“What do you mean I can’t do it openly?” Ivy had always been used to getting her way. Whether it was at school or in the office, everyone always flattered her, and she thoroughly enjoyed the compliments. If anyone ever went against her wishes, she would naturally explode in anger, consumed by her fury without a moment to consider the best approach.
“Ivy, it’s my fault for spoiling you since childhood, thinking you were born superior to others. But I never imagined Aurora would come back, and in such a manner no less. Right now, you simply can’t match her in cunning. Understand that you are just another employee at the company now, and Aurora is above you. If you slap one of her employees in her own office, aren’t you just overstepping your bounds on her territory? How can she not reprimand you?” Genevieve, who had risen from the bottom, knew society’s darker sides better than anyone.
“Mom, are you saying Aurora is using me to establish her authority? That’s outrageous, am I just a stepping stone for her?” Ivy was furious.
“So what if you are? With your tendency to lose your temper instead of calmly plotting your next move, you will never surpass Aurora!” Genevieve scoffed.
“Mom, then tell me what I should do?” Ivy was genuinely anxious, knowing no other way but anger.
“First, you need to keep your cool. Have you noticed that since Aurora returned, no matter what harsh words we say, she acts as if she hasn’t heard them in public? She pretends to be the good daughter, making your father and grandfather see her in a new light, while your temper only serves to annoy them. Remember, in public you must act like a daughter of the Montgomery family, with all the poise and manners that come with it. As for those who bully you, we’ll handle them quietly. Don’t underestimate your department colleagues; despite seeming like mere employees, they’ve made it into the top ranks of Montgomery Group among many companies in Clothville. They have their merits, which you must acknowledge, and being seasoned in the workplace, few are without schemes. Especially the long-timers; they might flatter you to your face but stab you in the back without you knowing who did it. The smartest thing is not to offend them, but instead, try to close the distance, making them work for you. Since your father intentionally moved you to Aurora’s department, he’s likely paving the way for you to take over her managerial position after her promotion.”
Genevieve, ever the veteran, could guess Magnus’s intentions even though he had never spoken of them.
“Mom, that’s exactly what dad said, he told me to learn from Aurora and then the managerial position would be mine. But why does Aurora always have to be one level above me?” Ivy hated the thought of being overshadowed by someone she had bullied throughout her childhood, when she should be the true master.
“Silly child, you still can’t see the situation clearly. Aurora has already gained the trust of your father and grandfather, and with your messy past, how can you compare to her?” Genevieve shook her head.
Even though she didn’t want to admit it, the truth was that Aurora was superior to her daughter in every aspect.
“Mom, am I really that bad? Why does everyone think she’s so great? She’s just an actress, putting on one face in front and another behind,” Ivy complained.
“Ivy, I know it’s hard for you to accept, but it’s the truth. And from now on, you need to see things clearly. This isn’t a bad thing; you can’t always hide behind us. Birds must learn to fly on their own. I can teach you how, but you need to learn to deal with problems yourself and not run to me or your father whenever you’re upset. No one can rely on others for their entire life; once you lose that support, you’ll realize you have nothing,” Genevieve explained with sorrow. She had once thought herself fortunate to have met Magnus, thinking she would live a life of luxury forever. But now she realized she was mistaken.
She had been pushed away by Magnus, and if Magnus were to ignore her completely, where would she go?
“Mom, you’re acting strange. Dad mentioned you did something wrong. What did you do that made him so cold?” Ivy pressed, noticing the sadness in her mother’s eyes.
“It’s nothing. Your father has just been in a bad mood lately. Let’s get back to the point. Remember what I said: never confront Aurora directly. And in front of your father and grandfather, always show sisterly affection, no matter how aggrieved you feel. Keep it to yourself. When the opportunity for revenge comes, make sure she has no place to be buried, no chance to turn things around!” Genevieve said through gritted teeth.
Aurora, that wretched girl, had been lucky so far. Genevieve had arranged several car accidents, all of which Aurora had narrowly escaped. Later, she even permitted Ivy and Zachary to torment her at home, all to drive her away. On her eighteenth birthday, Genevieve had decided to take lethal action against Aurora, but her well-laid plans were also thwarted.
The scandal ended up centering on Ivy, ruining both her and Zachary’s eighteenth birthdays, leaving them with nothing. For years, Genevieve had plotted to kill Aurora, yet Aurora’s life had proven remarkably resilient, and she had survived again!
“Mom, I understand. I won’t lose my temper so easily from now on.”
“Right, you not only shouldn’t lose your temper, but you must also win over those around you. You don’t want Aurora to advance. Your own efforts aren’t enough; you need to learn to win people over to do things for you,” Genevieve imparted her wisdom to Ivy.
“Mom, what you’re saying sounds so scary, like something out of an ancient palace.”
“Silly girl, your life has been smooth sailing; you’ve never faced hardship. How would you know about the darkness out there? No matter where it is or what class, wherever there are people, there will be conflict, deception, and intrigue. It’s just the way of the world. To defeat Aurora, the first step is to change, to learn to spot her strengths and then find ways to exploit her weaknesses!”
Ivy clenched her fists resolutely.
“I understand, Mom. I won’t let Aurora get the better of me. She can dream of surpassing me!”