Mio not opposing her was surprising enough, but now he was even helping her. Aurora felt as if she had just won the lottery.
Perhaps Mio had done so many bad things in the past that his sudden decision to be a good person now seemed almost unreal.
Mio, however, appeared calm as he said, “Miss Aurora, you’ve done what I’ve always wanted to do but couldn’t. Since I’ve already decided to leave the company, and according to the recent rules, I should hand over my shares anyway, I plan to transfer all my shares to you.”
“You idiot! Are you trying to kill me with anger?” Mr. Grant bellowed, his face filled with fury, abandoning any pretense of composure.
Ignoring Mr. Grant’s outburst, Mio continued, “Adding my six percent, Miss Aurora and the family head’s combined shares now total fifty-four percent. That makes her the majority shareholder, granting her absolute authority. Whether it’s regarding the company or the family, her word is final.”
Aurora nodded at Mio. For the first time, she realized she had misunderstood him. He wasn’t as bad as she had always thought.
“These share transfers will take effect tomorrow,” Aurora announced. “As for those who meet the conditions I just mentioned, they should report to the company within a week. I’ll assign responsibilities based on their shares, and they’ll need to sign special contracts. If they fail to fulfill their duties, their dividends will be reduced or entirely forfeited.
“Anyone who doesn’t report within a week will be considered to have forfeited their rights. For those aged forty-five and above, or fifty and above, they can continue receiving dividends, but their shares will revert to the family upon their passing.
“That’s my proposal. If you think it’s unacceptable, there’s another option-but it’s up to you to choose.” Aurora smiled mysteriously.
“Miss Aurora, what’s the other option?” Some people still clung to a sliver of hope.
“The other option is that I cancel everyone’s dividends entirely!”
“You…!” Many people trembled with rage, their fingers shaking as they pointed at her. Aurora’s ruthless tactics had caught them completely off guard.
“As for the other matter,” Aurora continued, her tone cold, “if you think the family head should grow old alone, I can make that happen. But since he has set an example, so should all of you.
“Every family member in a marriage lasting over five years will be injected with FT2 to erase their past memories. We have plenty of FT2, after all.
“As a family, we share both blessings and burdens, don’t we?” Aurora’s pointed question silenced the room.
Her strong stance made it clear she wouldn’t be swayed or pressured by anyone.
Seeing their silence, Aurora felt even more disgusted. These people wanted money and a happy family life but expected the family head to bear all the burdens alone. How shameless.
This sick, parasitic family had pushed its past leaders to endure endless hardships while supporting freeloaders who constantly meddled and complained. Aurora found it utterly repulsive.
“I was injected with FT2 and forgot everything about my past. Yet, I unknowingly fell in love with my partner again, proving FT2 isn’t omnipotent. It serves no purpose anymore.
“I’ll lead a normal life-get married, have children, and enjoy the same happiness you all do. If you’re worried about the R family’s fortune, let me assure you that my partner’s family wealth rivals ours. His personal abilities and position surpass mine.”
Aurora didn’t want to explain further to these profit-driven people but felt compelled to clarify.
“These are the two most pressing matters. There are smaller issues I’ll address at the company tomorrow. Thank you all for attending this family meeting. From now on, I am your family head. I look forward to your support.” Aurora’s voice was calm and steady.
Everyone had once thought Tina was difficult to deal with. Now they realized Aurora was far more formidable. She was leagues ahead of Tina in terms of toughness.
The meeting ended, and the attendees left with sullen faces. Some, however, felt vindicated. In the R family, women had always been dominant, while men held little status.
Aurora’s new rules promised a merit-based system where those who performed better would gain more. For men, this also meant their children could take their surnames-a significant change that brought hope.
After most people had left, Mio stayed behind. He clearly had something to say to Aurora. Tina glanced at him uneasily but ultimately left the room.
For the first time, Mio studied Aurora’s face carefully. She resembled Tina in many ways, especially in her unyielding spirit.
“Thank you for earlier,” Aurora said, her perception of Mio shifting. A truly malicious person wouldn’t have stood up to help her unconditionally in such a critical moment.
“Thank me for what? I’ve harmed you and nearly caused your child’s death. Rebecca told me you already have a child.
“I’ve wanted to apologize to you. Back then, I was blinded by greed, desperate to achieve my goals quickly, and that’s why I acted as I did.
“What’s done is done. I know no apology can change the past, so all I can do is try to make amends for you and your child.”
This was the calmest conversation Aurora had ever had with Mio-no insults, no barbs, just sincerity.
“I used to hate you,” Aurora admitted, “but now, I don’t.”
Mio chuckled. “Why not? Is it because of that saying, ‘A saint must endure countless trials, but a sinner can be redeemed by simply laying down their blade’? I’ve done only one small thing, and you’ve already forgiven me? That doesn’t erase what I’ve done.”
“You’re hard on yourself,” Aurora replied. “It’s not because you helped me. Today, I realized this family is plagued by too many twisted dynamics. From the moment I returned, I resolved to change everything.
“When you stood up earlier, I sensed you wanted the same. In some ways, we’re alike. That’s why I no longer hate you.”
“You’re a kind girl,” Mio said with a faint smile. “No wonder so many people like you and are willing to help you.
“You’re right-I had planned to make these changes myself once I became family head. I grew up here and know better than anyone what life in this family is like. I wanted to change it all, and to do that, I had to climb to the top.
“I lost to you, but I have no regrets. After hearing what you said earlier, I’m confident the family is in good hands. Under your leadership, the R family will have a bright future. I can leave without worry.”
For the first time, Aurora felt a sense of camaraderie with Mio. “Are you really leaving?”
“Did you think I was joking?”
“Are you truly willing to give up everything you’ve worked so hard for?”