After a successful interview, Heather felt as if the whole world had brightened up. Ever since she was fired from Montgomery Group, she had felt utterly jinxed. She worked earnestly every day, yet a few words from others had ousted her, making the world seem unfairly harsh. But at this moment, she felt life was beautiful, perhaps all her previous suffering was for this moment of happiness. She left cheerfully, accidentally bumping into Ian, “Sorry, it wasn’t intentional,” she quickly apologized.
“It’s okay,” Ian replied, noticing the joy in the woman who must have succeeded in her interview, hoping for similar good fortune himself. Everyone who opened the door and saw Aurora was taken aback, though Ian was less so, as he had known Aurora’s identity from the start. This was the first time they met in such a capacity: the former ugly duckling had transformed into an heir of the Montgomery family and was now his interviewer.
Ian had always thought life was more dramatic than fiction, and with this realization, he began his self-introduction. Aurora was already aware of Ian’s capabilities, which were not unfounded given his impressive achievements and his popularity among university professors, having completed several major projects with them.
Now, standing like a performer at the center of the stage, he confidently discussed his qualifications, calmly addressing Aurora’s questions, the least of his worries about securing a job. A professor had already arranged a position for him at a friend’s company, where he was sure to be valued. However, when Aurora handed him her business card, he changed his mind.
Unbeknownst to others, Ian had harbored feelings for her, aware that she was accompanied by better men, yet he couldn’t resist being near her. Even just being close enough to watch her was enough, so he had come, driven by a private desire unknown to anyone else.
“Alright, you’re hired. Wait for the employment notice,” Aurora concluded.
“Thank you,” Ian said, finally allowing himself a shy smile as he left.
“Is he also an acquaintance?”
Mona noticed that Aurora had decisively made another hiring decision on the spot, deviating from the usual process where they would deliberate after all interviews.
“Yes, don’t worry. Their abilities are beyond question; do you still doubt my judgment?”
Aurora raised an eyebrow.
“It’s not that, just that you seem quite different from before,” Mona said sincerely.
“Oh? How so?”
“You still look as lovely, but I feel like you’ve developed a human touch that wasn’t there before.”
“A human touch? Did you see me as a ghost before?”
Aurora feigned anger.
“Of course not. I just felt that previously you were consumed by past grievances, your eyes only saw vengeance. It seemed you lived only for revenge, oblivious to others, almost like a zombie. After Asher returned, he told me not to worry about you anymore. Only now do I truly understand what he meant. There’s no hatred in your eyes now; you exude a gentleness that wasn’t there before. You’ve become like everyone else.”
Mona knew Aurora well and pointed out the changes accurately. Aurora smiled slightly, adjusting her hair, “It’s not as significant as you say, I…”
“Look at that, you never used to smile like this before. No wonder Asher voluntarily withdrew from the conflict. You’ve changed so much. It’s this feminine side you never showed before. These changes are related to Julian. He’s gradually changed you, no wonder Asher couldn’t stand it.”
“Have I really changed that much?”
Aurora asked, somewhat bewildered, sure that she hadn’t felt any different herself.
“Of course, it’s not just a little change; you seem like a completely different person. But I know it’s because that man has been good to you, and that’s why you’ve changed,” her friend replied.
Women in love are different, thought Mona, who had never been in love herself but had seen many happy women who were.
They were about to say more when the door opened and they had to pause their conversation.
Leonard, just entering, was stunned to see Aurora with a nameplate in front of her that clarified her role.
Thinking back to their previous conversation, he had asked Aurora if she was there for an interview, to which she had ambiguously replied, “Sort of.”
It turned out she wasn’t there to be interviewed; she was the interviewer! The difference was night and day.
So, this wasn’t Julian’s company; it was Aurora’s! They had foolishly suggested Aurora cozy up to Julian in front of him.
Realizing that the real interviewer was Aurora, Leonard felt quite embarrassed.
Seeing his face transition from shock to confusion, Aurora knew he felt awkward about their earlier misunderstanding.
“Don’t be nervous, just introduce yourself,” Aurora said, softening her tone. Mona noticed how much Aurora had changed. The old Aurora was like a hedgehog always bristling with spikes, ready to stab at anyone, even if it meant drawing blood.
But now, she was different. She showed her softer side to others, responded gently to their nervousness.
Less cold, more tender-that was the real Aurora, not the spite-filled version they had known before.
Leonard took a deep breath, quickly composed himself, and began his introduction.
Aurora trusted Ian’s efficiency; he had always been highly regarded by their teachers back in school.
The candidates he selected were all quite promising, though somewhat inexperienced. With a bit more guidance, they would be fine.
Unlike the so-called elites in society, Aurora preferred mentoring newcomers because of their malleability and passion for their new roles, and also because they were from the same school, which made things easier.
Aurora conducted several interviews, each candidate as surprised as Leonard had been.
“Bro, that’s not fair, you knew Aurora was the interviewer and you didn’t tell me!”
Leonard hit Ian playfully as they left.
“I didn’t know she was the interviewer, I only knew she was the president,” Ian said quietly.
“What, the president! I thought she was just a senior executive, not the president. My God, we must have met a fake Aurora before,” they said to each other, looking incredulously at each other and then up at the building.
“Aurora’s really made it big! You couldn’t tell she was this capable back in class,” they marveled.
“There’s a lot you guys don’t know about the world. Let’s go, we’ll wait for the notification,” Ian said, relieved.
Gemma watched them leave, chatting and laughing; she didn’t yet know that Aurora was inside and was anxious as she was one of the last to be interviewed.
Seeing the cheerful faces, she was sure it was all thanks to Ian, who knew the president and must have put in a good word for them.
Feeling unfairly treated, she grew even more resentful towards Ian.
Aurora checked her watch; fewer than ten people were left.
“Mona, it’s getting late. You interview the rest, I’ll go up and rest a bit.”
Mona knew Aurora was worried about Julian waiting too long. The woman who once prioritized work now had someone special in her heart.
“Okay, go ahead,” she understood.
Shortly after Aurora left, it was Gemma’s turn.