Chapter 1159

“You’ve seen for yourself how things are in the company. Right now, management needs someone to step up. You know very well how much pressure I’m under.”

Grace rose to her feet, speaking slowly.

Tessa didn’t immediately grasp what her mother meant. So, she spoke gently, “What I do understand is how much care you’ve always given me, and I truly appreciate how hard you’ve worked.”

She stepped behind Grace, kneading her shoulders, and said softly, “So, Mom, if there’s anything you need my help with, you must tell me. I’ll do everything I can for you.”

Only then did Grace feel a little comforted.

She patted the back of Tessa’s hand and said quietly, “You’ve grown up; you know how to care for your mother now. All these years, I’ve always known you’re a good child. If not for your health, I would have let you take on company matters long ago.”

At those words, Tessa couldn’t stop her body from trembling slightly.

So, her mother had indeed thought about letting her take over.

Now that Aurora was gone, logically, she should be the one to step up.

But bringing it up herself at this moment would make her seem far too eager.

So, she spoke with feigned casualness. “But now that my sister has left, that position is empty. Do you have anyone in mind for it, Mother?”

Tessa was deliberately steering her mother’s thoughts in that direction. She didn’t want to say it outright. If it came from Grace herself, it would be different.

“Yes, this seat has been troubling me as well,” Grace admitted, already understanding what Tessa meant. But in truth, she hadn’t decided who it should go to.

Tessa’s abilities were far from impressive, nowhere near Aurora’s. Yet, at the moment, there really wasn’t a more suitable choice.

Grace looked at Tessa, her expression serious. “What is it? Do you want to try taking this position?”

Tessa opened her mouth, but before she could answer, Grace continued on her own.

“This role would put too much pressure on you. Considering your health, I’ll still find you something easier to manage. For now, just go back and rest. If anything comes up later, I’ll discuss it with you then.” Grace waved her hand, the dismissal clear.

Standing behind her, Tessa slowly clenched her fists, her eyes turning cold.

Even now, her mother still refused to let her take on the company’s affairs.

When would she ever change her mind?

She was so much stronger than Aurora—if not for her health holding her back.

But why couldn’t her mother see that?

Why wouldn’t she give her even a chance to prove herself? Did she really want to hand the company over to outsiders before she’d ever be satisfied?

At the very least, she was still a Walton. She knew exactly what her name was worth.

Tessa walked out of the office, glancing back with every step, silently longing for her mother to call out her name.

But until the door closed behind her, she never heard the words she wanted.

At last, she shut the office door and left in disappointment.

She understood now that with Grace’s attitude, she had no idea how to move forward.

She knew all too well—Grace understood everything.

She was only pretending to be blind.

Aurora was gone, the position left vacant, yet Grace still wouldn’t let her take the seat of general manager.