Aurora, worried that Mio might refuse, deliberately employed a provocative tactic. From her research on Mio, she knew he was an extremely arrogant man. Someone so full of himself would loathe having his abilities questioned. Aurora understood that even if she revealed her identity today, many who didn’t know her would still remain unconvinced.
People, driven by their own self-interests, wouldn’t accept a stranger suddenly stepping in as the head of the family. If someone suddenly claimed the role of leader, Aurora herself would be skeptical. Without demonstrating some capability, how could anyone trust her?
Mr. Elderstone, however, was still concerned. While Aurora had experience running a business, he wasn’t certain of her competence. Mio, though undeniably unscrupulous, had spent years in the company and had proven his individual skills. In terms of experience, Mio likely had the edge over Aurora.
“Miss Aurora, you are the rightful daughter of the master. It’s only natural for you to inherit the position of family head. There’s no need for any sort of wager,” Bramwell Elderstone advised.
“Mr. Elderstone, there’s no need to worry. I’ve just returned to the family, and I’m sure many doubt my abilities. Since we’ll be working together in the future, if there’s no trust from the beginning, how can we collaborate later?”
“Miss Aurora, your boldness is truly admirable. Very well, it’s settled. Whoever wins will become the next family head,” Mio said. For now, he was only acting as the interim head and had not officially taken the position. Even within the company, his title remained Vice President. He needed an opportunity to solidify his claim, one that would quell any opposition within the family.
“Since both parties agree, this wager is now official. All of us here will serve as witnesses,” Mr. Grant announced, confident in Mio’s abilities. To him, Aurora was just a naive girl with no real skills.
“Then we’ll wait to see your results,” he added.
“I have one condition,” Aurora declared. “Starting tomorrow, I will officially join the company, and my position must be equal to yours.”
Aurora was no pushover. Previously, they had tried to brush her off with a general manager role.
Mio frowned. “At present, there’s no vacancy for a Vice President.”
“Then I’ll take the president position. It’s vacant, isn’t it?” Aurora said directly.
Mr. Grant and Mio exchanged glances, clearly not expecting such a bold demand from her.
“That might be inappropriate. You’ve just returned to the family and would be parachuting into the president role. People in the company will undoubtedly gossip,” Mio argued, attempting to find an excuse.
Aurora let out a cold laugh. “If I recall correctly, past successors always directly assumed the president position. Why is it a problem now? Oh, I see-you’re worried I’ll lose and then refuse to give up the president seat, right?”
“Of course not. I just think-” Mio started, but Aurora cut him off sharply.
“If that’s not the case, then it’s settled. If I lose, the president position will go to you. Besides, if this is truly a competition, having me as a general manager compete against you is the greatest unfairness of all, isn’t it?” Aurora raised an eyebrow.
One of those present spoke up in support of Aurora. “Miss Aurora is right. She’s new and unfamiliar to everyone, putting her at a disadvantage. It’s only fair for her to start from the president position.”
Another voice quickly chimed in, “Yes, I agree. Miss Aurora should temporarily take over as president.”
With the momentum against them, Mio and Mr. Grant had no choice but to agree.
“My mother isn’t in good health and can’t attend in person. If she were here today, I’m sure she’d agree without hesitation. You,” Aurora pointedly glanced at Mio, “are merely temporarily managing the company. Don’t forget, it’s not truly yours yet. Your attitude makes you look far too greedy.”
Aurora’s unrelenting ridicule left Mio’s face darkened with anger. From the very start, she hadn’t treated him with any respect. This cursed woman-why hadn’t she just drowned at sea?
“You certainly have a sharp tongue. Let’s see if you’re still so eloquent once you’ve lost,” Mio said, holding back from saying anything too extreme in front of everyone.
“I’m more curious about how you’ll look when you lose. It’s bound to be entertaining. I can’t wait to see it,” Aurora retorted as she stood. “Everyone, I’ll take my leave now to visit my mother at the hospital.”
“We’ve planned lunch for everyone. Miss Aurora, won’t you stay to join us?”
“Don’t worry. We’ll have plenty of meals together in the future-when I’m head of the family, of course. But not today. I need to see my mother,” Aurora replied, already walking out the door.
Her movements were decisive, without a trace of hesitation.
Mio glared after her with venom in his eyes. She truly was hard to kill. Not even the sea could take her. But this time, she had walked right into his trap. She couldn’t blame him for being ruthless.
Mr. Elderstone followed Aurora out, deeply impressed. He realized he had underestimated her. Aurora had single-handedly silenced everyone with her words.
“Miss Aurora, you’ve truly surprised me with your performance today,” he remarked.
“Mr. Elderstone, that was just an appetizer. Now, can you give me my mother’s address? I’ll go find her.”
“Let me arrange for someone to take you there.”
“No need. Just give me the address. I’ll drive myself,” Aurora insisted. She had lost her memory, but her skills remained intact.
“Are you sure it’s safe for you to go alone?” Mr. Elderstone asked, still worried.
“What danger could there possibly be? I don’t like having a crowd follow me everywhere,” she replied with a newfound confidence and decisiveness.
Mr. Elderstone handed her a card with the address of the nursing home. Aurora entered it into her GPS and drove off. Having lived in New York for several years, she was familiar with the roads and arrived at the nursing home without any trouble.
Tina had been worrying about Aurora all morning. She had wanted to attend the family meeting herself, fearing her daughter might be bullied. John Walsh had stopped her, knowing her fragile emotions couldn’t withstand any further strain.
Finally, after much anxiety, Tina received a call from Mr. Elderstone. “Your daughter is remarkable.”
“How is she?” Tina asked nervously.
“She’s incredible,” Bramwell Elderstone said with pride. “She faced them all head-on and left everyone speechless.”
“Did they agree to let her become the family head?”
“It’s not that simple, but Miss Aurora proposed a condition herself. She and Mio will compete fairly. Whoever secures a deal worth over a billion dollars will become the head of the family.”
“But Aurora’s lost her memory. Can she handle it?” Tina asked, her worry deepening.