Jaxon chuckled, "Yes. You are qualified." Seeing how much she needed it, he pulled her in for a hug, "Congratulations, Aurora."
"Congratulations." The words kept ringing in her head. When was the last time she heard that? She really needed this win. With a really bright smile she hugged him back, "Thank you!"
After the hug, Jaxon sighed, "I can't believe you threw a can at me. You're really not to be messed with."
She lightly punched his arm, "Nonsense, I didn't mean anything by it." Her laugh was like music to Jaxon's ears, it was the first time seeing her bright smile, "What a sight..." He spoke inwardly, "I want to make sure she remains like this."
He cleared his throat, "So...since you basically got the job, why don't we celebrate over a few drinks? And I don't mean going to a café."
"Oh," Aurora's eyes dwindled, "Drinks, huh? Sounds pretty nice but uhmm, I can't drink."
"Why? Can't handle a bit of alcohol?" Jaxon teased with a coy smile. She laughed dryly, "Uhh, no...it's not that. I'm actually...pregnant."
The room went silent. For a while, nobody said anything. Only the sound of the ticking wall clock could be heard.
"Does he know?" Jaxon finally asked. His voice carried a subtle bit of anger, not directed at her, but Damian instead.
When she slowly shook her head, he scoffed and looked away, "Well, damn. What exactly happened between you two?"
"I don't wanna talk about it." Was all Aurora said and Jaxon didn't pry, he picked up the drink she had given him earlier, "Thanks for the drink." He said and left.
A sigh left her, her mood had dampened for sure, but she wasn't going to let that disturb her joy. She got the job at last. Now it was on to her next goal... to get a decent car.
___
Blackwood enterprises.
Damian's office. The door swung open without warning. He didn't have to look up to know who it was. He sighed, muttering under his breath, "Here we go again."
Victor Blackwood strode inside, his expression sharp with disapproval. His tailored suit was impeccable, his presence commanding as always.
Damian barely spared him a glance before handing a stack of documents to his assistant. "I need photocopies of these."
"Yes, sir." The assistant nodded quickly, grabbing the files and slipping out of the office, leaving father and son alone.
Victor wasted no time. "I paid a visit to the mansion this morning."
Damian finally looked up, his fingers drumming against his desk. "And?"
Victor's jaw tightened. "Her belongings are still there."
The words hit him harder than he expected, but Damian masked his reaction. He leaned back in his chair, forcing indifference into his tone. "I've been busy."
Victor scoffed. "Don't insult me with that excuse." He took a step closer, his piercing gaze scrutinizing Damian's every movement. "Three days, Damian. You've been back for three days. And yet, that wench's clothes, jewelry, and personal effects remain untouched."
Damian's fingers curled slightly, but he didn't reply. That wench?
Victor pressed on, his voice growing sharper. "Selene told me she tried to have them removed weeks ago. You stopped her."
"She didn't need to make a scene about it," Damian muttered, not meeting his father's eyes.
"Oh?" Victor tilted his head. "So it's just a matter of convenience? Because from where I'm standing, it looks like you haven't truly let her go."
"Was I even supposed to let her go in the first place?"
Silence.
Damian continued, "Look, I know what I'm doing, okay? And I'm in the middle of work so I'd like some peace and quiet. Or should I let go of those as well?"
"You know what you're supposed to do. Do it...or I will." Victor left after the warning.
"F*cking headache..." Damian whispered as he tossed some files aside.
__
Aurora found herself in front of a tall building consisting of various office complexes, with each complex offering different services. As she was trying to figure out which floor and which office she was looking for, she felt a light tap on her shoulder.
"Reporting for duty?" Jaxon asked with his signature friendly smile. Aurora was a little surprised, seeing the way he left last time, she thought he'd be upset to see her but she was wrong, "Well, not officially." She answered with a small smile.
"Don't worry. Your spot is secured. Come on, I'll show you our complex." He offered as he walked past her. Aurora followed him silently through the sleek glass doors, her heels clicking softly against the polished marble floors. The building had a modern design that screamed professionalism.
Jaxon led her to the elevator, pressing the button for the ninth floor. As they ascended, he glanced at her with a knowing smirk. "Nervous?"
She exhaled softly. "A little. It's been a while since I've been in an office setting."
He chuckled. "You'll do fine. Besides, I wouldn't have brought you here if I didn't think you had potential."
She raised an eyebrow. "Brought me here?"
The elevator dinged, and the doors slid open. Jaxon stepped out first, leading her down a well-lit hallway. "Sorry, I meant let you apply." He said with a guilty smile. They stopped in front of a glass-paneled door with Reid Consulting Group written in bold letters.
He pushed the door open, revealing a spacious office with a modern aesthetic. Several employees worked at their desks, while private offices lined the walls. Aurora followed him through the space, taking in the sleek furniture and the scent of fresh coffee in the air.
Jaxon stopped in front of a grand office with a glass door and knocked twice before stepping inside. Aurora followed, only to freeze in surprise when she saw a distinguished man seated behind the large desk.
"Dad," Jaxon said smoothly, "Meet Aurora Sinclair."
Aurora's eyes widened. "Your father owns Reid Consulting Group?" She bit her lips, the name should've been a dead giveaway but she never really thought much of it. A sigh escaped her lips.
Seated behind the desk was a man who bore a striking resemblance to Jaxon, tall, well-groomed, with the same calm demeanor and sharp eyes.
Unlike Jaxon's playful smirk, however, his father carried an air of quiet authority, the kind that commanded respect without needing to demand it.
The older man rose from his seat, adjusting the cuffs of his suit before extending a hand. "Charles Reid," He introduced himself in a smooth, measured tone. "And yes, I own Reid Consulting Group."
Aurora shook his hand, still processing the revelation. She turned to Jaxon, who only offered her a lazy grin.
Charles gestured toward the seat across from him. "Please, sit."
Aurora hesitated for a moment before sitting. She could feel Charles studying her, not with judgment, but with a quiet curiosity.
"I assume Jaxon didn't warn you about this little detail," he said, amusement flickering in his eyes.
"Not at all," she admitted, throwing a pointed glance at Jaxon, who simply leaned against the desk, looking far too pleased with himself.
"I prefer to let my father speak for himself," Jaxon said casually.
Charles hummed, then folded his hands together on the desk. "I understand that you're looking for a fresh start, Ms. Sinclair. And I want to assure you that your past, whatever it may be, has no bearing on your future here."
Aurora tensed slightly.
