A week later, Mr. Elderstone and Mr. Grant called Aurora and Mio to a meeting. After conducting a thorough market analysis, they had finally identified a target.
“We’ve gathered you here today to inform you that after careful negotiation and selection, we’ve chosen a company for a collaborative project,” Mr. Elderstone began. “This company has been vetted by both of us, and we’re certain neither of you has any personal connections to it. The challenge is simple: whoever secures the order from this company will win.”
“What company is it?” Mio inquired. Both men were seasoned and shrewd, known for their meticulous decision-making, so Mio was certain they wouldn’t make a misstep.
“Radiant Horizons,” Mr. Grant replied.
Aurora, unfamiliar with other companies due to her memory loss, had no recollection of Radiant Horizons. Mio, on the other hand, found it odd. “Radiant Horizons has been around as long as we have, a legacy company for over a century. They’ve always seen us as competitors. Why choose them?”
“Precisely because we’ve been rivals for a century,” Mr. Elderstone explained. “There’s no room for personal bias here. This will be a significant test for both of you. If you can secure a deal with a direct competitor, that’s true skill.”
Aurora remained unfazed. In her mind, there were no eternal rivals, only eternal interests. She raised an eyebrow and looked at Mio. “What’s the matter? Are you scared now that you know it’s a competitor?”
“Scared? Hardly,” Mio retorted with a smirk. “I’m just curious. You’ve lost your memory and don’t know anything about this company. Once you dig deeper, you’ll understand.”
“Don’t worry,” Aurora said with a calm smile. “I’ll make sure to do my homework. No need for your advice.”
Their exchange crackled with tension, as usual. Mr. Grant stepped in to provide more context. “Radiant Horizons recently acquired a large plot of land and plans to develop a massive commercial hub-the largest financial and trade district in the western region. The investment is enormous, so they’re looking for a partner to collaborate with.”
Aurora and Mio instantly understood the magnitude of the project. While the financial commitment would be substantial, the potential returns were equally enticing.
“With such a large project, wouldn’t other companies be scrambling to get involved? Why are they only seeking one partner instead of multiple investors?” Mio questioned.
“I’m not sure. This is just the initial information we’ve received. Typically, for an investment of this scale, it’s better to have several companies share the risk. It minimizes exposure and ensures smoother capital flow. Radiant Horizons is an established company, so their decision to go with a single partner is puzzling. Regardless, Mr. Grant and I see this as the perfect challenge for you two. What do you think?” Mr. Elderstone asked, his gaze shifting between them.
“I have no objections,” Aurora replied without hesitation.
“I’m fine with it too,” Mio agreed, though he harbored doubts. Aurora’s lack of memory made her fearless, but Mio was well aware of the turbulent history between their company and Radiant Horizons. Securing this deal wouldn’t be easy.
Despite his concerns, Mio resolved to push through. If Aurora wasn’t afraid, how could he be?
“Good. Since you both agree, it’s settled. From now on, you’re free to act as you see fit. Whoever secures the contract first will be the winner,” Mr. Grant concluded.
“And if neither of us gets it?” Mio asked, still uneasy.
“Then we’ll move on to the next target. We know this isn’t an easy task, so failure won’t be held against you.”
Mio felt slightly relieved after hearing Mr. Grant’s reassurance. If neither he nor Aurora succeeded, it would be the best outcome.
After the meeting, they had dinner together before parting ways. Aurora headed back to her villa, while Mio began gathering information on Radiant Horizons.
As the two left, the older men shared a knowing look. “Mr. Elderstone, if you ask me, Miss Aurora is far too inexperienced. She’s not qualified for this. If it weren’t for your support, she wouldn’t even have a place in the family. Why don’t we both back Mio? He’s been with the family since childhood, and his abilities are beyond doubt. What are you thinking?” Mr. Grant pressed.
“If Miss Aurora fails, your standing in the family will take a hit. You know how people talk. Do you really want your reputation, built over a lifetime, to be tarnished because of a young girl?” he continued.
“Whether it’s appropriate or not is for me to decide,” Mr. Elderstone replied firmly. “I have faith in her. She won’t let me down.”
“Is that so? Then let’s wait and see who comes out on top.”
“Yes, let’s,” Mr. Elderstone said with a faint smile. He believed in the granddaughter of that man. How could she lose to anyone?
It was already nightfall when Aurora drove herself back to the villa, followed by a car full of bodyguards. This was the maximum level of protection she was willing to tolerate. She refused to have them hovering around her at all times.
As she drove, she recalled a cake shop she had visited days prior. Ever since becoming pregnant, she had developed an insatiable craving for sweets, a change even she couldn’t explain. Deciding to indulge, she took a detour to pick up a milkshake and some cake, despite the worsening weather.
When she arrived, there were no parking spaces near the shop. She parked further away and walked, leaving the bodyguards to wait in the parking lot. By the time she reached the street, a light rain had started. Aurora could have turned back, but her craving took over. After all, it was just a drizzle.
The rain quickly intensified, prompting her to hurry. Just as she was about to dash into the shop, she collided directly into a man’s chest.
Julian had stopped by the same shop. Despite their estrangement, he continued to do things that reminded him of her-cooking her favorite dishes, picking out clothes she would look good in, and buying desserts from her favorite shops. It was his way of pretending she was still by his side.
He had just stepped out of the bakery when someone barreled into him.
“Sorry, sir,” a familiar voice said.