---
---
The ringtone sliced through the quiet like an uninvited alarm clock.
"Arrh… grhh… huhh… can't I just have one good day's sleep?" Aurriella groaned, rolling over before snatching up her phone.
"What do you want?" she snapped without ceremony.
"Gosh, calm down, Aurriella. Don't tell me you're still in bed," Amy's voice crackled through the line. "I'm already on my way to your house from Towers. Isn't your promotion exam today?"
Aurriella sat bolt upright, muttering under her breath as she swung her legs out of bed. No time for sulking—today was too important. She hurried to get ready.
"Thank goodness I called her," Amy said to herself after ending the call. She pressed her foot harder on the accelerator.
Moments later, the front door creaked open. "Aurriella—Aury—what's for breakfast?" Derby's voice carried into the hallway as she stepped inside, already dressed for work.
From the washroom, Aurriella's voice rose in disbelief. "Don't tell me you came all the way from City L just to eat breakfast here!"
"Pfft, you're not even glad I came," Derby muttered, making a beeline for the kitchen. "Fine, I'll make it myself."
Aurriella emerged from her room freshly dressed, her hair swept back in a quick twist. "You are such a darling, Debby," she said, sliding into a chair for a quick breakfast. By then, Amy had already beaten her to the table, sipping coffee like she owned the place.
"Don't tell me I'm late," Aurriella said, flicking her wrist to check the time.
"You're not," Amy replied with a knowing grin. "You've still got an hour before the exam."
Debby, leaning casually against the counter, tilted her head at Amy's question. "Did you come to visit your sister?
"Nah," Debby said, waving it off. "I was here yesterday to check on our family's main branch. Thought I'd drop by and say hi."
"Well, that's nice," Aurriella said, arching a brow, "but what do you really want?"
Debby's smile turned almost pleading. "Help me deal with dad and this branch.
Aurriella didn't even blink. "Nope."
"Jeez, Aury, that was harsh.
"No."
"But it's your side of the family company—"
"Nelly is handling it already."
Relief washed over Debby's face. "Thank goodness. But what about Dad? What do you even want from him?"
"He just needs to stop insisting I move in with him."
"Well, if you don't want to live with him, go back to City 1."
"I need your permission so he won't get mad," Debby admitted.
"Fine, use my name," Aurriella said, pushing her chair back and standing.
"I knew you couldn't resist my charm," Debby said with a triumphant smirk, joining her. They headed for the door together.
"But check in on him now and then," Aurriella warned. "I've got to run, or I'll be late."
"Good luck, little Aury! Earn that director position!" Debby called after her.
"I'll go now, Aury," Amy added before hopping into her car and speeding off.
---
Dr. Ken
The exam building loomed ahead like a challenge wrapped in stone and glass.
"Good morning, Dr. Ken," Aurriella greeted, her voice bright, lips curved in a warm smile.
"How was your night?" he asked, eyes soft with concern.
"Not bad," she replied, though her face carried the faint shadows of fatigue.
"You've got eyebags," he observed gently. "You should really rest more, Dr. Aury." His tone was casual, but the warmth in his gaze was almost too telling. Feelings he'd kept buried out of respect for their friendship flickered beneath the surface.
Aurriella only nodded, stepping into the exam room. This was it—the test that could catapult her into a director's role. More responsibility, yes, but far less of the chaotic grind she endured now.
A stern voice rang through the speakers:
"Attention! The exam is about to commence. No chips. I repeat, no chips. Anyone caught will lose their medical certificate."
The warning was unnecessary—everyone knew this was one of the firm's toughest exams. Candidates from every branch had converged on City 1, the headquarters, just for today.
---
Phones were collected and synced, every movement monitored to ensure there wasn't a hint of malpractice.
"You may begin," the voice announced.
---
Elsewhere, Kelly's heels clicked briskly down the hall as she entered Amy's office with a concerned look.
"Good morning, Miss Ricardo," she greeted, but the usual smile didn't meet Amy's lips.
"What's wrong?" Amy asked.
"The old master is in your office," Kelly replied, lowering her voice, "and he's… in a mood."
Amy's brows knitted. "Why is he angry?"
"He won't say a word to anyone."
"Fine, I'll handle it."
She pushed open the office door and softened her expression. "Good morning, Dad. How are you doing?"
"That's my question for you, baby girl," Cleopatro replied, his eyes scanning her face. "You've lost weight. I've told you to take better care of yourself."
"I'm fine. What's wrong with my shape?" Amy teased, still amused by his serious tone.
"Look at you—skin and bone. In fact…" His tone shifted to steel. "You're going on vacation."
"But Dad—"
"And that's final. I'll take over the company for a month, and you'll spend that time away."
"Dad—"
"Don't 'Dad' me. I've made up my mind."
Amy sighed, defeated. "Fine, I'll go."
"Good. I'll call Justin to sort your tickets and reservations."
She gave a reluctant hum of agreement.
"Go home and pack," he instructed.
---
Amy's P.O.V.
What a day. I woke up thinking about work, and now I'm being forced into a month-long vacation. Still… I'll need to tell Aury, but she's deep in her exam right now.
I hit record on my phone:
"Hey, Aury. By the time you're hearing this, I'll be on my way. Call me when you can. Love you."
---
Outside the exam hall, Dr. Ken caught sight of Aurriella as she emerged.
"How was the exam?" he asked.
"It was okay. Thanks for asking."
"You're welcome. Hungry, by any chance?"
She gave a small laugh. "It's past lunch—so yes."
"Let's grab a mid-day snack," he suggested.
"Let me grab my bag," she said, heading for her things.
A moment later, she returned, muttering, "Gosh, my battery's dead," before falling into step beside him.