After all, she had to remember–she and Grace were still mother and daughter.


    It was a bond that couldn’t be cut, no matter how tangled it became.


    There was no need to make things unbearably awkward.


    Seeing Aurora’s mood calm considerably, Grace’s own tone softened. “This weekend, I’ve decided to hold


    a banquet.”


    “To officially announce you taking over thepany, and to announce the termination of any future


    cooperation with the Hayes family.”


    Aurora was caught off guard. “Why so sudden?”


    Grace took a sip of tea,posed and steady.


    “I’ve already decided to hand thepany over to you, and I’ve given you notice before. So, I don’t think it’s sudden—it’s just that you haven’t prepared yourself.”


    Aurora asked, a note of doubt in her voice, “Have you told Tessa…?”


    In front of Grace, Aurora still gave Tessa that much courtesy.


    Seeing this, Grace didn’t press the point. “It’s fine. She knows.”


    She understood what Aurora meant. “Don’t worry. Since I’ve made this decision, I have my reasons. I’ve


    already considered all your concerns–everything will be arranged.”


    Hearing that, Aurora didn’t say more. “Since you have already made the arrangements, of course I’ll


    follow the decision.”


    She gave a faint smile. “I’ll be there on time.”


    Grace nodded slightly. “And make sure to bring your husband along. For an important asion like this, I don’t want anyone missing.”


    Aurora paused mid–step but eventually nodded her agreement.


    Although she felt the decision hade suddenly, she had already been preparing herself to take over thepany,


    Now there was simply an added formality to it, and she found she didn’t mind that at all.


    At the very least, her position as sessor would now be justified.


    No matter how much Tessa tried to stir troubleter, the public would see things clearly.


    Even if she caused a scene, it would make no difference.


    That thought gave Aurora some peace of mind.


    Now that she knew about this arrangement, her attitude toward Grace eased somewhat. “Madam Grace,


    is there anything else?”


    “Go on and get back to work.”


    Grace sighed. Seeing how reluctant Aurora was to spend any extra time with her, she chose not to push it.


    Her children were grown now. As a mother, all she could do was try to give them what they wanted-


    beyond that, there was nothing more she could offer.


    She waved a hand. “That’s all. You can go. And make sure you’re well dressed and put together that day.”


    Looking at Aurora’s simple business attire, Grace couldn’t help feeling a twinge of resignation.


    Her daughter was beautiful, but she never cared to dress herself up–her whole focus was on thepany, and she avoided socializing whenever she could.


    It was something that truly gave her headaches.


    Aurora nced down at her business suit, thinking it wasn’t a big deal.


    She gave a slight nod to acknowledge her mother’s words, though inwardly she dismissed them.


    After all, she came to the office to work, not topete in a beauty pageant. As long as she was


    That was how she had always seen it.


    Once she stepped out, she pulled the door to Grace’s office shut behind her.


    Thinking about the uing banquet to announce her session, she felt an unexpected flicker of


    excitement.


    To her surprise, Tessa hadn’t made a fuss this time.