AURELIA
I stared at myself in the mirror, running my hand on the structured emerald green crepe material. It was a fitted bodice flare dress which I thought was perfect for the situation. Staring at the dress, a smile tilted my lips. I felt excited starting this new phase and more excited about the look on Mireya's face when she saw me at the press conference.
The car stopped in front of the first floor of Hales Foods, and I walked past the doors, stepping into the building. Mireya was on the podium with a small practiced smile on her face as she spoke boldly into the camera. And then I waved,
Her eyes caught mine and for a split second, her smile faltered. The camera caught that, same as the reporters who were ready for hot news. Her face returned back to normal as she looked back at the camera. I folded my hands, watching her from behind.
"As we launch the mass market packaged bakery line, we are entering into every home, not just special occasions. With this, we are becoming part of your everyday lives. Thank you," she ended.
The reporters raised their hands as questions popped up.
"Won't this new line dilute the luxury identity your brand is known for?"
"Our goal is to make sure every home has access to our products. Hales Food's identity has always been built on quality, not exclusivity," she paused. "We are not lowering the brand. We are widening its reach."
This was how Mireya was, a smart ass girl who could answer questions without raising concerns for the people or the company. How had she turned evil after getting everything I owned? I just couldn't understand.
"Miss Hale, since this new expansion includes retail distribution and brand restructuring, can you clarify who legally owns Hales Food's intellectual property and trademark rights, your family personally, or a holding structure under separate control?"
Mireya blinked as the reporters went silent. I could see the PR team freezing. If this question was not answered smartly, there was no running away from stepping into legal exposure.
Mireya's lips parted, "That's...managed through the company's legal framework and...and internal structure..." she trailed off. I was meeting an unprepared Mireya for the first time.
I dropped my hands, "I can clarify that."
Attention turned to me as soon as the words left my lips. I walked past the reporters, calmly making my way towards the podium.
"Aure..." Mireya called, confusion twisting her face as she slightly took a step back from the mic.
I smiled, turning to face the press. "Hales Food's intellectual property and trademarks are held under a family-controlled holding entity, while operational control sits with the executive board. Expansion decisions are board-led, not personally owned by any single individual."
The reporter who asked the question spoke again, "And who might you be?"
"Pardon my manners, I'm Aurelia Hale," I smiled.
~~
The Hales Food...How Many Heirs Are There?
Unexpected Second Hale Heir Appears During Hales Food Press Conference.
Hales Food Expansion Launch Overshadowed by Leadership Uncertainty.
Aurelia Hale...Second Hale Daughter.
A smile crossed my face as I stared at the various outlines filling my news feed. It was less than an hour after the press conference and my name had become the third most searched keyword.
The media feed was buzzing with...who was Aurelia Hale?
I couldn't be more grateful to the dozen cups of coffee I'd drank last night trying to read about anyone that could accompany a press conference. I knew almost nothing about business, so I needed to be well prepared. I'm only so glad that my plan went well.
"Aure," Mireya's voice came across as she walked towards me where I sat in the lounge room.
"Big sis!" I waved, a smile on my face. My pretense was killing me.
"What exactly..." she stopped, sucking a deep breath. "Why were you at the press conference today?"
"I wanted to watch you."
"That was not what it looked like. You hijacked my spot," she shot.
I blinked, "I was trying to help. You were at a loss of words."
She gritted her teeth. "I had it under control."
"Are you mad at me, Mireya?" I flattened my lips against each other, forcing my eyes to water. "Because I helped you out?"
"You didn't..." she sighed, trailing off. "Why are you here? Aren't you supposed to be on a date with Theron?"
I smirked. "Am I?" I raised my brows. "I didn't hear of that, did you and Theron speak to each other?"
Her eyes narrowed at me. "No...I just assumed you would be with him."
She told him to take me out on a date. Mireya was always period. In my last life, I was on a date with Theron while she held the press conference, and I'd been foolish enough to congratulate her when the press twisted a sick narrative that she was the heiress. In this life, Theron didn't even ask me on a date. He hadn't spoken to me after last night, either.
"Are you and Theron-"
"Aurelia," my father's voice cut Mireya off as she started speaking. My mother stood beside him, both of them walking up to us.
"How did you think of that beautiful answer right on the spot?" My father's eyes gleamed with pride.
I smiled softly, "I just wanted to help Mireya out."
He turned to Mireya, a blank expression on his face. "I expected you to do better, Mireya? What happened?"
"The question took me by surprise. I'd be more prepared next time."
My father nodded as he stared at us. "Let's go out for a family dinner tonight. Sure, on Monday, I'll introduce you to the board members. They need to get familiar with you."
A smile formed on my lips as I nodded. "I'll love to be introduced to them soon."
It wouldn't be easy getting my parents approval but slowly, I would chip off their walls and trust in Mireya.
