For Aurora, this was no surprise but a shock.
It sounded too good to be true.
Given her professional expertise, she saw no issues with the contract, yet the lack of issues was precisely what troubled her the most. Gemma had thought Aurora would be thrilled to sign the contract but was surprised to see her unmoved and even skeptical.
In her heart, Aurora did not see this as a good thing but rather a disaster. “Miss Montgomery, all you need to do is sign,” Gemma said, already frustrated at having lost a significant portion of her commission. After some thought, since there were no apparent issues with the contract, Aurora guessed there wouldn’t be any real problems. She actually quite liked the house, especially its proximity to the sea.
“Alright then.” Since it wasn’t her loss, she might as well consider them wealthy enough to afford such a surprise for their client. Aurora checked the contract one last time before signing her name.
“Miss, please wait a moment while I complete the necessary formalities,” Gemma said as she turned to leave. Meanwhile, Julian was waiting precisely for Aurora to finish signing.
“It’s you,” he said coldly, glancing at Gemma, who had embarrassed Aurora the day before and was now working here.
Seeing him in his crisp suit, with the general manager standing respectfully behind him, she immediately recognized his status. So, he was the president, the CEO. Recalling the scene of him leading Aurora away the day before, she realized they had known each other for some time.
“Mr. Barnet,” Gemma’s face turned pale.
“She doesn’t need to come to work here anymore. This contract will be followed up by you,” Julian told the general manager, not forgetting how this woman had spoken about Aurora yesterday. A cup of coffee was certainly not enough to settle today’s score.
“Yes, Mr. Barnet,” the general manager dared not ask why, taking the contract from Gemma’s hands and saying, “You should go to the finance department to get your severance package.”
Gemma realized she had no good fortune but a nemesis today! All her efforts over the past six months were in vain. All because of Aurora, who at this moment was still unaware of the situation.
Julian paid no attention to them and walked toward the room, where the sunlight gently fell on Aurora. She seemed much softened, unaware of his approach, not even lifting her head.
She was studying the layout of her new home, which was more than half again as large as the one she had previously chosen. In the context of villas, it was nothing special, especially compared to Julian’s home or Montgomery Manor. But she preferred the quiet and did not need many servants. Having someone clean the house regularly was enough. The 5000-plus square feet were fully equipped, including a study and a music room.
When she saw the white grand piano, her gaze lingered, and many memories flooded her mind. Hayden had loved playing the piano, and for him, she had learned to play, and after many hardships, now she played beautifully. Yet, things were no longer the same. Aurora sighed to herself.
“Do you like it?” A familiar voice reached her ears. Caught deep in thought, she shivered involuntarily upon hearing the man’s voice.
“Mr. Barnet?” She realized why the house price was discounted. Not only had she been upgraded to a larger house, but it also included a swimming pool.
Was it all because of this man?
How could she forget that he was also in the real estate business?
“If you don’t like the layout, you can change it anytime,” he said, his arms extending from either side of her, as if to envelop her in an embrace.
His casual words made Aurora feel an illusion, as if he wasn’t talking about a villa but rather a piece of clothing or a pair of shoes.
But on second thought, why would a man of his wealth care about a few million dollars?
She wouldn’t let him give her a house, so he discounted it for her and even threw in a swimming pool, making the house practically a gift.
“I can see the sea from here, and I really like it, but I think I mentioned I can afford to pay for the house.” Aurora stood up.
“I know you can afford it, and just so happens you’re our lucky customer. This is just a promotional tactic. Don’t overthink it.”
“Wow, to think someone can afford to spend millions on promotions, Mr. Barnet sure is generous,” Aurora said lazily and sarcastically.
“If you really feel guilty, how about treating me to dinner?” Julian had already decided to weave himself into her life.
“Sure, but not tonight.” She cut off his next words.
Julian shrugged helplessly. “Then some other time. Who are you meeting tonight?” He leaned in to ask.
“We aren’t close enough for me to report my schedule to you.” Aurora was the classic ungrateful type.
Just yesterday, she was wary of him, but once they settled old scores, she turned and bared her sharp teeth at him.
She was no longer the weak self from before.
“One day, you’ll rightfully report to me. If not dinner, how about lunch?” He persisted.
Aurora felt helpless. Looking at the time, it was getting late. “Alright.”
“Yesterday, I ran around buying so much for you. Isn’t it your turn to cook for me today?”
If it was about being shameless, Aurora was indeed slightly inferior, especially in front of this man.
“Fine!” She gritted her teeth.
“Then let’s go to our new home. I’ll have someone buy groceries.” Julian was as quick as his word, already planning to head out.
“It’s my new home,” Aurora corrected.
Julian didn’t take it seriously. “Sooner or later, it will be our home.” He had already turned and left, his departure swift and sleek.
Watching his retreating figure, Aurora suddenly pondered a question. If she hadn’t bumped into him three years ago, would her life be different now?
Unbeknownst to her, everything was destined.
After discovering Susan and Ivy’s conspiracy, he had intentionally waited there, and whatever the process was that evening, he would definitely save her.
And he made that request only to keep her by his side.
But Aurora wasn’t as reliant on him as he had imagined. Instead, she had run far away after being provoked.
Returning now, she was vastly different from before, hardly a trace of her old self visible.
Yet, he felt that this version of her was somehow even more endearing.