As the votes were tallied one by one, no one anticipated the final outcome. “The two candidates have the same number of votes,” announced the last vote, resulting in Aurora and Eric having an equal total. This outcome was somewhat awkward; usually, major decisions were made through shareholder voting, and before Paul was removed, the number of shareholders was odd.
With Paul’s removal, the total number became even. Among the shareholders were close friends of Paul, genuine supporters of Eric, and those who distrusted Aurora. Even with the chairman and the president supporting Aurora, the outcome remained unchanged.
“The chairman, since the votes are tied, I think Eric should take over. He has been with the company longer, is well-versed in business, and has broader connections. Eric is the most suitable candidate for deputy director; you should choose him.”
“Yeah, I also think we shouldn’t joke about this.”
“I think Aurora is also good and capable of holding this position.”
Thus, the matter returned to the starting point, and everyone continued to argue. Aurora spoke calmly at this moment: “Since the votes are tied, it seems like this is fate’s arrangement.”
“What arrangement?” Grandpa Montgomery looked at her, puzzled.
Aurora’s lips curled into a faint smile: “I just heard you say, chairman, that our company is vying for a major business deal. Why not use this deal as a little test for us?”
“Aurora, the more you talk, the more confusing you get. What test?”
Eric, who had been silent, seemed to have understood Aurora’s suggestion, “I think Aurora means for me and her to compete. Whoever can secure this business deal will become the deputy director.”
“That’s a good idea, especially since our company’s reputation has already been damaged. Luminary has become a major public company and just recently set up a branch in Clothville. Their company values integrity above all. With the Montgomery Group’s reputation destroyed, it could affect their impression of us. Since it’s already like this, why not treat this project as a test for them? If successful, wouldn’t it prove our strength?”
“I agree.”
“I agree too.”
All the shareholders nodded in agreement, looking towards Grandpa Montgomery, who held the largest share of stock; his word would be final. Grandpa Montgomery looked at Aurora, “Aurora, do you realize how big this deal is?”
Although Aurora had once told him about her business, Grandpa Montgomery was still unaware of the scale of Aurora’s company and was somewhat worried she might not handle the task.
“How big?” Aurora asked.
Grandpa Montgomery slowly began, “Luminary’s establishment in Clothville marks their first order here. They are interested in the west district’s seascape and barren mountains, aiming to develop a top-tier affluent area. With real estate booming these years, investing in it is a surefire profit. They are investing billions and are currently looking for contractors. Our company’s main industry includes steel and other building materials. If we can strike a deal, it could be worth billions.”
Indeed, it was a major contract, posing a significant challenge for Aurora. She was not worried or scared; rather, she was excited about the possibility of securing this large contract, which would signify new growth for her.
Aurora confidently stated, “I will do my utmost to secure this contract.”
“Eric, what about you?” Grandpa Montgomery turned to look at Eric again.
“I’ll do my best.” Seeing the excitement in Aurora’s eyes, Eric adjusted his glasses and replied calmly.
“Good, then it’s settled. I hereby declare that whichever of you secures the contract from Luminary will be the vice president,” Grandpa Montgomery announced sternly.
“Chairman, what if neither of us secures the contract?” someone asked.
“We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it. I believe in them. This meeting is now adjourned. Notify the PR department to quickly handle this Paul situation, and arrange some charity events to divert public attention.
As for Paul, go process his resignation immediately. Considering we are all family here, we won’t burden you with the losses; just be sure to manage yourself from now on.”
Paul’s body slumped like frostbitten eggplant, his spirit utterly broken, and he muttered a resigned, “Yes.”
“Alright, Finnian will give you the information about Luminary shortly. You two head to the sales department to coordinate.
You can utilize all the resources of the sales department as needed. Let’s leave it at that for now, meeting adjourned,” Grandpa Montgomery stated directly.
“Yes, Chairman.” The shareholders departed one by one, and feeling the urgency, Aurora hurried out.
Just as she stepped out, Eric was already following her, “Miss Aurora.”
It was strange that he always called her ‘Miss’; as her cousin, he should just call her Aurora. Why did he persistently address her so formally?
She paused, “What is it?”
“Do you really want this position, Miss Aurora?” he suddenly asked.
“If I didn’t want it, I wouldn’t have competed just now,” Aurora responded, unsure of his intentions.
“I could let you have the vice president’s position, but I hope you can agree to one thing for me,” Eric stepped closer, narrowing the distance between them to barely half a step.
This proximity could be considered both close and distant. His eyes, behind the lenses, shifted, taking on a somewhat devilish charm as did the smile on his lips.
“No need to let it go, I’ll earn it on my own merits,” Aurora stepped back, maintaining her distance from Eric.
Eric adjusted his glasses, his smile fading, “Won’t you even ask what it is?”
“Not interested, I’m very busy. I have to go,” she replied, her intuition telling her that nothing good could come from his offer.
She didn’t bother to ask or guess; she had never intended to rely on anyone else. If he was offering, she wasn’t interested.
Watching her decisively turn and leave, a cold smirk formed on the man’s lips, “Miss Aurora…”
Aurora headed directly to the sales department to learn more about the order. Knowing your enemy is the key to victory.
Before she reached the sales department, a harsh voice caught her attention, the sound of a woman’s furious scolding.
“You shameless old fool, do you know what they are saying about you outside? Where is that little wretch?”
Aurora walked towards the commotion; it turned out to be Paul’s wife who had come looking for him, and this woman was no pushover.
Her family background was impressive, and Paul’s rise to vice president was partly thanks to her.
Now that the scandal had erupted, his wife had come to confront him!