One after the other, they entered the office, and everyone gazed in awe at the reborn Heather. Only when Aurora walked in did some start whispering, “Is that Heather I know?”
“She used to wear super baggy clothes; you’d never guess how slim her legs are. She’s made up today, like a completely different person.”
“Right, right, her bangs used to cover half her face, but now that she’s swept her hair up, she looks surprisingly beautiful.”
“Heather, come have lunch with us later.” The men, who had previously only commanded her to do this and that, now buzzed around her like flies.
“No, no need, I still have some work to finish; I’ll get busy,” Heather responded, not flattered by the attention.
She just found these men shallow, unable to move past a pretty face, and she was determined not to have anything to do with them.
Watching Aurora already working seriously at her computer inside the glass room, she decided to emulate Aurora-women should live independently like her.
Another day ended, and Aurora finished her day’s work. She recalled Genevieve’s words from last night-they were going to Montgomery Manor today to see her grandfather.
How could she miss such an important occasion? She had just finished work when Julian had already been waiting for a while.
“What would you like to eat? I’ll take you,” Julian said, inhaling her scent as he embraced her.
“Let’s go see grandfather tonight; there might be an interesting scene. Besides, my grandfather likes you, let’s go together,” Aurora, tired from the day, leaned softly against Julian.
Julian’s lips suddenly curled into a smile, “I quite like that place too.”
“Don’t you find it a bit old?” Aurora had visited Julian’s villa, which was fashionable and exuded luxury.
“Old or new doesn’t matter; I just remember how passionate you were that night.”
“Rascal…” That night, she had been provoked by Ivy and, uncharacteristically, had become very assertive.
“Last night you said, ‘absence makes the heart grow fonder’; tonight, let’s see if things are even better,” Julian whispered, nibbling at her ear.
His words made Aurora’s body soften, her face flushing as she nestled closer to him.
Only with him did Aurora truly feel like a woman; outside, she was always the capable and strong businesswoman.
She was serious and efficient, having reviewed two years’ worth of reports in just two days, and had scathingly critiqued the managers’ submissions, demanding they redo their plans. In just two short days, she had established her authority.
Laughing and talking, the couple returned to Montgomery Manor, where Genevieve and her two children had already arrived, even bringing many gifts.
Although Magnus was also there, he did not sit with Genevieve and wore a sullen expression, emitting a ‘keep away’ vibe.
When Aurora and Julian walked in hand in hand, her grandfather’s face lit up with a smile, “Aurora and Julian, you’re back? Come, sit down, I’ve prepared something delicious for tonight.”
Ivy, seeing his warm welcome compared to the cold treatment of her own family, pouted, feeling increasingly anxious knowing Aurora was now working at the company.
Especially seeing Aurora still holding Julian’s hand, Ivy’s jealousy intensified.
“Grandpa, I missed you,” Aurora sweetly said.
“You and Julian have always been the kindest to me, unlike others who often forget about this old man,” Grandpa Montgomery remarked with evident joy.
“Dad, it’s true that Aurora and the others treat you well, but so do we. Look at those gifts; they were all personally picked by them,” Genevieve quickly interjected.
“I know exactly why you are here. You need something from me, and once I agree, seeing you around again would be a miracle,” Grandpa Montgomery scoffed, now observing Genevieve’s ingratiating demeanor, clearly aimed at gaining favors not just for herself but for Ivy and Zachary as well.
“Dad, you never gave us a chance before. Every time we came over, you chased us away. Even if we wanted to do something, we couldn’t,” she argued.
However, the truth was that Genevieve, by whispering sweet nothings into Magnus’s ear, had not visited Grandpa Montgomery for several years. Now, she had the audacity to blame everything on Grandpa Montgomery, who had always known how shameless she could be and wasn’t taken in by her words.
“Well then, since everyone is here today, let’s clear the air to avoid any sleepless nights. I know you’re here to secure jobs for them at the company. Let me be clear: I’ve never acknowledged these two children, but the mistakes you made won’t affect them. Considering the Montgomery blood runs through your veins, I’ll let you join the company. The procurement and marketing departments are in need of two managers; choose between them yourselves,” Grandpa Montgomery declared openly. He had initially offered Aurora a vice-president role, showing her importance in his heart compared to the managerial positions available to Ivy.
Even so, Aurora felt that even offering them managerial positions was a waste and remained silent, observing the situation.
On hearing they were only to be managers, Ivy couldn’t hide her impatience: “Grandpa, you can’t be so biased. Aurora is a manager, and we’re only supervisors. We’re all your grandchildren; why is there such a big difference?”
“Exactly, Grandpa. My friends who joined their family companies at least started as general managers. We’re not even asking for that much, but you should at least treat us equally,” chimed in the other.
As soon as these words were spoken, Genevieve knew trouble was brewing. These two really didn’t understand the gravity of their situation!
Their grandfather was already being lenient by offering them a chance, and yet they didn’t appreciate it and were complaining about their positions.
Grandpa Montgomery was instantly furious. “Do you think Montgomery Group is like those third-rate companies outside? Do you even know how many people work in one department? With your attitude, wanting to be managers or general managers? Look at yourselves; being offered a managerial position is already my generosity at play, and yet you look down on it…”
“Dad, please don’t be angry. They are still young. Aren’t you two going to apologize to Grandpa?” Genevieve hurriedly tried to smooth things over.
“Grandpa, we’re sorry. We were just speaking without thinking,” the two muttered, realizing their folly.
Seeing their foolishness, Aurora couldn’t help but laugh, knowing that without Genevieve, dealing with them would be an easy task.
“Alright then, that settles it. I’ll have my secretary make the arrangements tomorrow.”
Just as it was about to be finalized, Julian coolly interjected, “By the way, I just remembered something. I heard from a friend that Zachary recently lost over fifty million at the casino…”