Previously, Ian only sensed that there was something extraordinary about Aurora’s demeanor, even though she wore plain clothes. At that time, he thought he was losing his mind. How could he feel this way about an ordinary person? It turned out his instincts were correct. She indeed hailed from a distinguished family.
“Ian, there’s another matter I wanted to discuss with you today. I’ve only recently transferred to this school and don’t know many people here. You, being the president of the student council and well-connected, I would like you to scout some capable individuals for interviews at my company. The company was just getting started and needs a lot of talent. Although young people lack extensive experience, their vitality can be more beneficial than those who consider themselves elite.”
“Typically, companies look for experienced talents, but we, who are about to graduate or have just graduated, are often overlooked.” Ian admired Aurora’s boldness.
“What I value is not experience, but responsibility. I ask you to find people, but they must also pass a rigorous interview. Only those who succeed can stay. I know you, but I don’t know the others.”
Aurora lazily sank into the sofa, exuding an aura of authority with every gesture, making Ian truly believe in her capability.
“Miss, your dishes are ready. Please enjoy your meal,” the waiter announced, bringing various dishes to the table.
In front of Aurora was a medium-rare steak, contrasting sharply with the set meal Ian had ordered. As he watched Aurora elegantly cutting her steak with a knife and fork, Ian felt increasingly awkward. He and Aurora were from different worlds, and sensing his nervousness, Aurora calmly discussed her company’s plans with him.
Initially, Ian agreed to help Aurora without knowing what her company was about. Entranced by her explanation, he felt more confident about his future and could only admire her further. Her eloquence and insight differed from any other girl he had met. She possessed not only beauty but also composure and grace.
By the end of the meal, Aurora had become his idol. “Miss Montgomery, I’ve learned a lot today. I will take care of the task you’ve entrusted to me and hope to learn more from you in the future.”
“The best teacher is society itself, Ian. When you recruit people, don’t mention me. I want to maintain a low profile as a regular student at school,” Aurora instructed, always preferring to keep a low profile.
“I understand,” Ian nodded.
After their meeting, Aurora departed in a Maybach, leaving Ian inspired to set her as his benchmark.
Meanwhile, Aurora was also recruiting high-salary positions in the corporate world, causing a stir among employees of nearby financial firms, with her inbox quickly filling with resumes.
Even on her way home, she focused intently on reviewing each resume. Julian, observing her serious profile, thought, “Whether man or woman, there’s something incredibly attractive about someone who is focused.”
“So busy already?” It was almost home, and Aurora hadn’t looked up even once.
“Recently, the company is hiring, and I need to review every position personally. I’m very strict about talent,” Aurora replied without looking up.
“If you need anything, just let me know. I can solve any problem for you,” Julian said earnestly.
“Mm.”
Originally, Julian had prepared some surprises, but seeing Aurora so busy, he decided to cancel them temporarily.
In a few days, Aurora was supposed to give him an answer. As long as nothing unexpected happened, her answer would surely be affirmative.
From that day on, Julian became less clingy and gave her enough time to deal with her own matters.
Throughout the week, Aurora was mostly busy with company matters, finally managing to handle some of the initial trivialities, only to receive a phone call just after she had taken a bath and was ready to sleep. Her phone rang insistently. It seemed the caller on the other end was patient enough to wait until she came out of the bathroom.
“Hello.” Glancing at the caller ID, she almost forgot that tomorrow was Hayden and Susan’s engagement party.
Why would Hayden call her at this critical moment? It surely couldn’t be just to send an invitation.
“Aurora, I want to see you.” Hayden’s voice was deep and lingering, as if he was smoking, a habit the old Hayden did not indulge in.
It seemed that she had smelled smoke on him during their recent encounters, whereas Aurora had been smoking less and less.
Perhaps it was because she was busy, or maybe it was Julian’s casual remark some time ago. “Smoking is bad for your health.”
Everyone who smoked knew this, but who really cared? Yet, she took his words to heart and hadn’t touched a cigarette for several days.
“Mr. Alvarez, are you calling to send an invitation?” Aurora asked indifferently.
“Aurora, I’m at the school playground. Can you come over?” Hayden’s almost pleading words came through.
Aurora shook her head and stated, “No.”
“There’s something I need to tell you.” Hayden seemed to have anticipated her refusal and persisted.
“Whatever it is, you can say it over the phone,” Aurora replied dismissively, noticing his slurred speech, probably from drinking.
“It’s okay if you don’t come. I originally wanted to tell you something about your mother…” His sudden mention of her mother caught her off guard. Although Aurora did not want to care, she could not remain indifferent about her mother.
“My mom?”
“Yes. Actually, your mother didn’t die from a heart attack.” The words Hayden spoke shocked Aurora.
“What are you talking about? My mom has been dead for many years. How could it not have been a heart attack?”
“If you want to know more about your mother, come to the place where we used to meet now. I’ll wait for you.” Hayden hung up abruptly.
Aurora cursed under her breath and quickly changed her clothes. She had been too young to remember much when her mother died.
Although her mother had heart problems, it was Genevieve’s constant provocations during that time that led to the heart attacks.
Could there be another reason for everything? Hayden wouldn’t lie about such a matter, so Aurora hurriedly drove to the school.
She wondered why he had chosen such a place to meet, a place filled with memories of the two of them.
Julian had finally been behaving for a few days, not bothering Aurora, but then he heard the butler’s voice. “Young master, I just saw Miss Montgomery drive away. It’s ten o’clock already. I wonder where she’s going alone.”