Chapter 1297

With Tan sitting beside her, steady and seasoned from years of experience, most candidates naturally assumed he was the one in charge.

But this girl had looked straight at Aurora and called her "boss." She hadn’t second-guessed for a moment.

Aurora wasn’t foolish–she knew instantly that Hannah had seen through her.

“You realize,” Aurora said with a faint smile, “you’re the first one who’s actually recognized me for who I am.”

Hannah blinked, caught off guard. “Boss… are you serious?”

A shy smile tugged at her lips. Aurora’s presence was undeniable; anyone could sense she wasn’t someone ordinary.

“Of course I’m serious,” Aurora replied warmly.

“That tells me you have sharp instincts and a way of seeing things others miss. Believe in that. It’s your greatest strength and your most valuable asset.”

Hannah’s eyes lit up, sparkling with emotion. It was the first time anyone had ever spoken to her like that.

She had grown up with nothing–her father taken early in a freak accident in the mountains, her mother following soon after from grief.

Raised by grandparents who favored boys and dismissed her worth, it was only her grandmother’s quiet care that allowed her to endure and keep studying.

Against all odds, she had clawed her way into one of the country’s top universities, then made it to this city with dreams of a new life.

And yet, when she thought the struggle was finally over, doors kept slamming in her face all because of where she came from.

The unfairness burned in her chest. But now, sitting here, she had stumbled across someone like Aurora. It felt less like luck and more like a miracle.

“So… does that mean I passed the interview?” Hannah asked carefully, her voice trembling with hope she didn’t quite dare to believe in.

“Of course you did.” Aurora rose from her seat and crossed the room.

Stopping in front of Hannah, she extended her hand. “We’re very happy to have you join us, Hannah.”

Hannah’s gaze dropped to that pale, steady hand reaching toward her. Her eyes shimmered with tears. “Thank you… and thank you for trusting me.”

She clasped Aurora’s hand firmly.

“Then here’s to working well together.” Hannah blinked back the tears and steadied her voice. “I promise, I won’t let you down.”

“This is about proving yourself, not about letting me down.”

Aurora gave a small wave of her hand. “Head home for now. Tomorrow, come ready to start.”

Just as Hannah turned to leave, Aurora added, “By the way, do you have a place to stay?”

“I… yes, I do.” Hannah tightened her grip on the strap of her bag, offering no further detail.

Aurora caught the flicker of unease in her eyes but didn’t press. She figured she could ask again later, once Hannah had settled into the job. There was no need to pry into someone’s private life on the very first day.

“Alright then. Get some rest, and don’t forget to bring your documents tomorrow.”

With that assurance, Hannah finally let herself breathe easier. Still, when she thought about her living situation, her eyes wavered, a shadow crossing her expression.

“Got it. I’ll be here on time tomorrow.”