Aurora listened carefully to Bramwell Elderstone’s words. Though they seemed somewhat unconventional, his sincerity was unmistakable. His every word carried weight, leaving little room for doubt. Aurora chose to believe him.
At this juncture, there was no turning back. Aurora could only press forward.
“Tell me more about the people in the family,” she said firmly. “Know your enemy as well as yourself, and you will always prevail. If I don’t even recognize them, I’ll be at a disadvantage.”
“Of course. I’ve already prepared the information for you. I didn’t expect you to ask for it yourself. Looks like I really didn’t choose the wrong person. There’s still some time left-you can take a good look.”
“Hand it over.” Aurora accepted this reality and steeled herself to proceed.
“I’ll leave you to it for now,” Bramwell Elderstone said, handing her a stack of documents. Aurora began flipping through them earnestly. The first page was an introduction to her mother.
Her eyes lingered on the photograph. Even though she had forgotten so much, the face in the picture stirred something in her. It was her mother, after all. Even without having met her, the sight of that face brought an unexpected warmth to Aurora’s heart.
As she continued reading, she gradually familiarized herself with the key figures in the family-who supported her, and who stood against her. Her most formidable adversaries were led by Mr. Grant and Mio. Aurora studied the profiles carefully, committing every detail to memory. Time flew by.
A knock at the door interrupted her focus. “Miss Aurora, Mr. Elderstone, it’s time for us to leave,” Carmine announced.
“Alright.”
“Miss Aurora, did you manage to go through everything? If not, you can take it with you to review in the car,” Bramwell Elderstone suggested.
“No need. It’s all in my head now.” Aurora set the documents aside and rose to her feet. “Let’s go meet these people.”
“Miss Aurora, aren’t you the least bit nervous?” Bramwell Elderstone observed her calm demeanor. Despite having lost her memory, she exhibited no signs of fear or hesitation.
“Nervous? Why would I be nervous?” Aurora scoffed coldly. “By birthright, I am the rightful heir. Why should the genuine article fear a counterfeit? Ridiculous.” Her confident stride left Bramwell Elderstone momentarily stunned.
Watching her walk ahead, he couldn’t help but smile faintly. This was the demeanor of a true leader.
The family meeting was set to take place in a luxurious hotel owned by the R family. Aurora entered the car as it glided smoothly through the wide city streets.
Though she appeared composed, her thoughts were anything but. She worried about her baby. These were not good people, and she feared they might resort to underhanded tactics to harm her child. And there was another concern that Bramwell Elderstone hadn’t addressed-her fiance, the man who loved her deeply. What would he feel when she chose the family over him? Being abandoned would hurt anyone.
Her mind raced with these thoughts during the ride, and before she knew it, they had reached the hotel. A doorman opened the car door, and Aurora stepped out. Pregnant, she moved more cautiously than before.
“Miss Aurora, this way,” Bramwell Elderstone guided her.
“Is this hotel one of the family’s properties?” Aurora asked, removing her sunglasses to take in the grandeur of the building.
“Yes. There are many such properties. While the R family is known for real estate, we have numerous hidden ventures. Once you officially take over, all the accounts will be handed to you.”
“Good. I understand. Let’s go inside.” Aurora’s innate determination flared. This position as head of the family was rightfully hers-how could she allow others to snatch it from her?
As they passed through the grand lobby, Aurora’s thoughts shifted. “Grandpa Bramwell, I want a glass of juice.”
“We’re almost there. I’ll have Carmine bring it to you shortly,” he replied.
“No, I’ll drink it here.” Aurora glanced at her watch. There were still ten minutes until noon. As the heir, arriving too early might make her appear weak and easily pushed around.
“Alright, I’ll have it prepared.” Bramwell Elderstone couldn’t fathom why she insisted on stopping for juice but complied nonetheless.
Not only did Aurora have a glass of juice, but she also helped herself to some pastries. After all, she was eating for three now. Who knew how long the meeting would last? She needed to make sure she wasn’t running on empty.
As they sat in a nearby lounge area, Mio and her entourage passed by, separated only by a decorative partition. Aurora spotted Mio immediately, though Mio didn’t notice her.
Bramwell Elderstone was about to step forward and greet them, but Aurora stopped him. “Why bother? There will be plenty of time to exchange pleasantries later.”
“As you wish, Miss Aurora.” Bramwell Elderstone noticed how much Aurora had changed. Gone was the softness of three days ago, replaced by a sharp edge. She had been sheltered by Julian’s gentle care, which had unintentionally softened her demeanor. Now, without those emotional ties, her inherent strength and resolve had taken the lead.
With five minutes to spare before the meeting, Aurora continued to enjoy her dessert. “The tiramisu here is quite good. Make sure to pack some for me when we leave.”
“Miss Aurora, it’s time for the meeting. Let’s save this for later,” Bramwell Elderstone urged, his punctual nature kicking in. This was a family gathering-tardiness was not an option.
Aurora, usually punctual herself, responded lightly, “Grandpa Bramwell, let me finish this piece. There’s no rush.”
“How can you say that? Miss Aurora, what exactly are you waiting for?” he asked, puzzled.
“Grandpa Bramwell, haven’t you noticed how important stars always make a late entrance? I know many people in the family don’t accept me. If I’m overly cautious, they’ll only grow bolder. So, why not be a little audacious? Let them see-I’m not someone to be trifled with,” Aurora said with a faint, disdainful smile.
In this world, power dictated respect. If you were too accommodating, people would take you for granted. But a touch of arrogance could command fear.
“Very well. I’ll follow your lead,” Bramwell Elderstone conceded. Aurora’s unique perspective might just work to her advantage.
With one minute left before noon, the family members were already murmuring amongst themselves.
“Why haven’t Miss Aurora and Mr. Elderstone arrived yet?”
“Who knows? No sense of time at all. Who even is this girl?”
“Exactly. I think Mio should be the one in charge. That girl didn’t even grow up within the family. Who’s to say she won’t make mistakes?”
“Right? I heard she’s the master’s illegitimate child. But who can confirm that?”
“You shouldn’t say such things. It’s disrespectful to the master.”
“What’s there to fear? The master’s still in the nursing home. She-”
“Well, well! Everyone seems to be having a lovely chat. Is this a tea party today?” A playful yet commanding female voice cut through the chatter.