Chapter 1423

That left only one explanation—Grace had already known they would stay.

Or rather, she had planned for it all along.

Aurora’s curiosity sharpened. What exactly did Grace want to happen tonight? What game was she playing this time?

She looked her mother straight in the eye. “So, tell me, how did you know we’d be staying? We didn’t plan to until a few minutes ago. How did you manage to have the room ready so quickly?”

Grace’s smile faltered, a flicker of discomfort crossing her face.

She wiped at the sheen of sweat on her forehead, trying to sound calm but feeling Aurora’s presence pressing down on her. “You’re overthinking, dear. You’re my daughter. Of course I’d keep a room ready for you. It’s been so long since you came home; I just wanted everything to be perfect. Even if you didn’t stay, it’s better to be prepared, right?”

Aurora’s tone was cool and skeptical. “You’re sure that’s all it is?”

Grace pressed a hand to her chest, feigning hurt. “Aurora, we’re mother and daughter. How can you think of me that way?” Aurora let out a soft, humorless laugh. “Why not? It’s not the first time you’ve done something like this.”

Her words were blunt, unfiltered. There was no point pretending anymore–whatever bond they once had was long gone.

Between them, there was no warmth left, only calculation.

Grace was a businesswoman through and through.

She cared about gain, not sentiment. And Aurora knew it too well. That was why, at this point, she no longer expected anything real from her mother at all.

From now on, they’d have little to do with each other anyway.

Her life with Lucas was already more than enough–steady, full, and happy.

She didn’t need anyone else stepping in.

Without Grace, she’d probably live even more peacefully.

Lucas’ parents gave her the kind of genuine care she’d never gotten from her own mother.

She didn’t need Grace’s shallow, selective affection anymore.

Grace drew in a sharp breath, disbelief flashing across her face. “Must you really talk to me like that?”

Aurora let out a cold laugh. “Why not? It’s not like it’s the first time you’ve done something like this.”

Tessa frowned, her tone laced with reproach. “Sister, how can you speak to Mom that way?”

Aurora shot her a flat look. “I wasn’t talking to you. Why are you so worked up?”

Her voice carried an edge of authority now–calm but unyielding.

Anyone who went against her, she’d strike right back.

She’d learned that being polite only gave people like Grace and Tessa room to trample over her. A little harshness, on the other hand, kept them in check.

Tessa’s expression softened into feigned hurt.

She glanced briefly at Lucas, then lowered her voice, pretending to be gentle. “I just think it’s not right to talk to Mom that way. She’s our elder, after all. We should at least show some respect.”

Chapter 1424