Today was Gemma’s happiest day, since it would mark the end of her internship at Solaris Holdings. If she could close the deal today, she would be offered a permanent position. The six-month internship had nearly broken her spirit. As graduation approached, many well-connected students had already secured job offers. Gemma, coming from a modest background, could not rely solely on the meager support from a married middle-aged man, which was hardly enough to cover her expenses.
Six months ago, she followed a friend into a real estate internship. Solaris Holdings was the pinnacle of the industry. Securing a permanent position there meant excellent benefits and compensation, especially as she was currently assigned to the Seacliff Manor project, an entire district of villas. Selling just one could earn her a substantial commission.
Fortuitously, her friend called last night with news of an acute appendicitis attack, rendering her unable to work today. She handed over an important client to Gemma, agreeing to split the commission if the sale went through. This client was crucial, and a successful deal would guarantee Gemma’s promotion.
Gemma also harbored a personal motive. She saw this as an opportunity to mingle with the wealthy, assuming that anyone who could afford such property must be affluent. According to her friend, today’s buyer was a young man. Gemma speculated that he must be a rich youth, prompting her to rise early and dress carefully.
She wore a white blouse and a blazer, having tailored her skirt slightly shorter to accentuate her legs, confident in her appearance and even spritzing on some light perfume. With a thick stack of documents in hand and repeatedly retouching her makeup in excitement, Gemma was ready to get the man. At this moment, her phone rang. Recognizing the number, she brightened considerably.
“Hello, yes, it’s me. I’ll be right there to meet you,” she said before applying another layer of lipstick and stepping out in her high heels.
A luxurious Maybach slowly approached, a car she recognized as worth over a million dollars. The owner had to be wealthy. Gemma adjusted her hair and put on her best smile, respectfully waiting by the roadside.
As the passenger side opened, she hurried forward, not immediately noticing who the car owner was. When she saw a slender, elegantly clad leg extending from the car, her heart sank. She had assumed the young wealthy man was coming alone, not expecting him to bring a woman. She immediately felt her chances slipping away.
“Damn, sugar bitch,” she muttered under her breath. Despite her own past as a sugar baby, she felt only contempt for the woman in the car.
The woman wore a black Yohji Yamamoto dress and held a Corto Moltedo black handbag, a brand Gemma recognized from fashion magazines, known for its exquisite and costly Italian craftsmanship. Her fingers were adorned with a Cartier decorative ring, complemented by rose gold diamond earrings. The woman’s taste in clothing and accessories was impeccable.
She was surely envious, always finding herself purchasing discounted items at the mall, her wardrobe for the entire season not equating to the cost of the other woman’s outfit. The disparity between people was vast. Gemma sighed internally, and she couldn’t recognize the woman in sunglasses. No one would likely connect this woman to the plain girl from school. Gemma quickly walked back towards the driver’s cabin.
“Mr. Chase, would you like to go take a look at the property now, or should I first explain a bit about it?” she asked with a sweet smile. Cameron, having locked the car, gave an awkward smile. “You’re mistaken. It’s not me buying the house. It’s Miss Montgomery.” He pointed towards the lady ahead.
Hearing this, Gemma felt even more uncomfortable. She had assumed the woman was a sugar baby just like her. Yet, now it became clear Aurora was actually this man’s boss! As Gemma was about to speak, Aurora turned to look at her. That voice was unforgettable, reminding Aurora of the commotion Gemma made just the day before.
“Oh, sorry. I thought it was you buying. Miss, since it’s your first visit today, why don’t you come with me to the sales office to check out the types of properties we have available?”
“Okay.” The woman answered with a single word, but even that made Gemma suspect. The voice sounded just so familiar. Could it be Aurora’s voice? It seemed unlikely. Gemma quickly dismissed the thought.
“Miss, what are your requirements for your new home?” Gemma had adjusted her mindset, determined to secure this deal regardless of the buyer’s identity.
“Just for myself, so not too large. Other than that, I’m not particular.” Aurora spoke calmly, confident in the building’s quality, so there was no need to emphasize further.
Previously, Aurora had spoken only one word so Gemma hadn’t recognized, but what Aurora just said simply stunned her. She would never forget this woman’s voice. It was Aurora! Aurora’s voice was distinctively aloof and detached.
It felt as though lightning had struck Gemma, who stood frozen, finally taking a good look at the woman’s physique. Her height and figure confirmed it was Aurora. Gemma, in disbelief, asked, “You are… Aurora?”
Aurora hadn’t tried to disguise herself, slowly removing her sunglasses. “Hi, Gemma.” Her expression was neither sad nor happy, utterly calm.
Gemma’s jaw dropped open in shock. Aurora actually had such a cold and captivating face. She thought back to her actions the day before. How could such a person ever fall for Ian? She now realized just how foolish she had been, trying to stage such a drama with Ian to discourage Aurora.
Gemma now understood the joke was on her. “Shall we go see the property now?” Aurora didn’t seek revenge for their personal grievances.
Although Gemma had given her bad memories, she got two cups of coffee poured into her face the day before, so they were even, and they were unlikely to cross paths again. “Yes.” Gemma, still reeling from her shock, merely followed behind Aurora, her mind in turmoil.
Yet, she also felt a twinge of jealousy. Why was it that she just had to be here like a loser, subservient to Aurora?