"Uhmm… Aurora, I need to take this call," Mark said, his phone already vibrating in his hand.
"Okay, sure," she replied, stepping into the elevator. "I'll be waiting for you upstairs. I love you, my darling."
"I love you too, sweetheart," Mark said, his voice warm. But the moment the elevator doors closed, his smile vanished.
"Hello, sir," he said in a respectful tone.
"Mark, we need to talk," came the deep voice of Mr. Riverson his father-in-law and head of Mega Industries.
"Don't worry about it, Father. I already know the reason behind this call."
"Good," the older man replied. "It's settled, then. Meet me at my office tomorrow at seven sharp and bring my daughter along. She needs to start finding her way around the company." "Of course, Father. We'll be there."
*****The Next Morning*****
"Aurora, we need to get to Mega Industries in thirty minutes," Mark called out from the hallway.
"I know! I'm coming," she replied from her dressing room. "Just go ahead I'll meet you outside."
"Okay, fine."
Aurora quickened her pace and made her way to the black Prado SUV waiting at the front of the mansion. She was glowing in a structured blue blazer and chic tailored trousers, her sleek ponytail accentuating her sharp cheekbones. Her look was completed with a luxurious black Birkin bag swinging on her arm.
The guard bowed respectfully and opened the door for her. She nodded politely before stepping into the car. "You clean up good, wife," Mark said with a teasing smile.
"You don't look bad yourself, darling," she replied, leaning in for a kiss, which he happily returned. "I feel like all this is being rushed," she said once they pulled away.
Mark exhaled softly. "Aurora, that's your father's decision. You're his heir." But I have my own career path, Mark. I'm a renowned surgeon, a fashion icon… and I'm passionate about what I do."
Mark glanced at her. "I know, love. But this is bigger than either of us. The company needs direction, and your father trusts you."
Aurora sighed. "I don't know anything about managing a company. You know Jake left me a huge share of his company , but I've handed everything over to Maxwell. Business politics is not my thing."
"Then talk to your dad. I'm sure he'll understand," Mark said calmly. "Besides, your cousin Liam is going to be a force to reckon with."
"Liam?" Aurora asked, surprised. "Why would he be a threat? Isn't he supposed to focus on his dad's company?"
Mark's eyes darkened slightly. "Darling, I don't want to stress you out, but the business world can be vicious. Men will do anything to climb to the top. Just… be careful. And there's something else"
"What?" Aurora's brow furrowed.
"There are rumors that your father has an adopted son." "What?" Aurora gasped. "I know nothing about that, Mark."
"It's just hearsay," he said quickly. "Could be nothing."
"Then it might not be true," she said, trying to reassure herself. "Exactly, my love."
Suddenly, the car slowed to a stop.
"Sir, Ma'am we've arrived," the driver announced.
The bodyguard rushed to open the door for Mark, who stepped out first and extended a hand to help Aurora. She took it, stepping out with grace, her eyes widening at the sight before her.
Mega Industries towered above them a stunning glass-and-steel skyscraper that touched the clouds. She stood for a moment, taking it all in.
Inside the lobby, the reception staff greeted them with bright smiles and professional bows. Aurora returned their greetings with a warm nod and a graceful smile.
Her eyes lit up as she saw a familiar face approaching."Gianna!" she called out, rushing to hug her cousin.
"Welcome to Mega Industries, Aurora," Gianna said, hugging her back. Walking beside her was a striking man in a tailored navy suit tall, refined, with piercing blue eyes that locked onto Aurora's. Aurora's smile faltered slightly.
"And this," Gianna said, gesturing to him, "is Liam Aunt Olivia's son. He just got back from a business trip this morning."
Aurora extended her hand. "Hello, I'm Aurora."
Liam took her hand gently, giving her a brief but intense look. "It's a pleasure," he said in a calm, deep voice. She pulled her hand back slowly. His eyes are intense… almost calculating, she thought.
Meanwhile, Mark exchanged cheek kisses with Gianna but offered Liam nothing more than a cold glance. Aurora picked up on it immediately.
As they stepped into the elevator, she leaned in and whispered to her husband, "Why are you being so cold toward Liam?"
Mark looked straight ahead. "I don't like your cousin," he said bluntly. Aurora raised a brow. "Seriously? You've just met him."
"That's enough," Mark said firmly. "There's something about him. I don't trust men who smile like they've already won."
Aurora sighed. She wasn't sure if Mark was being protective or paranoid but she knew one thing: this was only the beginning.