เข้าสู่ระบบ“Mr. Lee, why do you look so down?”“Ah? Do I?”Arnold touched his face as if nothing were wrong, pretending he hadn’t noticed his own gloomy expression.She sighed helplessly. “Alright, Mr, Lee, stop pretending. I can see something’s bothering you. If you have something to say, just say it.”“Can I really speak freely?”He had only asked out of courtesy.No matter how long he’d served the family, there was still a clear line between an employer and an employee.He worked for the Walton family, but Grace was its matriarch.If something needed to be said, it had to go through her.“Yes, of course. Just tell me directly.”Seeing how flustered he looked, Grace felt a bit unprepared.Arnold had always been steady—never emotional and showing what weighed on his mind.He had served as butler for so many years without a single misstep.He had practically watched her children grow up.To her, Arnold was like her uncle, someone she respected as family.So, if he wanted to speak, why would she s
Thinking about it, Tessa found the whole thing ridiculous.She finally understood that Grace was clearly doing this on purpose, picking a fight with her for no reason.“Mom, then I’ll say it again.”Tessa repeated herself patiently, her tone softening as she explained the same thing over and over.“I told you, I felt too stifled at home. I wanted to get out and see a bit more of the world. It helps me recover, too.“And if I’m home by myself, that doesn’t worry you?”Grace’s question caught her completely off guard.She had never asked anything like that before. Hearing her say it now was unexpected.“Of course I worry about you. But if anything happens, you can call me anytime.”Grace let out a humorless laugh.“Call you? Would you even pick up?”“Why wouldn’t I?”Tessa blurted out the answer without thinking.Something about her mother felt off today.The Grace she knew had always been composed, rational, and stern, but never unreasonable.Her questions had always been within bounds,
Grace pressed a hand to her chest, her voice tight with accusation.“I’ve taken care of you for so many years. Even your sister got married before you. Have you never thought about why?”“Mom, I understand what you’re trying to say.”Tessa drew in a deep breath. “I know she married earlier than I did, but that was her choice, wasn’t it?”“If it weren’t for you, I never would’ve pushed her to marry early.”Grace let out a cold snort. “I only wanted to make sure you’d be taken care of for the rest of your life. Tell me, was that wrong?”“And I want a life of my own. Is that wrong?”Tessa finally pushed back. “And I never said I wouldn’t come back. I just want to know why you suddenly need me home right this minute.“We’re both adults. I have my own life. Is that so strange? I can’t follow your arrangements in everything.”“So that’s it—you think you’ve grown wings now.”Her mother’s voice trembled with hurt.She had never expected the daughter she adored to speak to her this way.It seem
If that man truly intended to take Tessa away from her, then she needed to be fully prepared.Her own life could be thrown into the fire, but the Walton Corporation could never fall into his hands.Still, Grace had never believed that Sean would ever harm her.After all, they had once been so close that they’d practically promised each other a lifetime.If he truly meant to betray her, why say all those tender words back then?Could everything in the past really have been a lie?No matter what, Grace needed answers.But on Tessa’s end, she was far from cooperative. She was still busy with her own affairs.She had been dealing with Sean a great deal lately.Now that the man had given her certain assurances, she finally had her own life to live.She no longer needed to put up with Aurora’s attitude, and she refused to keep living in her shadow.So, these days, she had been tied up coordinating things with Sean.But now Grace was suddenly calling her home for no reason.Tessa felt relucta
“At that time, you had your own dreams and your own expectations. Isn’t that a good thing?”Lucas kept soothing Aurora’s emotions.“In my eyes, you’ve always been independent and driven.”“I don’t just admire you. Sometimes I feel like I should be learning from you.”“Are you serious?”Aurora was surprised, convinced he had to be teasing her.“Of course I am. Why would I lie to you?”Lucas cupped her face.When their eyes met, it felt as if both their hearts skipped a beat.“To me, you’re not only independent, you’re strong. No matter what you face, you never back down easily. That’s the kind of woman you are—someone who knows her own mind.”“With you saying all that, I’m getting a little embarrassed.”Her face sat softly in Lucas’ palms, bright and warm.She could clearly feel her cheeks heating up.Lucas noticed and found it adorable.He leaned in and brushed a gentle kiss against her forehead.“Alright, stop worrying about this. Think about the general direction first. If you can’t
Hearing that, Lucas was genuinely stunned.He never imagined something this messy would play out right in front of him."So, what do you plan to do now?"Before Aurora could answer, Lucas continued, "That man is practically circling like a wolf. Harsh as it sounds, he’s already eyeing your family’s company."If Tessa does something stupid, Walton Corporation could fall into complete ruin."The moment she heard the words “complete ruin,” Aurora clenched her hands tightly.When she finally spoke, her voice trembled."I don’t know what to do yet, but I can’t just stand by and watch the company be destroyed."No matter what, that company is still my mom’s life’s work. I’ve been there for almost a year too, and I’ve poured my own effort into it."Hearing that, Lucas already understood what she meant."If you need my help, just tell me anytime."Aurora nodded firmly. "I understand. But right now, I have to convince my mom. I can’t let her keep losing herself like this."In that case, we need







