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1018 Words
AURELIA
“It sounds like you don’t want me working at the company. You can just say that, you know?” I tilted my head.
She laughed, a broken one. “Who am I to say that to you? It’s your parents' company. I’m just an adopted child,” she muttered.
She was doing it again.
I had no prejudice against adopted children, of course not. It could happen to anyone at any time, and people could be in circumstances, but Mireya? Mireya was simply pure evil. And if she thought she could guilt-trip me into taking my hands off, then she could think a million times over.
“Alright then,” I shrugged, “Is there anything else to talk about? As you can see, I want to clean up my room so I can get ready for tomorrow. Sleep tight, Mireya.”
This might be the last night you have a proper sleep.
Her eyes narrowed at me as she turned to leave. However, she stopped, her fingers on the doorknob.
“Does mom and dad know about your breakup with Theron?” She raised her brows.
“No, they don’t,” I muttered. “Theron doesn’t seem to accept the fact that I’ve broken up with him. I’m waiting for him to assimilate.” I smirked, folding my hand.
Isn’t this the greatest play in history? I wish I could watch their little fight after this.
Mireya smiled softly. “I’ll keep our little secret. Don’t worry, as long as you don’t get on my bad side, I’ll keep you safe, Aure.”
Another threat. Masked with sweetness.
The door closed behind Mireya, a nd I sucked in a deep breath, anger running through my veins. I needed something I could hold over her. I knew her plans, but I didn’t know what she was up to currently, and it would be totally dumb of me to assume she would only be sitting, telling Theron what to do with me.
I needed leverage, and I would get it.
MONDAY, 10 AM
The conference hall was full when I stepped into it with Mom and Dad. Executives, departmental heads, and directors were all present.
“This is her, Aurelia Hale, who crashed the press conference.”
Crashed?
My eyes narrowed at the lady who spoke. I didn’t crash it. I saved it. The event would have been an utter mess with the headlines against Hales Food if I hadn’t stepped in. I scoffed, pulling my hair behind my ear with my index finger.
This was to be expected.
I had to work to be introduced; I was introduced to the company later than Mireya. No, people didn’t even know I existed. I just lived without anything and had died empty in my past life. In this life, I would make sure my name is at the tip of everyone’s lips, especially at Hales Food.
My eyes met with Mireya the moment my father stood up. She smiled at me, sweet, perfect, and fake. Like she wasn’t planning to kill me behind that pretty face of hers. I smiled back, a mirror of her expression.
“As you all know,” my father started, standing on the podium, “Hales Food has always been a family-driven company.”
I almost laughed.
Family-driven. That was a good one. I probably wasn’t part of that family in my last life.
“Today, we formally welcome my daughter, Aurelia Hale, as she will be joining us in Hales Food as–“
I held my breath. I wasn’t sure what position my father would give me, as I hadn’t learned business to the core. But I hoped I could get something better than being an intern.
“Executive Director of Strategic Development.”
Murmurs exploded even as my eyes widened. I didn’t think…
The position was high. So high.
My mother nodded at me, and I sucked in a deep breath, walking towards the podium.
“I’m sure many of you are surprised," I smiled, watching them. They had faces that were guarded, faces that assessed me like a threat. “It looks like I simply came out of nowhere, but I assure you that I have been here. I have the Hales blood running in my veins, so I won’t fail you. However, I don’t believe in inheriting positions; I believe I should prove why I deserve them. So don’t just welcome me. Watch me. And if you feel I’ve made a mistake, I’m open to constructive criticism. Thank you.”
A single clap preceded. I stared at the person. Mireya.
She smiled, “Impressive. We look forward to working with you, sister.”
The others followed, nodding in approval to themselves.
A few minutes later, Mireya led me to the office. Spacious. Nice. And I have about three teams under me.
“Congratulations, Aure. I didn’t expect you would be given such a position so soon as possible. It’s…fascinating.”
“I didn’t expect it either,” I sighed as I slid into my seat, crossing my legs. “Executive director…” I shook my head, staring at the name plate, Aurelia Hale.
Mireya smiled, “You have a long way to go,” she muttered.
“I know,w right? I can’t compare with you, who is a Vice President,” I locked my fingers, resting my head on them. “So tell me, how do things work here?”
“You will have to earn respect. The workers here don’t care about your post. Let’s see how well you can do that, Aurelia,” she smirked.
Mireya was getting pissed off. My facade won’t last much longer. However, I wasn’t afraid. Let’s face it head-on.
“Mireya,” I leaned closer, “I’m not going to sit still either. I’m going to the highest position there is, and there’s no stopping me.”
She nodded, “Just don’t get too greedy for things that don’t belong to you.”
“What doesn’t belong to me?” I raised my hands, looking around. “Everything here…is mine.”
- Writer
