Finally, the topic was drawn out. Aurora watched as the two sides erupted into heated arguments. Just as the files had described, the family had indeed split into two factions.
Aurora and Mio, the two individuals at the heart of the storm, remained silent. Mio, for his part, held his composure, understanding it was not the right time to speak.
For about ten minutes, the room buzzed with sharp exchanges. Everyone was repeating the same points without making any progress.
“Have you all argued enough? Should I pour you some more tea so you can continue?” Aurora’s lazy voice cut through the noise. Instantly, the room fell silent, and all eyes turned to her.
“Miss Aurora, then what do you think we should do?” someone asked.
“You’re asking me?” Aurora replied with a sly smile. “Why not ask my dear cousin instead? Surely, he must have some plans.” Her gaze landed on Mio, her smile teasing.
Mio met her eyes, recognizing the deliberate provocation. Yet, he maintained his calm demeanor, responding with a measured smile.
“First of all, I am genuinely happy that Aurora has returned to the family. For a long time, we regretted that the late master didn’t have any children. Now, knowing she does-and such an exceptional one at that-I am truly delighted for her.
“Though Aurora left the family for a time, she was raised here and learned many skills from a young age. Even after leaving, she has the capability to return and govern the family.
“But you are different, Aurora. You’ve spent all these years away, and your abilities can’t possibly compare to the late master’s. If this were an ordinary family, it might not matter.
“Our R family, however, is renowned internationally, with industries spanning the globe across various sectors. Managing all this requires professional training and experience. I was groomed by the family from a young age. While I may not be a genius, I am at least well-versed.
“You are still young, Aurora. I worry that placing such a vast family under your management without sufficient preparation could lead to disaster. What then?
“I am not clinging to power out of selfishness. As a member of this family, it is my duty to contribute to its prosperity.”
What a crafty individual, Aurora thought. He clearly wasn’t willing to relinquish power, yet he made it sound as if he was doing her a favor, painting her as incompetent in the process.
Mr. Grant quickly chimed in, “I share the same concerns. Miss Aurora has no prior exposure to this. Finance is not a child’s game. As head of the family, managing such a large enterprise means that even one wrong decision could bring the family to ruin.
“My personal suggestion is that Miss Aurora should spend a few years gaining experience within the company first. For now, Mio can continue managing the family. Once Miss Aurora is ready, Mio can hand over the position to her.”
The words were beautifully crafted, but Aurora could see through their intentions. She knew exactly what they were plotting.
Previously, the R family had been under her mother’s leadership, and Mio had only been a vice president with limited power. Recently, taking advantage of her mother’s illness, Mio had managed to seize control of the company.
Aurora could guess his goal: to solidify his hold on the company and turn it into his own possession. A few years down the line, who knew what the company would look like? Even if Mio handed it over by then, it might very well be an empty shell.
Without control now, there was no point in discussing the future. Aurora was no fool. There was no way she’d agree to this.
The others began to echo Mr. Grant’s suggestion:
“Mr. Grant’s proposal is excellent. This way, the family won’t suffer any losses, and Miss Aurora will have time to grow into the role.”
“I also agree with Mr. Grant.”
“Yes, Mio should remain as the head for now.”
As the voices of agreement grew louder, Mr. Elderstone’s expression darkened. “The family’s traditions have always dictated that the daughter of the current head succeeds the position. Have you all forgotten the rules?”
“Mr. Elderstone, we haven’t forgotten,” one of them replied. “We’re simply considering what’s best for the family. Even in ancient times, some emperors chose to abdicate in favor of capable successors.
“Our family has stood strong for generations because our predecessors worked tirelessly to protect it. Naturally, we want to ensure the family doesn’t falter under Miss Aurora’s leadership.”
“Exactly. Besides, it’s not as if we’re denying Miss Aurora the position outright. We just want her to gain some experience first,” another added.
“Mr. Elderstone, your mindset is too outdated. This is the twenty-first century. We’re all thinking about the family’s future.”
As more people voiced their agreement with Mr. Grant, his smug smile became more pronounced. Unable to attack Aurora’s legitimacy, they had shifted the argument to her lack of experience.
Aurora let out a soft laugh. “Uncles, do you all think so little of me? That I’d ruin the family?”
Realizing they might have overstepped, the group quickly backtracked. “Not at all. We’re simply concerned that compared to Mio, you lack the necessary experience.
“If the late master were in good health, it wouldn’t be an issue for you to gain experience within the company for a few years. But given her current condition, the family needs someone capable to take charge. Between you and Mio, we believe Mio is the better choice for now.
“Don’t be upset, Miss Aurora. Once you’ve gained the experience, Mio will naturally hand over the position to you.”
The group continued their attempts to convince Aurora, trying to persuade her to give up the position.
“Mio, why don’t we have Aurora start in the company as a general manager?” one of them suggested.
“That’s an excellent idea,” Mio said, pressing the advantage. “Aurora, with the recent vacancy for a general manager, it’s a perfect opportunity for you to gain some real-world experience.”
Aurora was nearly livid, but she maintained her composure, keeping a smile on her face. “I just have one question for all of you: Do you even know me?”
The room fell silent, puzzled by her sudden question. Someone hesitantly answered, “Miss Aurora, we’ve just met you for the first time since your return. We don’t know you well.”
“Exactly,” Aurora replied, her voice sharp. “If you don’t know me, then where did you get the idea that I’m incapable? That I’d ruin everything?”
“This…” They were at a loss for words. The truth was, they had no evidence; they had simply judged her based on her age and lack of presence in the family.
“Let me spell it out for you,” Aurora continued. “You’ve never cared to understand who I am or what I’m capable of. In your minds, Mio is the only choice. No matter how capable someone else might be, you’ll turn a blind eye.
“So, no matter what I do, you’ll say I’m not good enough, that I’ll mess things up, that I’m incapable.” Her words struck their nerves, leaving them speechless.
Mio’s smile faltered. “So, Aurora, are you saying that you’re very capable?” he asked, his tone laced with challenge.