Aurora met his gaze directly and answered without hesitation, “Of course. Didn’t you say your credentials were impressive? But when I looked at the company’s recent records, it seems you’ve lost several major orders.”
The documents attached to each individual’s profile had caught her attention. Mr. Elderstone had assumed that in such a short time, it would be impressive enough for her to remember everyone’s names, let alone review additional materials. Yet, Aurora had done just that.
The recent lost orders were a sore spot for Mio. They were supposed to be secure deals-practically his for the taking. But inexplicably, they had slipped away. Two of them, in particular, had been with long-time clients. Despite verbal agreements, the clients had backed out at the last minute and signed with another company instead.
This wasn’t an isolated case. Even a company they’d partnered with for years, which had been set for a renewal, had suddenly refused to renew their contract. Mio had gone to finalize the paperwork, only to be told outright that they were taking their business elsewhere.
Though Tina was no longer with the company, Mio had always believed his abilities were at least on par with hers. Yet, these repeated losses made it clear that others didn’t share his confidence.
Frustrated and unable to vent his anger, he was further aggravated by Aurora’s sudden return. Her pointed remarks now only worsened his mood, and his forced smile faltered.
“You’ve certainly come prepared,” Mio said, his tone strained. “But wins and losses are part of the game. Sometimes losing an order is completely normal, just as I’ve deliberately taken orders from others before. Business is a battlefield, and everyone fights to win. There’s nothing unusual about that.”
Aurora seemed to have anticipated this response. She pressed on, “Stealing orders might be normal, but I also noticed that several of the company’s long-standing clients have refused to renew their contracts and have switched to other companies. When my mother was in charge, none of this ever happened. But now, under your management, not only are orders being stolen, but even renewals are falling through. Don’t you think you should reflect on where the problem lies? Or could it be that you’re simply not as capable as you claim?”
Her words struck deep. Many of those present were unaware of these incidents. Mio, of course, hadn’t gone around broadcasting his failures. But now, with Aurora exposing him, skeptical glances began to turn his way.
“Mio, is what Miss Aurora said true? Did you really lose several orders?” someone asked.
“Everyone, there’s no need for concern. Losing orders is commonplace. I’ll secure even bigger deals in the future,” Mio replied, attempting to downplay the matter.
“Oh, so losing orders is commonplace for you? It seems you’ve never even considered whose fault it is,” Aurora retorted sharply. “Doesn’t it make more sense to be worried about leaving the company in his hands? I looked into it-those lost orders could have brought us billions in profit. Billions, lost just like that, and he calls it a minor issue. I wonder, what does he consider a major issue? Is it really that hard to admit you’re not up to the task?”
Aurora’s words sparked murmurs among the crowd. Even those who had previously supported Mio began to waver. After all, the lost revenue directly impacted their own shares. The company’s profits determined their dividends, and no one could ignore the sting of losing billions.
“I’ve been with this company for years, while you’ve only just returned,” Mio said, his pride wounded. “What gives you the right to question my abilities? My achievements speak for themselves. If I weren’t qualified, why would the family have agreed to let me take charge?”
Mio’s pride had always been a driving force. He had worked tirelessly to prove himself, using any means necessary to achieve his goals. Recognition of his capabilities was his ultimate pursuit. Aurora’s blunt attack on his competence was a blow he couldn’t tolerate.
Seeing the anger flare on his face, Aurora smiled and continued, “You’re talking about the past? Back then, you were only the vice president. My mother was the chairperson. Frankly, I suspect many of those orders you claim as your achievements were secured because of her influence. Now that she’s ill and the company is in your hands, your true capabilities-or lack thereof-are showing. People were worried about the company being handed to me, but isn’t it just as concerning to leave it with you?”
“You certainly have a sharp tongue,” Mio said coldly, realizing that his anger was playing into Aurora’s hands. He forced himself to remain composed.
“This time, I’ll admit responsibility for the losses,” he continued. “But you can’t erase my past contributions to the family just because of this. If I’m not qualified, then what makes you think you are?”
The gloves were off. The civility that had barely masked their hostility was gone. This was exactly the outcome Aurora had been aiming for-Mio had lost his composure.
She responded with a calm smile, “I won’t deny that experience matters. But as a leader, there’s something else that’s just as important.” She tapped her temple lightly. “A sharp mind is key to getting things done. Since you look down on me and I question your abilities, why don’t we settle this with a fair competition? Let’s give everyone here a chance to see who’s truly capable. If you win, I’ll agree to Mr. Grant’s proposal and let you temporarily take the position as head of the family. But if I win, you’ll relinquish all control of the company, and I’ll assume leadership. How about it, cousin? That seems fair, doesn’t it?”
“Fair? What are we competing on?” Mio asked, unwilling to back down.
“We’ll compete for the next multimillion-dollar order. Whoever secures it and signs the contract first wins,” Aurora proposed confidently.
“Fine,” Mio snapped. “I won’t let what happened before repeat itself. I accept the challenge. Since everyone is here, why not bear witness to our agreement?”
Mr. Grant, who had been watching silently, grew tense at Aurora’s sudden proposal. Mio might have lost his cool, but Mr. Grant hadn’t. What if this was a trap laid by Mr. Elderstone?
“I have one condition to add,” Mr. Grant interjected.
“Please, go ahead.”
“I acknowledge this competition as a fair way to assess your abilities,” he said cautiously. “But to ensure fairness, I propose that we select the order you’ll compete for. That way, there’s no risk of it being a deal with a personal connection, which would undermine the results.”
“Agreed,” Aurora replied with a nonchalant smile. “You may arrange it however you see fit.”
Her confidence unsettled Mr. Grant. But Aurora had her reasons. Mr. Elderstone had mentioned that she owned an independent company, which meant she had business acumen of her own. She wasn’t as easy to underestimate as Mio believed.
And this was the simplest way to settle things. If Mio lost, he’d have no excuse to cling to power.
“You seem very confident,” Mio remarked.
“Of course,” Aurora said. “No matter the order, I’m certain my abilities surpass yours.”