Seeing the composed Aurora and the disheveled Alison, anyone would think that Aurora had bullied Alison. Everyone overlooked Heather, who was inconspicuous nearby. Seeing no hint of fear on her face only fueled Alison’s anger further.
“Mr. Montgomery, Anne, just because of her status, pushed me to the ground this morning. I could have tolerated that, but she just spilled her food all over me. *Sob sob sob*, I know I’m just a lowly clerk and can’t compare to a manager, but…”
“Since you know that, please be quiet. Here’s what actually happened…” Aurora was tired of hearing her whiny cries and her distorted version of the story, so she recounted the events correctly.
“If you say it was a slip of the hand, then I slipped too,” Aurora said, arms crossed, watching Alison with amusement.
“It’s not like that, it’s not like that, she obviously bullied me because of her position. Just look at the stains all over me,” Alison continued to argue.
“To find out who’s telling the truth, we just need to ask around,” Sean finally spoke up. His eyes scanned Aurora; Grandpa Montgomery had briefed him about Aurora’s visit.
Although Aurora had requested no special treatment, Grandpa Montgomery still doted on his young granddaughter, concerned that she might struggle to handle workplace matters. The workplace was a battlefield, and it was normal for Grandpa Montgomery to worry about Aurora, a novice in such an environment.
Sean hadn’t seen Aurora for many years. He remembered her as a sweet, charming child. It had been over a decade since her mother passed away, and he hadn’t seen her since. The little girl he remembered had grown up, changed so much.
In his heart, he still saw Aurora as that little girl. Given the current situation, Paul was likely to side with Alison. And Magnus, to avoid any appearance of bias, couldn’t openly favor her, leaving Sean to support Aurora covertly.
“Indeed, let’s hear what others have to say to know who is right and who is wrong,” Magnus also spoke.
Heather truthfully recounted the morning’s and just now’s incidents, aligning with Aurora’s version.
“You’re lying through your teeth, I’ll tear your mouth apart!” Alison threatened fiercely.
Aurora gave her a cold look. This Alison was indeed a textbook example of self-destruction.
“Ladies, you all saw what just happened, didn’t you?” Aurora turned to the cafeteria lady.
“Miss, what happened earlier and what this lady said is true, she was indeed the first to start it,” the cafeteria worker revealed the truth.
Alison was even more furious, wishing she could dive through the serving window to give those gossips a piece of her mind.
“Why are all you vile women siding with her?!”
“That’s enough. What do you think this place is? A vegetable market or a public square? Watch your tone and manner,” Magnus said coldly.
Even if others didn’t know Aurora was his daughter, he didn’t want to witness anyone speaking disrespectfully, especially since Aurora hadn’t done anything wrong.
His words made Alison shiver. “Mr. Montgomery, I didn’t mean to, I was just a bit angry.”
“No need to explain, I already understand the whole situation. Our company can hardly afford a talent like you. Go to the finance department and settle this month’s salary.”
Although Magnus was often swayed by Genevieve’s pillow talk at home, he was as protective of his own as Grandpa Montgomery. When Alison heard she might be fired, she was terrified. She had mocked Heather’s poor family background, though her own family was hardly better off. She had only managed to secure a proper job at the company by hooking up with Paul. If her parents found out she was fired, she might not be killed, but she would certainly be beaten severely.
She quickly tugged on Paul’s sleeve, “Mr. Montgomery, I know I was wrong. Please, give me another chance.” Paul, who was usually compassionate, felt pity seeing her like this. Alison actually served him quite well, and she was fun to be around. He spoke up, “Mr. President, I think both parties are to blame here. The main fault lies with Alison, but she has been punished. Young people are often hotheaded. Let’s just let this go and give her another chance.”
With Paul speaking up, Magnus had to save face for him, as they were cousins and it wouldn’t do to fall out over a woman. “Alright, this time I can forgive you, but if anything similar happens again, I won’t be so lenient!”
“You better thank Mr. Montgomery now,” Paul nudged Alison.
Alison quickly expressed her gratitude. Heather’s heart sank at this scene, knowing this was just how things were, yet she couldn’t help but feel resentful. “I’ll give you half a day off. Go home and rest well,” said Aurora, noticing Heather’s despondent expression. “No need, Miss Anne, I’ll change and come back to work this afternoon,” Alison replied, shaking her head.
As Alison walked away dejectedly, she realized she was truly not from the same world as them. Aurora, though the same age, did not share her fate; even Alison, who had hurt her, could act with impunity in the company. Even though Aurora had helped her today, Alison might retaliate even more fiercely later.
“Excuse me, gentlemen, I have to leave now,” Aurora also expressed her intent to leave. “Anne, why don’t you join us for dinner?” Magnus tried to pull her back, having truly recognized Aurora’s capabilities today. She handled the situation with calm and grace, not using her position to oppress others but methodically resolving the matter. This daughter was more outstanding than he had imagined. “Thank you, Mr. Montgomery, but I’m not hungry. I’ll be going now,” she said as she turned to follow Heather.
She couldn’t explain why she suddenly cared so much about a stranger, perhaps because Heather reminded her of her own childhood. Like Heather, she had been slandered by Zachary and Ivy, isolated and unsupported by anyone. How wonderful it would have been if someone had stood up for her back then? With these thoughts, she caught up to Heather, “What, not satisfied?” Her voice was cold.
“Manager, are you saying that because I have no status, I should also have no dignity? That people can trample over me while those who hurt us go scot-free?” Tears welled up in Heather’s eyes.
Standing on a step above her, Aurora lifted Heather’s chin with her finger, like a queen. “Take back your tears.”