At that moment, Heather realized how foolish she had been. Previously, she had thought Aurora was indifferent and just like the others. Now she understood this was not the case; Aurora had seen the whole picture long ago, while she, foolishly, felt wronged.
“Do you still blame me?”
Heather obediently shook her head.
“Manager, it was my carelessness. You went to great lengths to teach me a lesson, but I failed to grasp your intentions.”
“It’s normal not to recognize the tricks of the old hands right out of school. You’re young, and it’s better to suffer some losses early rather than later.”
“Manager, what puzzles me is that you are a year younger than me. How do you know so much? Did your college professors teach you all this?” Heather found it curious.
Aurora smiled wryly.
“The best teacher is life itself. My past isn’t as glamorous as you might imagine. Here we are; let’s get out.”
As they spoke, Aurora had already parked the car in the Grand East Coast parking area. As Aurora led her to the entrance, Heather felt uneasy.
“Manager, this place is too expensive. Let’s just grab something at a small diner,” Heather suggested, having never been to such a fancy place before.
“Occasional luxury is to motivate you to strive harder. I’ve told you before, only by striving can you climb higher. Now I’ll tell you something else, only by striving can you live a better life.”
Heather allowed herself to be pulled inside, discovering that Aurora, despite her young age, spoke with profound wisdom.
This meal was the most enjoyable one she had ever had, not because of its cost, but because she learned many valuable lessons.
It wasn’t until Aurora dropped her off that Heather reluctantly said goodbye.
“Manager, this might be the last time I see you, thank you for all the lessons these past days.”
Aurora took a cardboard box from the trunk and handed it to her.
“Who says this is the last time? Who can predict the future? If you want to see me again, climb higher, reach my level, and you’ll see me often.”
“Yes, Manager, I will. I’ll never forget you.”
“What are your plans now?”
“I’ll apply to other companies. I refuse to believe that aside from Montgomery Group, there’s nowhere else I can go.”
Heather’s fighting spirit returned.
“Do you like finance?” Aurora suddenly asked.
“Yes, I majored in finance at university.”
“Prepare well, come to this company for an interview on Friday.”
Aurora suddenly handed her a recruitment notice.
“What company is this? I’ve never heard of it before,” Heather looked at the name.
“Just because you haven’t heard of it doesn’t mean it won’t emerge. Although it’s newly established, joining it offers good benefits and great development potential. It’s much better than being a minor employee at Montgomery Group,” Aurora assured her.
Even if she had to leave, she would not have suggested Heather for a managerial position. She appreciated Heather’s efforts, but Heather was not yet ready to manage. Aurora feared that even if she had promoted her, Heather would have been sabotaged and driven away within days.
Now, it seemed her concerns were justified. People need these lessons to grow; at Montgomery Group, Heather was surrounded by experienced employees and lacked the ability to protect herself.
This lesson had allowed her to grow; her new company was in a less complex social environment for the time being. In another year or so, she would have matured to a level she could trust herself. Aurora was not one to choose people randomly; she always thought three steps ahead.
“Alright, I’ll definitely check out the company you recommended,” Heather said, her trust in Aurora strengthened by this experience.
“That’s good. I have important matters to attend to this afternoon, and lunch break is almost here. Prepare well these next few days; I won’t let you off if you get eliminated,” Aurora warned.
“Yes, Manager, I’ll do my best.”
Aurora left, reassured. She had reached her current position with the support of many benefactors over the last three years. Seeing Heather reminded her of her own early struggles; after all, no one’s life ever sails smoothly.
When Aurora returned to the office, Ivy and her group were visibly pleased. Ousting Heather was just the first step; next would be to drive Aurora out. Ivy even rushed to Magnus’s office ahead of time.
“Dad, I need to talk to you.”
“We can talk at home tonight. I have to go sign a contract now, which is crucial for Montgomery Group. Don’t stir up any trouble,” Magnus said, adjusting his tie and demeanor.
Ivy grabbed him quickly, “Dad, it’s about the contract. Aurora is useless; she hasn’t fulfilled the promises she made at the board meeting. I want you to remove her from her managerial position.”
Magnus looked at her, perplexed.
“What nonsense are you talking about?”
“Dad, didn’t you say you’d make me manager? Then replace Aurora with me.”
“Ivy, are you feverish? What nonsense are you spouting?” Magnus struggled to understand her erratic statements.
Just then, Aurora knocked on the door.
“President, it’s about time. The CEO of Luminary has arrived; they’re in the meeting room. We should go.”
Aurora had hoped Ivy would have matured somewhat, but seeing her continue her foolish behavior reassured her.
“Stop bothering me; I have important matters to attend to.”
Magnus brushed her aside.
Ivy stomped her foot.
“Hmph, what does this contract have to do with her? I want to see how long she can keep up her act!” She followed them to the meeting room.
However, she was stopped by the secretary at the door.
“Step aside, I’m going in now.”
Seeing that it was Magnus’s secretary, she didn’t take it to heart.
“Miss, the President is discussing a crucial contract inside, and I can’t let you in.”
“Aurora got in, why can’t I? Move aside!” Ivy pushed the secretary aggressively and barged through the door.
Inside, she found the people from Montgomery Group and Luminary standing face-to-face, exchanging official greetings and handshakes. Her abrupt entrance made everyone look at her as if she were a fool.
Magnus’s face turned ashen. Aurora securing this order had already made him very proud-it was a significant deal!
Unaware of the gravity of her actions, Ivy had disrupted again. He quickly signaled the secretary, who formally announced, “I apologize, she’s in the wrong place. I’ll escort her out now.”