The meteor showerst night and the sunrise this morning had warmed Aurora''s heart considerably, leaving her daydreaming even at school. Julian took her to the store, giving her a makeover, and whispered in her ear, "Aurora, I''ll pick you up tonight." She nodded, as if her soul was still lingering on that mountain.
"Goofy," he said indulgently, scraping her nose gently.
"Then, I''ll be leaving first," Aurora turned to leave. Although she hadn''t given him a definite answer, they now seemed like any ordinary couple.
Especially since he frequently surprised her with romantic gestures, even if she had always felt she didn''t need them, she did enjoy his attentiveness. Being with him, she began reverting slowly to her former self, smiling at the memories of their past encounters.
Entering the ssroom in her high heels, she drew numerous nces, a contrast to her usual unnoticed presence. She wore a simple ck dress edged with ckce at the hem, light makeup on her face, and handled her ck stiletto heels with ease. Her appearance in the corridor stunned a group of boys, who wondered who she was, having never seen her before.
Only those who had witnessed her the previous night knew of Aurora''s identity. As soon as she entered the ssroom, she caught Gemma''s envious gaze. Gemma could never have guessed that Aurora was the heiress of the Montgomery family and that Ivy was merely an illegitimate daughter!
Aurora''s aura was too imposing. Many men were interested but hesitant to approach her due to her intimidating presence. Only Ian noticed the slight smile on Aurora''s lips, indicating her good mood.
"What are you looking at? Is there something on my face?" Aurora said, seeing Ian staring, and smiled broadly. Her smile took the boys by surprise, as if a myriad of flowers bloomed at once.
"No, it''s just the first time I''ve seen you dressed like this for school," Ian replied, somewhat flustered.
"Well, you better get used to it, because this is how I''ll be from now on," Aurora said, perhaps feelingfortable enough with Ian''s good-natured personality to speak more than usual.
"Oh."
"By the way, are you free after school?" Aurora asked directly.
"No, nothing special. Do you need something?" Ian responded.
"Yes, I''ll be waiting for you at the café we went tost time. We need to talk." Aurora finished just as several boys began to tease.
Ian''s face turned red instantly, and Aurora realized everyone might have
misunderstood, but in her characteristic style, she didn''t bother to rify.
This infuriated Gemma even more, her eyes reddening with envy. Why did Aurora have such a blessed life, born a high-ranking heiress, while she herself was born into an ordinary family? Jealousy quickly took root and grew within her.
After school, Aurora had been waiting in the café for a while when Ian approached her, blushing. "Au... Aurora, wh-what did you want to talk about?" Now alone with her, his embarrassment was palpable. Aurora''s lips curved into a faint smile.
"Don''t be nervous. I''m not here for anything bad," Aurora reassured him.
Ian wasn''t sure if it was his imagination, but Aurora seemed much gentler today than before. It was as if the dark clouds that usually surrounded her had partially cleared. She had always been obscured by that gloom until this moment when her true self began to emerge.
"What is it?" Ian was still slightly excited, barely daring to meet Aurora''s eyes. Her radiant appearance made her seem like a lofty star, while he felt as lowly as dust.
"No rush. Let''s order first since it''s time for lunch anyway," Aurora suggested, handing him the menu.
In her presence, Ian was obedient, almost as if he was possessed. He did whatever Aurora asked of him.
"Here''s the thing. School is about to break for internships, and I was wondering if you''ve found a ce to intern." Aurora went straight to the point.
Ian was taken aback, having not realized that this was what Aurora wanted to talk about, but he quickly regained hisposure. "I''ve selected a fewpanies and n to interview next week. Why do you ask?" He adjusted his sses.
Before he knew of Aurora''s background, he might have suspected she had nowhere else to go, but since she was the heiress of the Montgomery family, a job was just a word away for her.
"I''ve just started a newpany, and I was wondering if you''d be interested in working with us?" Aurora''s words nearly made Ian''s eyes pop out.
She didn''t mention joining the Montgomery family business but her newpany instead. "Me?"
"I''ve read your thesis and am familiar with your major. You''re diligent, and although mypany is new, I take talent acquisition very seriously. Would you be interested? As for sry, don''t worry. It will definitely bepetitive."
Aurora had a keen eye. Ian was talented. Although not yet fully engaged in the workforce, with the right guidance, he could soon be a significant asset to her.
"What kind ofpany is it, Aurora? I''m afraid I might not be up to it," Ian confessed, not doubting Aurora butcking confidence in himself.
"It''s a financepany, which is your strong suit. I''ve even reviewed a project youpleted with a professor. You were outstanding," Aurora reassured him.
Ian was surprised by how well she knew him and felt a rush of tion. "I''d like to join." "That''s settled. Here''s my business card."
When Ian saw thepany''s name on the card, it seemed familiar. He suddenly remembered a mysterious wealthy businessman who had built an office building nearby in the business district two years ago. The building had an unusual design and the decor alone had cost a fortune. Originally thought to be a shopping mall, it remained unupied for a year.
That name was the same as on Aurora''s business card. Given the prime location, the scale of thepany was apparent.
"Miss Montgomery." Ian realized the true extent of the difference between him and Aurora. It wasn''t their backgrounds, but their capabilities.
She was his age yet had already started her ownpany!