Chapter 1485

In that instant, all strength seemed to drain from Aurora’s body.

She took a deep breath and looked at Grace. “So, Mom, no matter what I say, you’ll never believe me, will you?”

Grace replied calmly, “Even if you’ve shown me what you call facts, there’s still no solid proof that Tessa was the one who hired those people. And besides, what if she really doesn’t know that man?”

Those words hit Aurora like a heavy blow.

She finally understood – Grace’s heart had always belonged entirely to Tessa, leaving no place for her at all.

At that moment, everything became clear to Aurora.

Why was she still trying so hard for her mother’s affection?

Coming here today was only to let Grace know the truth.

It was also her way of giving herself closure.

She had wanted to see Grace’s reaction – to know if, after learning the truth, she would stand by her side.

But now it was obvious. Grace would always have her own views, and no matter what, she would stand with Tessa.

Aurora sighed softly. “Forget it.”

Her gaze steadied on Grace. “Mom, I understand now. No matter what I do, you’ll always side with Tessa. So, I won’t try to explain anymore. I came here today just to tell you how I feel.

“And I wanted to see if, after knowing the truth, you’d see me differently, or if anything would change at all.”

Grace’s heart skipped a beat, not quite understanding what Aurora meant. “What are you trying to say?”

Aurora shook her head. “Nothing. I’ve just finally seen your true attitude toward me, that’s all.

“Like means like, and forcing affection never works. Since you’ve already chosen Tessa, there’s no need for me to keep forcing my way into your circle.”

Aurora gave a faint laugh. “From now on, unless it’s absolutely necessary, I won’t be coming back. You can treat me as a guest in this house.”

With that, she turned to leave, the last bit of hope for motherly affection fading from her eyes.

Grace had already given that bracelet away. Both of them were her daughters, yet when had Grace ever truly seen her?

It was always Tessa.

Because Tessa was weak, Aurora had been told to give in since childhood. Even after joining the company, she had taken on rumors and criticism meant for Tessa.

Everything the company had today was built through her hard work, yet the moment she left, its performance had plummeted.

And now, because of one project with Daniel, she was being blamed instead.

Thinking about it, Aurora couldn’t help but feel pathetic.

All her efforts, in Grace’s eyes, were nothing but an act.

Why should she care anymore? As long as she focused on her own life, ran her studio well, and lived happily with Lucas, wasn’t that enough?

As for family, Aurora suddenly thought of how kind Lucas’ parents had always been to her.

So she no longer cared about her biological mother either.

Grace tried to defend herself. “What you just said really hurts me. When you were young, it’s not like I treated you badly. If I hadn’t taken care of you, how could you have grown up so well?

“You don’t actually think raising a child is that easy, do you?”