Michael Bardem made no effort to hide his admiration for Aurora. Their conversation flowed effortlessly, ranging from design to finance. Michael proved himself to be a man of vast knowledge and experience. Asher, on the other hand, remained mostly silent, content to y the role of a facilitator as the two engaged in lively discussion. As the dinner drew to a close, Michael seemed reluctant to let the conversation end. "You''re remarkable, youngdy. To have created such a sessful perfume in just a few months-you''ve far surpassed what I was capable of at your age."


    "Uncle Bardem, if you keep ttering me like this, I won''t know how to respond," Aurora replied with a modest smile. Then, lowering her voice slightly, she added, "To be honest, I did have a purpose in meeting you today. I''ve heard about your Nordic project and that you''re looking for partners. I was hoping I might have the honor of joining."


    Michael Bardem chuckled softly, his sharp eyes glinting with amusement. He had been waiting for her to bring this up. A seasoned businessman, he had already guessed their intentions when Asher "identally" dropped that ring earlier in the evening. Tricks like this were not unfamiliar to him; he had used plenty during his younger days. The business world was a battlefield, and strategy was essential for survival.


    At first, Michael had assumed Asher was using DO as a conversation starter to cozy up to him. To his surprise, Asher was merely the supporting act, while DO-Aurora-was the true star of the show. She wasn''t just talented and driven; she was also Victoria''s daughter. Michael had already admired her before learning her identity; now, he liked her even more.


    "Haha, you''re quite bold to say that," Michaelughed heartily. "But no matter. I knew from the start that this dinner wasn''t just a casual meeting."


    Aurora maintained an outward appearance of calm, though her heart raced. She knew most people disliked being manipted, especially business moguls like Michael Bardem. But to her relief, he wasn''t offended. Rxing slightly, she smiled and said, "Uncle Bardem, you can''t me us for trying to n this meeting."


    "Oh? If I can''t me you, then who should I me?" Michael''s tone was warm, almost fatherly.


    "Of course, I have to me you, Uncle Bardem!" Aurora teased. "You''re so influential and brilliant that countless people are vying for your attention. Without a little strategy, we wouldn''t have even gotten close. With so many people trying to curry favor with you, how could you possibly notice us otherwise? So yes, I me you!"


    Aurora''s yful response brought a smile to Michael''s face. She was beginning to understand his personality-beneath his formidable reputationy a gentle and approachable side. "You''re quite the clever girl," he said, tapping her nose affectionately, his demeanor reminiscent of a doting uncle.


    Aurora felt a pang of warmth. After her mother Victoria left, she had rarely experienced genuine care from adults. Though her grandfather adored her, the constant warnings from Genevieve and Ivy kept her from speaking out about their mistreatment. The rare moments of peace she experienced during holidays at her grandfather''s house always ended when she returned to the Montgomery family, where fear consumed her daily life. Magnus remained unaware of all this. What Auroracked most was the love and care of elders. Both John and now Michael Bardem filled that void, and she couldn''t help but grow fond of them.


    "This is ourpany''s portfolio, Uncle Bardem. Please take a look," Aurora said, presenting the prepared documents. "I know we''re still young and don''t have the same credentials as more establishedpanies, but we have our strengths. I hope you''ll give us a chance. Of course, the final decision is yours. Even if we can''t coborate, I hope it won''t affect our rtionship-I truly admire you, Uncle Bardem."


    Aurora''s words were sincere. She genuinely liked Michael Bardem, though she was well aware that his warmth stemmed partly from her identity as DO and Victoria''s daughter. A man who had risen to his position couldn''t possibly be as kindhearted as he seemed. Aurora understood this but chose not to dwell on it.


    If you''re loving the book, nel5s is where the adventure continues. Join us for the


    "Here you go, Uncle Bardem," Aurora said, handing him the portfolio.


    As Michael flipped through the pages, he remarked, "You know, you''re not the only one trying to approach me for this project. Mio Walsh, the vice president of R Company, has also been in touch."


    Hearing Mio Walsh''s name, Aurora felt a twinge of unease. "Uncle Bardem, my


    rtionship with my mother is...plicated. I know R Company is a well-established firm with deep pockets, but Mr. Giron wouldn''t be so cruel as to deny us this opportunity, would he?"


    Michael smiled knowingly. "Mio Walsh is your mother''s nephew. Naturally, I considered R Company-they''re financially strong, and their reputation is impable. They''re an excellent candidate."


    "Uncle Bardem..." Aurora''s anxiety was evident. "I know R Company is impressive, but ourpany is on the rise. We''re not bad either. Please review our portfolio before making a decision."


    "Alright, alright," Michael said, soothing her with a light chuckle. "I won''t say another word until I''ve looked through it."


    Aurora and Asher fell silent, waiting patiently as the only sound in the room was the rustling of paper. Michael read quickly, his expression shifting subtly as he progressed. Finally, he looked up. "You''ve achieved this scale in just over three years? I underestimated you, youngdy."


    "Uncle Bardem," Aurora said softly, "R Company has plenty of orders and doesn''tck opportunities. We, on the other hand, have limited options. Without your help, most people wouldn''t even meet with us."


    "Hah, what am I supposed to do with you?" Michael said, shaking his head with a smile. "Mio Walsh may be your mother''s nephew, but he''s not her daughter. If I''m going to show Victoria some favor, it might as well be for her child. Besides, I genuinely like you, Aurora. As an elder, it''s my duty to support the younger generation. I''ll give yourpany this order. Consider it my gift to you."


    "Really? Uncle Bardem, is it really decided?" Aurora blinked in disbelief, the sudden turn of fortune leaving her momentarily stunned.


    "Of course," Michael said firmly. "I don''t go back on my word. Yourpany may still be young, but it has tremendous potential. I have high hopes for you."


    "Thank you, Uncle Bardem!" Aurora eximed, her voice filled with gratitude. "As a token of my appreciation, I''d love to design a custom jewelry set for you-free of charge!"