Aurora met his gaze directly and answered without hesitation, "Of course. Didn''t you say your credentials were impressive? But when I looked at thepany''s recent records, it seems you''ve lost several major orders."


    The documents attached to each individual''s profile had caught her attention. Mr. Elderstone had assumed that in such a short time, it would be impressive enough for her to remember everyone''s names, let alone review additional materials. Yet, Aurora had done just that.


    The recent lost orders were a sore spot for Mio. They were supposed to be secure deals-practically his for the taking. But inexplicably, they had slipped away. Two of them, in particr, had been with long-time clients. Despite verbal agreements, the clients had backed out at thest minute and signed with anotherpany instead.


    This wasn''t an isted case. Even apany they''d partnered with for years, which had been set for a renewal, had suddenly refused to renew their contract. Mio had gone to finalize the paperwork, only to be told outright that they were taking their business elsewhere.


    Though Tina was no longer with thepany, Mio had always believed his abilities were at least on par with hers. Yet, these repeated losses made it clear that others didn''t share his confidence.


    Frustrated and unable to vent his anger, he was further aggravated by Aurora''s sudden return. Her pointed remarks now only worsened his mood, and his forced smile faltered.


    "You''ve certainlye prepared," Mio said, his tone strained. "But wins and losses are part of the game. Sometimes losing an order ispletely normal, just as I''ve deliberately taken orders from others before. Business is a battlefield, and everyone fights to win. There''s nothing unusual about that."


    Aurora seemed to have anticipated this response. She pressed on, "Stealing orders might be normal, but I also noticed that several of thepany''s long-standing clients have refused to renew their contracts and have switched to otherpanies. When my mother was in charge, none of this ever happened. But now, under your management, not only are orders being stolen, but even renewals are falling through. Don''t you think you should reflect on where the problem lies? Or could it be that you''re simply not as capable as you im?"


    Her words struck deep. Many of those present were unaware of these incidents. Mio, of course, hadn''t gone around broadcasting his failures. But now, with Aurora exposing him, skeptical nces began to turn his way.


    "Mio, is what Miss Aurora said true? Did you really lose several orders?" someone asked.


    "Everyone, there''s no need for concern. Losing orders ismonce. I''ll secure even bigger deals in the future," Mio replied, attempting to downy the matter.


    "Oh, so losing orders ismonce for you? It seems you''ve never even considered whose fault it is," Aurora retorted sharply. "Doesn''t it make more sense to be worried about leaving thepany in his hands? I looked into it-those lost orders could have brought us billions in profit. Billions, lost just like that, and he calls it a minor issue. I wonder, what does he consider a major issue? Is it really that hard to admit you''re not up to the task?"


    Aurora''s words sparked murmurs among the crowd. Even those who had previously supported Mio began to waver. After all, the lost revenue directly impacted their own shares. Thepany''s profits determined their dividends, and no one could ignore the sting of losing billions.


    "I''ve been with thispany for years, while you''ve only just returned," Mio said, his pride wounded. "What gives you the right to question my abilities? My achievements speak for themselves. If I weren''t qualified, why would the family have agreed to let me take charge?"


    Mio''s pride had always been a driving force. He had worked tirelessly to prove himself, using any means necessary to achieve his goals. Recognition of his capabilities was his ultimate pursuit. Aurora''s blunt attack on hispetence was a blow he couldn''t tolerate.


    Seeing the anger re on his face, Aurora smiled and continued, "You''re talking about the past? Back then, you were only the vice president. My mother was the chairperson. Frankly, I suspect many of those orders you im as your achievements were secured because of her influence. Now that she''s ill and thepany is in your hands, your true capabilities-orck thereof-are showing. People were worried about thepany being handed to me, but isn''t it just as concerning to leave it with you?"


    "You certainly have a sharp tongue," Mio said coldly, realizing that his anger was ying into Aurora''s hands. He forced himself to remainposed.


    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! "This time, I''ll admit responsibility for the losses," he continued. "But you can''t erase my past contributions to the family just because of this. If I''m not qualified, then what makes you think you are?"


    The gloves were off. The civility that had barely masked their hostility was gone. This was exactly the oue Aurora had been aiming for-Mio had lost hisposure. She responded with a calm smile, "I won''t deny that experience matters. But as a leader, there''s something else that''s just as important." She tapped her temple lightly. "A sharp mind is key to getting things done. Since you look down on me and I question your abilities, why don''t we settle this with a fairpetition? Let''s give everyone here a chance to see who''s truly capable. If you win, I''ll agree to Mr. Grant''s proposal and let you temporarily take the position as head of the family. But if I win, you''ll relinquish all control of thepany, and I''ll assume leadership. How about it, cousin? That seems fair, doesn''t it?"


    "Fair? What are wepeting on?" Mio asked, unwilling to back down.


    "We''llpete for the next multimillion-dor order. Whoever secures it and signs the contract first wins," Aurora proposed confidently.


    "Fine," Mio snapped. "I won''t let what happened before repeat itself. I ept the challenge. Since everyone is here, why not bear witness to our agreement?"


    Mr. Grant, who had been watching silently, grew tense at Aurora''s sudden proposal. Mio might have lost his cool, but Mr. Grant hadn''t. What if this was a trapid by Mr. Elderstone?


    "I have one condition to add," Mr. Grant interjected.


    "Please, go ahead."


    "I acknowledge thispetition as a fair way to assess your abilities," he said cautiously. "But to ensure fairness, I propose that we select the order you''llpete


    for. That way, there''s no risk of it being a deal with a personal connection, which would undermine the results."


    "Agreed," Aurora replied with a nonchnt smile. "You may arrange it however you see fit."


    Her confidence unsettled Mr. Grant. But Aurora had her reasons. Mr. Elderstone had mentioned that she owned an independentpany, which meant she had business acumen of her own. She wasn''t as easy to underestimate as Mio believed.


    And this was the simplest way to settle things. If Mio lost, he''d have no excuse to cling to power.


    "You seem very confident," Mio remarked.


    "Of course," Aurora said. "No matter the order, I''m certain my abilities surpass yours."