They were headed to the Hayes residence, and it was certain they’d be facing a war of words with those two.


    Albert and Carol were no easy opponents.


    Seeing the bodyguards Grace had brought along, Tessa finally understood her intention.


    As expected, age brought wisdom.


    When they arrived at the Hayes residence, Grace watched as Tessa got out of the car.


    The bodyguards quickly positioned themselves around the mother and daughter, their presence imposing and aggressive, clearly not here for a friendly visit.


    Tessa was pleased. Only with such force could she sessfully call <b>off </b>the engagement.


    And she didn’t have to worry about the Hayes family going back on their word.


    Their purpose today was loud and clear.


    If anything more was said, it would be aplete falling out.


    Tessa held onto Grace’s arm as they walked ahead together.


    The line of bodyguards followed behind in unison<b>, </b>marching straight into the house.


    The Hayes family’s butler was frightened at the sight.


    He went straight to the study to find Albert.


    These past few days hadn’t been easy for Albert either.


    Thepany had been pressuring him nonstop, especially now that everyone knew the Walton Corporation was pulling out of the partnership.


    Many of their projects were tied to Walton, and Albert knew all too well that once the partnership ended, Hayes Corporation would quickly run dry.


    There would be no future left.


    The shareholders knew it too, and that was why they kept pressuring him.


    On top of that, Julian had ended up in such a state–Albert waspletely overwhelmed.


    He didn’t even dare show up at the office because the moment he stepped in, those old vultures would swarm him with endless questions.


    They kept urging him to finalize the marriage with the Walton family and kept asking why there were dys.


    But truthfully, Albert had no solution at all.


    So how was he supposed to exin himself to the shareholders?


    He could only lock himself away in his room, shutting everyone out while trying to figure out a solution.


    Carol hadn’t dared disturb him these past few days.


    They had even started sleeping in separate rooms.


    She’d been thinking that since


    hadn’t shown up, perhaps the matter had blown over and there wouldn’t be any follow–up.


    But after hearing what the butler said today<b>, </b>Carol’s nerves were back on edge.


    As soon as she came downstairs, she saw Grace arriving with her imposing entourage.


    Carol stammered, “Wh–what do you think you’re doing?”


    She pointed at Grace, fear showing inly on her face as she tried to steady her nerves. “This is trespassing on private property.”


    just looking at those bodyguards–tall, broad–shouldered, all wearing dark sunsses–sent a shiver down her spine.


    If not for the need to maintain the dignity of the Hayes matriarch, she probably would’ve copsed on the spot.


    Grace nced at her and said nothing.


    Carol was nothing but a pawn—not worth the effort to argue with.


    After waiting a bit and seeing no sign of movement, Grace lost her patience.


    “I’m not here for you. Go drag that old bastard out here.”


    Her tone was sharp and offensive, not sparing Carol even a shred of respect.


    She said it right to her face–calling her husband an “old bastard.


    Carol pointed at her, repeating “You…” over and over but couldn’t form a coherent response.


    Grace narrowed her eyes. “I hate it when people point fingers at me.”


    The next second, Carol weakly pulled her hand back.


    She mumbled under her breath, “This is still trespassing…”