For an order of such magnitude, coupled with the existing rapport between Victoria and Michael Bardem, Tina would have been the ideal person to handle it. Her presence alone could have guaranteed sess. However, her health had deteriorated to the point where she couldn''t endure the strain of long-distance travel. Mio Walsh, thepany''s vice president, volunteered to take her ce. It wasn''t an unreasonable decision-after all, his position entitled him to handle such matters.


    Tina was well aware of Mio''s ambitions but found herself with little choice. Her frail health left her no room to argue. Whatever his motives were, as long as they benefited thepany, she could tolerate them.


    But fate had other ns. Against all expectations, the order ended up in Aurora''s hands. Even Tina hadn''t foreseen this oue.


    "That child has always been capable," Tina said with aforting smile.


    "She''s very much like you, Master," Erica replied. "Even though Aurora didn''t grow up in the R family and wasn''t formally trained, her abilities are evident. If it''s her, she could perfectly inherit your position. That way, no one would dare covet the family head''s seat anymore."


    Seeing Tina grow weaker by the day, Erica felt a pang of sorrow. Tina had suffered so much. How wonderful it would be if someone could step in and ease her burdens, sparing her from fighting alone.


    "If I wanted her to be the family head, do you think I''d need to go through all this trouble?" Tina responded with a trace of helplessness. She recalled the moment she had drugged Aurora all those years ago-it was then that she had decided the path Aurora would take.


    Aurora was meant to live as the cherished little princess of the Montgomery family, far removed from the entanglements of the R family. Whatever pain or hardship arose, Tina was willing to bear it alone.


    "Master, I heard Mio was quite confident about securing this deal. You know how narrow-minded he is-this isn''t just a small order. If he''s discovered Miss Aurora''s identity, I''m afraid..." Erica trailed off, her worry evident.


    Ever since Mio Walsh had seen Aurora at thepany, Erica had known trouble was brewing. A man like Mio, with his calcting nature, would surely grow suspicious and investigate.


    Because of this, Tina had instructed Julian to find a way to lure Aurora back to Clothville. But now the two had crossed paths again. If Mio discovered the truth, he certainly wouldn''t let the matter rest.


    Tina knew Mio''s character well. Over the years, she had seen his ruthlessness firsthand. He was the type to stop at nothing to achieve his goals, always preferring underhanded methods.


    "I understand. Keep an eye on his movements. If anything happens, report to me immediately."


    "Yes, Master." Erica knew Tina''s current condition made it impossible for her to personally intervene. If the other members of the R family learned of Aurora''s existence, they would undoubtedly force her to return and inherit the family business. After Erica left, Tina dialed Julian''s number. He answered quickly, knowing Tina wouldn''t call him for idle conversation.


    "What happened?" Julian asked, his tone serious.


    "It''s about Aurora. You must ensure her safety during this time. I''m worried someone might try to harm her," Tina warned.


    "Is this about the same person we discussedst time?" Julian asked. Thest time Tina had reached out to him, it had been for this very reason-protecting Aurora from a specific threat.


    "Yes. This time, Aurora took an order that was supposed to be his. He''s not someone who forgives easily. I''m not worried about an open confrontation-I''m afraid of what he might do in the shadows."


    "Understood. I''ll make sure no one touches her," Julian assured her. Even without Tina''s reminder, he had already resolved to protect Aurora at all costs.


    "Good."


    "By the way, it''s almost New Year''s. I''ve sent you some specialty items that Aurora and I picked up in Rome as a gift. They should arrive soon." Julian''s tone softened as he mentioned this. He hadn''t told Aurora that they were meant for Tina.


    "You''re thoughtful," Tina said, clearly pleased. She had always been satisfied with Julian as a son-inw. His devotion to Aurora was something no one could rival.


    "It''s the least I can do. Don''t worry-I''ll take good care of her," Julian promised firmly. "Alright." Tina ended the call, feeling a measure of relief. With Julian by Aurora''s side, Mio Walsh wouldn''t have the chance to make a move.


    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!


    In the Vice President''s office, Mio Walsh had been in a foul mood ever since returning from Rome. His frustration was palpable, and those around him tread carefully, fearing


    his wrath. Even the slightest misstep could trigger an outburst.


    A secretary cautiously opened the office door. "Mr. Walsh..."


    Mio looked up from the pile of documents in front of him. "What is it?"


    "Well..."


    "Speak clearly," Mio snapped. His irritation was evident. Losing such a significant order had left him with no patience.


    "Michael Bardem''spany just announced their partner," the secretary said hesitantly. Though he knew delivering this news might provoke Mio further, withholding it would only lead to worse consequences.


    "Who is it?" Mio demanded. He had been discreetly probing for the answer over the


    past few days. Now, he was eager to confirm his suspicions.


    The secretary hesitated before revealing the truth. Mio''s eyes darkened as he processed the information. He had already investigated Aurora and knew exactly whichpany she represented.


    "It''s her again!" Mio growled. "It seems she''s determined topete with me."


    For years, Tina had concealed the fact that she had a daughter. But as long as Aurora existed, there was always a risk that she would be discovered and summoned back to inherit the family legacy.


    Mio''s mind raced. He had worked tirelessly for years, and now not only had she stolen this order, but she also posed a threat to the family head position he coveted. He would never allow that to happen.


    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! "Mr. Walsh, what are your ns now?" the secretary asked cautiously, gauging his superior''s mood.


    "For now, we wait. Do not act rashly or alert her," Mio instructed coldly.


    "Yes, Mr. Walsh." The secretary noted Mio''s dark expression and knew he had already devised a n.


    Mio nced at the calendar on his desk. The New Year was fast approaching.


    He picked up his phone and dialed Ivy''s number. When she answered and heard his voice, her tone was filled with joy.


    "Hello, it''s me," she said.


    "Have you missed me?" Mio asked gently.


    Ivy smiled at the warmth in his voice. "Yes."


    "New Year''s is almost here."


    "Mm, it is," Ivy replied, ncing around her quiet, lonely apartment. Back in the Montgomery family home, this time of year was always lively, with servants decorating the house festively.


    "Would you like me to spend New Year''s with you?" Mio asked, his voice soft and inviting.


    "Really? Don''t you need to be with your family?" Ivy couldn''t hide her excitement.


    "You''re the most important person to me. I''m always busy with work, but I have some free time now. I''d like to spend it with you."