uncomfortable.

“So what, are you blaming me now? Saying I’ve wasted your time because I didn’t take you?” Her tone was sharp. Rather than reflect on her own behavior, she threw the accusation right back at Aurora.

Aurora glanced at Arnold, who looked just as helpless. He hadn’t expected this. The temper between this mother and daughter was like a fuse—one spark and everything ignited. It hadn’t always been like this. Lately, though, something had changed. They both seemed to have grown more intolerant of each other. Grace in particular had developed a habit of nitpicking. It was as if one moment she could treat Aurora decently, and the next—over nothing at all—she’d suddenly find everything about her displeasing.