As the voice echoed, all eyes turned toward the door. A woman in a black dress stepped inside.
If anyone had doubted before whether Aurora was truly Tina’s daughter, that doubt dissipated instantly. Her face alone was irrefutable proof.
This was the hallmark of the R family-its genetic traits were overwhelmingly strong. Daughters often bore an uncanny resemblance to their mothers, and Aurora was no exception.
There was no need for introductions. Everyone instantly recognized her identity. The woman walked in with an amused smile, but her sharp gaze betrayed a maturity far beyond her years.
She pointed to the clock on the wall. “There are still ten seconds until noon. I’m not late, am I?”
“Of course not,” someone quickly replied. Everyone had arrived early, eager to meet the famous Miss Aurora. Yet as the minutes ticked by and she didn’t appear, impatience and irritation had begun to grow.
Though it felt to them like ages had passed, Aurora was, in fact, perfectly on time. But she had clearly heard some of the grumbling remarks earlier.
“If I’m not late, then why did I just hear someone calling me a stray child with no sense of time?” Aurora asked softly, her gaze carrying a pointed edge.
“Miss Aurora, surely you misheard!” someone stammered. Though her words were gentle, her presence was anything but. A chill ran through the room.
Aurora tossed a folder onto the table with a loud “bang,” making everyone jump. It was clear this heiress wasn’t one to be trifled with. That was everyone’s first impression.
Mio had been observing Aurora closely since the moment she entered. She had changed. Or perhaps this was her true self all along.
When she had been by Julian’s side, she had seemed like a delicate flower, carefully sheltered. Julian’s devotion had overshadowed her own brilliance.
Now, without Julian, she had transformed into a formidable woman, radiant and unstoppable. No one could dim her light.
This was precisely why Mio had always wanted to eliminate Aurora-she was destined to become his greatest rival.
But it was too late now. Aurora had returned.
She didn’t take a seat. Instead, she planted her hands firmly on the table, leaning forward. “Since this is our first meeting, let me introduce myself. My name is Aurora, Tina’s daughter. Here is the paternity test my mother and I conducted. If anyone doubts my identity, take a good look. See for yourselves whether or not I am her daughter.”
Mr. Elderstone, ever meticulous, had anticipated that Mr. Grant might try to challenge this point. While Aurora slept, samples had been taken from both her and Tina for a DNA test, ensuring they left no room for dispute.
He had planned everything perfectly. What he hadn’t anticipated was how boldly Aurora would present it.
Those who had sneered and ridiculed her earlier now kept their mouths shut. Who would dare examine the test results? Doing so would openly admit to doubting her.
“Miss Aurora, why say such things? With a face so strikingly similar to Tina’s, that alone is proof enough. What need is there for a paternity test? Besides, you’re the one Mr. Elderstone personally brought back. If we can’t trust you, who else would we trust?”
Aurora’s eyes scanned the room. Though she hadn’t seen who had spoken those earlier insults, she recognized the voice. And now, the very same person was trying to curry favor with her.
Her lips curled into a cold smile. She despised fence-sitters the most.
The man was an important figure within the family. “If I’m not mistaken, you must be Uncle Finn,” Aurora said, her voice calm but cutting. “And if I recall correctly, it was you who said I wasn’t my mother’s child earlier. It’s understandable-you don’t know me yet, and doubt is only natural. Here. The paternity test is right in front of you. Take a good look. I wouldn’t want anyone spreading baseless rumors about me being a stray child.”
Uncle Finn hadn’t expected Aurora to recognize him by voice alone. His heart sank. This Miss Aurora was far more formidable than he had anticipated.
“No, no, that won’t be necessary, Miss Aurora. I believe you…” he stammered, waving his hands.
“Look at it!” Aurora’s voice sharpened, making Uncle Finn flinch.
He nodded hurriedly, bowing slightly. “I’ll look, I’ll look right away.”
Aurora knew how to handle people like him. If you showed them kindness, they’d take advantage. But a little intimidation, and they’d crumble.
Only after Uncle Finn finished reading the document did Aurora settle into her chair. She said nothing further, leaving the room in a tense silence. Her earlier display of authority had left everyone too rattled to provoke her.
“Uncle Finn,” Aurora finally spoke, her voice deceptively calm. “Did you see clearly?”
“Yes, yes, Miss Aurora. I saw it clearly. You are indeed Tina’s biological daughter. Without a doubt.”
“Good. If anyone else here has questions, now’s the time to speak up. Take a look at the test results and say whatever’s on your mind. I have no patience for gossip behind my back,” Aurora said coldly.
The room fell silent. No one dared say another word.
Even Bramwell Elderstone was taken aback by Aurora’s commanding presence. He now understood why she had chosen to make such a dramatic entrance at the last possible moment.
She had come to establish her authority, and she had succeeded. No one would dare challenge her now.
“Well, if there are no further objections, let’s move on to today’s main agenda,” Aurora said lazily, reclining in the chair at the head of the table. Her casual demeanor didn’t diminish her dominance.
Bramwell Elderstone cleared his throat. “Very well. The reason I’ve gathered everyone here today is twofold. First, to formally introduce Miss Aurora. And second, to discuss her succession as head of the family.
“As you all know, following the incident at the company, Tina’s health has deteriorated significantly. She is currently recuperating in a care facility and is unable to attend this family meeting.
“A family cannot go a day without its leader. Since we’ve found Miss Aurora, it’s only right that she assumes the position of family head as soon as possible.”
At this, the previously silent room erupted into murmurs. Some whispered among themselves, while others openly voiced their opinions for or against the proposal.
One person spoke up. “Mr. Elderstone, we acknowledge Miss Aurora’s identity, but making her the head of the family seems… premature.”
The speaker glanced at Aurora, expecting some reaction. But her face remained calm, her smile unwavering, as though the words weren’t directed at her at all.
“What’s premature about it?” someone else countered. “Miss Aurora is Tina’s daughter. She is the most suitable heir. If she’s not, then who else could be?”
“Mio would be a better choice,” another voice suggested.