<b>Chapter </b>1086


    But the rest would depend on the partner’s decision.


    Aurora clenched her fist. “Joseph, <b>if </b>you want to dig up my foundation, we’ll see if you have the skill to do it.”


    Did he really think that just because she’d been lying in bed, she would never wake up?


    If Joseph was going to keep her pinned in the mud, he’d better make sure she never had the chance <b>to </b>rise again.


    Otherwise, she would make him regret it.


    Without another moment’s hesitation, Aurora picked up the phone and called the internal line for Ian.


    When Ian heard that long–missed ringtone, a wave of emotion hit him.


    He used to think that sound was annoying, but now it only filled him with gratitude and <b>r </b>


    During the month it had been absent, he had missed it more than he could say.


    He answered quickly, his voice tinged with excitement. “Hello, Miss Aurora.”


    “Mm. Come to my office,” Aurora said before hanging up.


    Ian wasn’t surprised. Aurora had always been brief and direct when speaking.


    Everyone’s time was valuable, and she had no interest in wasting any on drawn–out notifications.


    He got to his feet without dy and headed straight to her office.


    Just as he reached the door and was about to knock, her voice came from inside.


    “Come in.”


    Ian didn’t hesitate. He pushed the door open and stepped inside.


    Aurora gestured for him toe to her desk, and he obediently walked over.


    She handed him a stack of documents and said evenly, “This is the information I’ve gathered recently about thend in the south of the city.


    “I’ve found this partner isn’t an easy one to deal with. I’ve heard he has a few… unusual preferences?<b>” </b>


    Ian gave a small, confirming nod. “Yes<b>, </b>Miss Aurora, that’s true.


    “The only reason Joseph managed to get in touch with him was because he deliberately catered to those particr tastes.


    +15 <b>BONUS </b>


    “But that’s not something ourpany would ever do because I still remember what you told me: if <b>we’re </b>going to work with someone, we do it openly and honorably<b>.</b><b>” </b>


    Aurora looked at him with clear approval. “It seems you haven’t forgotten what I taught you before.


    “Good. What I need is exactly someone like you–a man with principles.”


    Ian scratched his head awkwardly, unsure of how to respond.


    In truth, he was older than Aurora, yet in front of her, he never seemed as steady.


    It was as if she were the older one–her decisiveness, her professionalism, her ability to navigate situations–she surpassed him in every way, and there was much he could learn from her.


    That was one of the reasons he chose to stay by her side.


    She might be young, but she treated her subordinates kindly and carried an impressive strength.


    He’d always believed that to be excellent, you needed to follow excellent people.


    It was a lesson he’d known since childhood.


    His mind might not be the sharpest, but his observation skills were keen, and he was willing to leam humbly.


    Aurora gave a satisfied nod. She had not taught this protégé in vain.


    “Alright, forget about his so–called preferences for now. Just send me the project details and the owner’s contact number to my email.”


    X


    GET I