For apany with no solid foundation, facing such challenges would likely bring despair. But Aurora''s situation was different. She had a strong backing, not to mention Julian''s unwavering support. Her future was nothing short of bright.


    Still, NE''s words were cutting. How did he have the audacity to tell her not to cry in front of him? Did he think the world would stop turning without him?


    "Julian, thank you," Aurora said sincerely.


    "There''s no need to thank me. I didn''t help much. That guy is incredibly stubborn. I originally thought it wasn''t a big deal, and he didn''t tell me about Susan being chosen as the spokesperson. If I''d known earlier, I would''ve stopped it," Julian responded with a lighthearted smile, trying to ease Aurora''s mind.


    He exined the situation further, emphasizing that money wasn''t an issue between them. At their level, material concerns had long been overshadowed by a desire for personal achievement. They simply hated failure.


    "Julian, don''t worry. I''m not upset, not even a little. Failure is normal to me. How can life be smooth all the time? It''s setbacks that make me stronger," Aurora assured him, her tone calm and determined.


    "As long as you''re not upset. How about this-I''ll leave work early this afternoon and take you out for Thai food. Sound good?" Julian always found ways to lift Aurora''s spirits.


    "You decide," Aurora replied, then added seriously, "Julian, I need your help with something."


    "Tell me," he said at once.


    "Since you and NE attended the same school, do you know Professor Lockman?" Aurora already had a n forming in her mind. NE''s words earlier hadpletely ignited her determination.


    "Professor Lockman? I''m not very close to him, but I know people who can introduce you. Why do you need to see him?" Julian had a vague idea of her intentions, but it seemed too ambitious to be true.


    "I want to learn from him," Aurora stated directly. Since NE was so confident in his own abilities, she was determined to create a perfume that surpassed his.


    "Are you saying you want to study perfumery?" Julian''s earlier guess was now confirmed by her words.


    "Yes. Relying on others has never been my style. If he thinks I''ll hit a dead end, I''ll prove him wrong. Since Lockman was his mentor, I''ll be Lockman''s student," she said resolutely.


    "Whatever you want to do, I''ll support you. But with everything on your te, do you have time to study?" Julian asked, thinking of her dual roles as vice president of the Montgomery Group and CEO of her ownpany.


    "It''s never toote to learn if you truly want to," Aurora replied firmly. Once she set her mind on something, she never wavered.


    "Alright, I''ll make the arrangements," Julian said, fully trusting in Aurora''s talent. In fields like design and perfumery, innate talent often mattered more than anything else.


    Aurora''s creativity and quick thinking gave Julian hope that she might truly seed. Besides, he knew he couldn''t stop her. When she was determined, no matter how difficult the path ahead, she would never give up.


    Rather than try to dissuade her, he decided to help her wholeheartedly. It was his way of ensuring her happiness. In his lifetime, all he wanted was for Aurora to do whatever made her happiest.


    "Thank you. I''ll wait for your update," Aurora said before hanging up.


    Though she wasn''t entirely inexperienced in perfumery, her past experiments were rudimentary at best. When Victoria was alive, she loved gardening. Aurora used to collect flower petals and experiment with basic distition, mixing them together for fun. Back then, it was nothing more than child''s y.


    But now, this was a new field she wanted to master. It was an opportunity she couldn''t let slip.


    Professor Lockman taught at a prestigious university in New York and was regarded as a legend in the field of perfumery. His career had been wless, and even NE had studied under him. However, Lockman was known for being extremely selective about his students.


    Aurora believed in Julian''s extensivework, which was why she asked for his help. Once she made a decision, she never looked back. Studying under Lockman would require her to spend some time in New York.


    Aurora quickly made arrangements at herpany. With Mona overseeing things, she felt reassured. When she informed Mona of her ns, Mona was visibly shocked.


    "What? You''re going to New York to study perfumery? For how long?"


    "I''m not sure. Maybe a month, maybe a few months. Learning a new craft isn''t something I can put a timeline on," Aurora replied candidly.


    "Well, I know I can''t stop you once you''ve decided. Go ahead. I''ll take care of thepany," Mona said, her tone a mix of resignation and determination. Perhaps her guilt over past mistakes with Julian made her more willing to support Aurora now.


    "Thank you. NE will likely retaliate against ourpany, especially in the skincare market. If we can''t secure orders there, let''s shift focus to fashion. I know it''ll be a new challenge for you, but I trust you can handle it."


    "After working together for so long, there''s no need to talk about effort. This is my responsibility. Go and focus on your studies. I''ll train Heather and Ian as quickly as I can," Mona reassured her.


    "Alright. I''ll head home first," Aurora said, leaving work early to visit the Montgomery Group. Her leave of absence there was about to end, so she went straight to Magnus''s office.


    If you''re loving the book, nel5s is where the adventure continues. Join us for theplete experience—all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you! "Aurora, are you back at work? Perfect timing. I have some tasks to assign you," Magnus said, his mood lifting when he saw her.


    "Dad, I''m actually here to request more leave," Aurora said, bracing herself for his reaction.


    "Leave? Is it because of your newpany?" Magnus had been supportive of her starting her own business but was now concerned that it might pull her focus away from the Montgomery Group. After all, thepany would one day be hers to manage.


    "It''s partly rted, but not entirely. I''m still young, and I want to go to the U. S. to study perfumery," Aurora exined earnestly.


    "Perfumery?" Magnus asked, surprised.


    "Yes. I hope to create products for mypany that I''ve developed myself. For now,


    my role as vice president of the Montgomery Group will have to remain vacant," Aurora said sincerely.


    "Well, as you said, you''re still young, with endless possibilities ahead. I just hope you''ll return to thepany soon to take over my position. I''d like to enjoy some rxation," Magnus said with a smile.


    "Don''t worry, Dad. I''ll manage both mypany and the Montgomery Group well," Aurora promised.


    "Come home early if you need anything. And remember, the Montgomery family will always be your home," Magnus said earnestly.


    "I know, Dad. By the way, I''ll also visit Mom while I''m in the U. S. Even though she has John by her side now, I hope both of you can find happiness," Aurora said gently.


    "I owe her too much in this lifetime. I don''t expect her to return to me. Like you, I only wish for her happiness," Magnus replied, his voice tinged with regret.