“Then why not work with them?”Voices rose from the audience, filled with curiosity.“That’s right, weren’t your two families on very good terms before? You were even planning to marry your elder daughter into their family.”“If I’m not mistaken, the engagement had already been arranged between the two, hadn’t it? Why is there no news about it now?”“Now that you mention it, there really hasn’t been any word. It’s been a long time since we’ve heard anything about how that turned out.”The crowd buzzed with speculation, their faces showing surprise.Among them were also several companies that had close partnerships with Hayes Enterprises, and their expressions shifted into hesitation and unease.After all, they were already tied too deeply to Hayes. Many of their projects were linked together, and cutting ties now would mean huge losses.With Walton Corporation making such an announcement, it was likely many other companies would follow suit and sever relations too. If that happened, th
But her mother didn’t even look at her and instead walked straight to the stage.Seeing this, Tessa had no choice but to take a deep breath, praying things weren’t what she feared.If it truly was, she would never forgive her mother.To choose this moment to announce the successor—what did that make of all her efforts? Were they meaningless? Was she just destined to lose?How laughable. After working so hard for so long, she still hadn’t managed to change anyone’s opinion of Aurora.She had schemed, making sure Aurora collapsed and spent a month in a hospital bed.And yet now, after just a few days back, those old men were already turning to her side again.She had clearly convinced them before. As long as Aurora stayed in her coma, the plan could have succeeded.But now everything had slipped out of her control, spiraling in a direction she hadn’t expected.Tessa silently wished for the banquet to end quickly, hoping things weren’t what she thought, that her mother had something else
Seeing the executives had no real interest, Grace didn’t press the matter.As a businesswoman, she understood the art of reading the room. If others clearly disliked a topic, it was wiser to change it.“Everyone, the time is about right. In a moment, I’ll be making an announcement. Rest assured, my younger daughter will definitely be here, because the theme of tonight’s banquet is tied to her.” Grace smiled, deliberately keeping them in suspense.At those words, the executives perked up.“Oh? What is it?”“I hadn’t heard anything about that, so there really is something special tonight.“We came in such a rush, we didn’t get a chance to find out.”One after another, they pressed for details, hoping to draw the answer from her.But Grace only kept her composed smile, her tone mysterious. “Don’t worry. The answer will be revealed very soon, and I can promise you’ll all be satisfied.”Her words instantly revived their curiosity, sweeping away the impatience from moments earlier. Compare
The other executives quickly chimed in their agreement.Aurora had already made appearances in the business world before, so everyone remembered her face. They knew exactly who she was, not to be confused with Tessa standing beside Grace.Aurora’s looks were unforgettable—one glance was enough to leave a lasting impression.By contrast, though Tessa was certainly beautiful, she simply didn’t have that same breathtaking quality that Aurora possessed. She lacked that kind of unforgettable presence.On top of that, Aurora’s abilities were outstanding, making her beauty just one of her lesser qualities.Hearing the conversation, Tessa’s fists clenched tightly at her sides, the smile on her face barely holding. She couldn’t understand—what were these old men playing at?She was standing right there beside her mother, yet instead of asking about her, they insisted on asking where Aurora was. Did they really have nothing better to do?Grace’s expression held a flicker of awkwardness, but
The moment the words left his mouth, he wanted to bite his tongue off. Why did it sound like something straight out of a player’s handbook? He was never like this before.Hearing his explanation, Megan simply shook her head, brushing away those odd thoughts that had crept in. Look at him—so upright and proper—while her mind was busy coming up with ridiculous ideas.“It’s nothing. I was just overthinking,” she murmured, pressing her lips together. She needed to correct herself. She couldn’t keep twisting things in her head. Leonard was such a decent man, and it wasn’t fair to him if she let her thoughts wander in the wrong direction.Watching her expression shift back and forth, Leonard could tell exactly what was going on in that little head of hers. He couldn’t help but laugh.“Alright, let’s just get something to eat. I’m starving. No point dwelling on this.”At his words, Megan’s eyes lit up. A moment ago, she’d been tangled up in how to explain her reaction. But now, with the
Lucas watched their interaction from the side, feeling a little displeased. Deliberately making sure Leonard could see, he gave Aurora’s hand a sharp, possessive squeeze.Aurora felt a slight sting and turned her head, just about to say something, only to meet his pitiful gaze.In an instant, she understood why Lucas had done it.She could only sigh and pat his hand helplessly, signaling him to calm down.After all, they were still in public. Whatever the matter, it was something for them to talk about at home—it was between husband and wife.Megan noticed their little exchange, her smile deepening. She pursed her lips and tugged on Leonard’s arm. “Oh dear, I think we shouldn’t stay here and get in the way of this loving couple.“Let’s go somewhere else. These two have been disgustingly sweet lately.”Aurora feigned fierceness. “Who are you calling disgusting?”Her tone carried laughter, clearly not angry—just bantering with Megan to strengthen their bond.Megan didn’t mind and pulle